[Photo via VCG]

The revised Regulations on the Administration of Non-Motor Vehicles in Beijing (hereinafter referred to as the Regulations) will take effect on May 1, 2026.

The Regulations elevates helmet-wearing from a recommendation to a legal obligation. Drivers and passengers of electric bicycles must properly wear helmets that comply with national standards and have obtained compulsory product certification. Violators shall be subject to warnings or fines.

It also raises the maximum age of minors permitted to ride on the rear seat of an electric bicycle from 12 to 16, better meeting residents' everyday travel needs, such as taking children to and from schools.

The Regulations explicitly prohibits taking electric bicycle batteries into residential buildings.

The types of non-motor vehicles allowed on roads are further clarified. These include electric bicycles and motorized wheelchairs for persons with disabilities that are legally registered and have number plates, bicycles conforming to national standards, and human-powered tricycles, among others. Devices such as scooters (including self-balancing scooters) are banned from use on roads.

The Regulations brings together key traffic rules for non-motor vehicles from existing road traffic safety laws and regulations in a systematic way:

1. Do not run red lights, cross stop lines, or ride against traffic;

2. Do not enter expressways, urban express roads, or other motor vehicle-only lanes;

3. Drivers shall not view electronic devices or hold mobile phones to make or receive calls while riding;

4. Drivers shall not ride side by side, chase others, or engage in competitive zigzag riding;

5. Drivers shall not drive under the influence of alcohol;

6. Dismount and push the vehicle when using pedestrian crossings, overpasses and underpasses.

Provisions concerning registration

Electric bicycles, motorized wheelchairs for persons with disabilities, and similar vehicles may not be used on roads until registered and plated. Procedures for change, transfer and deregistration of non-motor vehicles are also further refined:

If the owner's information changes or the ownership is transferred, an application for change or transfer registration shall be submitted within 30 days;

If the vehicle is lost, destroyed, damaged, returned or no longer used, an application for deregistration shall be filed;

Applicants must cooperate in resolving any outstanding traffic violations or accidents before applying for changes, transfers, or deregistration;

In accordance with new national standards and manufacturers' recommended service life, electric bicycle registration certificates and license plates will be valid for 10 years and may be renewed upon expiration.

Check out the new rules and make every ride safer—for ourselves and everyone around us.

(Source: Beijing Fabu)