Beijing Bans Scooters, Makes E-Bike Helmets Mandatory
In an effort to tighten road safety standards, the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport has announced revisions to the city’s non-motor vehicle regulations.
The new legislation, set to take effect on May 1, 2026, will transform previous advisory safety practices into legally binding mandates.
Mandatory Helmets and Legal Penalties
Under the revised Regulations on the Administration of Non-Motor Vehicles, wearing a safety helmet is now a strict legal requirement for all electric bicycle riders and their passengers. Authorities have clarified that this is no longer a recommendation; failure to comply will result in direct penalties.
According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injuries by 69% and that of serious brain injuries by 79%. The move aims to drastically reduce head injuries in two-wheeler traffic accidents.
Road Ban on Scooters and Alternative Devices
The updated laws also clarify the definition of road-legal vehicles. Devices such as electric scooters, balance boards, and unicycles are explicitly banned from public roads. Officials cited safety concerns regarding the stability and braking capabilities of these devices as the primary reason for their exclusion from the city’s bike lanes.
New Licensing and Infrastructure Standards
For the first time since 2018, the regulations have been overhauled to include:
10-Year License Validity: Electric bicycle license plates will now expire after 10 years, requiring renewal to ensure the fleet remains safe and regulated.
Parking Infrastructure: New mandatory provisions require that all new public buildings and residential projects include designated parking for non-motor vehicles.
Mandatory Helmets: Wearing a certified safety helmet is now a legal obligation for both riders and passengers on electric bicycles. Warnings or fines ranging from 10 to 50 yuan will be issued for non-compliance.
Total Ban on Scooters : Kick scooters, electric balance boards, and hoverboards are strictly prohibited on public roads because they do not meet national safety standards for non-motorised vehicles.
The revision expands the city’s traffic code from 35 to 55 articles, signaling a new era of “law-based management” for Beijing’s transport network.
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