[Photo via VCG]
The revised Regulations on the Administration of Non-Motor Vehicles in Beijing (the Regulations for short) will take effect on May 1, 2026.
The Regulations stipulates that helmet-wearing will become a legal obligation rather than a voluntary action. Drivers and passengers of electric bicycles shall properly wear helmets that comply with national standards and have passed compulsory product certification. Violators shall be subject to warnings or fines.
It also raises the age limit for minors carried on the rear seats of electric bicycles from 12 to 16 years old, to better meet residents' needs for daily travel such as taking children to and from school.
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 legally registered electric bicycles with number plates, motorized wheelchairs for persons with disabilities, bicycles conforming to national standards, and tricycles, among others. Devices such as electric 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:
Do not run red lights, cross stop lines, or ride against traffic;
Do not enter expressways, urban express roads, or other motor vehicle-only lanes;
Drivers shall not view electronic devices or hold mobile phones to make or receive calls while riding;
Drivers shall not ride side by side, chase others, or engage in competitive zigzag riding;
Drivers shall not drive under the influence of alcohol;
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 driven on roads until registered and plated. Procedures for change, transfer and deregistration are specified:
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 shall settle any traffic violations and 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)