Just a few weeks into the annual summer holidays, the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau has released a set of reminders about the use of e-bikes, scooters, shared bicycles, and other ‘gliding vehicles’ by children, following three consecutive traffic incidents involving children on scooters.
E-Bikes and scooters forbidden for under 16s
It may come as a surprise to those of us who have seen kids of all ages whizzing around on bikes and scooters, but children below the age of 16 are not allowed to ride electric bikes or scooters solo, even while under parental supervision. The bureau makes a point to remind parents that in the event that an accident involving a child under 16 riding an electric bike, the child and family will take full responsibility for the consequences.
Bicycles banned on roads for under 12s
Apparently in response to an increase in the number of children riding bikes around the city, the bureau reminds parents that children under the age of 12 cannot legally ride their own bicycles (and tricycles) or shared bikes on public streets. The use of shared bikes by minors has long been a contentious issue, and in 2017, a fourth-grader in Shanghai died as a result of a collision incident riding a shared bike that he had unlocked despite being underage. Kids under 12 are free to ride their bikes in enclosed private neighborhoods and communities, preferably under adult supervision.
‘Gliding vehicles’ forbidden from public roads
Finally, the announcement also reiterates the official regulations for the plethora of hover-boards, skateboards, and skates which have rapidly grown in popularity of late, especially among children. Parents should note that all such ‘gliding vehicles’ are forbidden on public roads, although they may be used in private neighborhoods. According to the bureau, children are less capable of judging the speed and distance of their own and other vehicles out on the street which increases chances for an accident to occur.
These regulations among other specific restrictions and requirements on electric bikes, bicycles, and other non-motor vehicles were released yesterday. You can read the full announcement here.
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Photo: Kelly Sikkema (via Unsplash), Pexels
