On May 1, 2026, Beijing will officially implement the newly revised Regulations on the Administration of Non-Motor Vehicles in Beijing.

Under the new regulations, electric bicycles, motorized wheelchairs for persons with disabilities, and other vehicles designated by the municipal authorities must be registered before running on the public roads in Beijing. Scooters, self-balancing vehicles and similar modes of transport are prohibited from road use. The regulations also introduce stricter road-use rules. Riders are prohibited from running red lights, crossing stop lines, riding against traffic, or entering expressways, urban express routes, or other enclosed motor-vehicle-only lanes. Distracting behaviors — such as browsing electronic devices or using handheld phones while riding — are banned. Riding abreast while making physical contact, chasing one another, weaving through traffic, or riding while under the influence of alcohol are prohibited. Riders must also dismount when using pedestrian crossings, overpasses or underpasses.

In addition, the regulations underline three key requirements:

First, the use of helmets will become mandatory for riding electric bicycles, unlike the current provision which only encourages the use. Specifically, both riders and passengers on electric bicycles must properly wear helmets that meet China's national standards and have passed compulsory product certification. Failure to comply will result in warnings or fines. According to a report by the World Health Organization, wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injuries by 69 percent and that of serious brain injuries by 79 percent.

Second, the regulations reaffirm the existing speed limits for non-motor vehicles. According to Article 58 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Road Traffic Safety, motorized wheelchairs for persons with disabilities and electric bicycles are limited to a maximum of 15 km/h in non-motor lanes. Besides reiterating this requirement, the new regulations further clarify that riders must also comply with posted speed limits where related road signs or markings are in place.

Third, the age limit for minor passengers on electric bicycles will be adjusted. Minors may now be carried on the rear fixed seat of an electric bicycle if they are under 16 years old, raised from the previous limit of under 12 years old. 

To ensure the effective implementation of the new regulations, multiple authorities will simultaneously introduce several complementary measures. More than 10 authorities will formulate detailed rules on battery safety assessment methods for electric bikes, as well as registration and renewal procedures for non-motor vehicles. The traffic police will also continue upgrading registration information systems, promoting digital driving permits, and expanding the use of electronic vehicle identification technologies to improve management efficiency.

(Source: cnr.cn)