Hong Kong’s rules for allowing e-scooters on designated tracks are too strict, users say
- Trial allowing e-bicycles and e-scooters welcomed, but users urge rethink of weight of devices
- Some are disappointed hoverboards and unicycles aren’t included in trial despite growing popularity
Hong Kong’s community of electric mobility device users welcomed the government’s plan to allow e-bicycles and scooters on designated tracks but urged the authorities to ease some proposed rules.
They told the Post it was too strict to allow only e-bicycles and scooters that weigh less than 20kg (44.1lbs) and are no more than 65cm wide, with their maximum speed locked at 25km/h (15.5mph).
“I dare say 90 per cent of the current e-scooters used in Hong Kong do not meet the suggested requirements. They either weigh more than 20kg or do not have the speed limit locked,” said David Hui Kin-shun, chairman of the Hong Kong Portable Electric Vehicle Association.
“Users can send their devices back to manufacturers to lock the speed, but the weight is hard to alter.”
The Post reported earlier that e-bicycles and scooters will be allowed on cycle tracks in Tseung Kwan O and Pak Shek Kok in a trial, with restrictions on their speed, weight, exteriors and brakes.
They must be equipped with a white front light, a red rear light, a red reflector, an effective braking system and an alarm warning device, and their batteries must meet European Union safety standards.
“I was thrilled when I heard the news, especially because I have been involved in persuading the government for the past five years,” said Hui, a professional e-scooter athlete for more than 10 years who also runs an e-scooter company.