A recent crackdown on increasingly popular electric bikes and other unauthorised mobility devices in the New Territories has again put the spotlight on road safety compliance. It also has revived concerns about how the time from innovation to regulation may stall the safe and effective adoption of new technologies.
The government should speed up its review of the issue to enable the use of devices without compromising personal and public safety.
In what is seen as the biggest operation of its kind in recent years, as many as 84 people were rounded up by police in just three days this month. About one-third of the devices seized were linked to the delivery of food.
Some parents were also found taking their children to and from school on electric bicycles.
Earlier, two high-profile arrests were made in Sheung Shui and Tin Shui Wai after images of two women carrying several children on electric bikes went viral on social media.
Indeed, the problem is not just confined to the New Territories. It is not uncommon to see people riding electric unicycles, hoverboards, skateboards and scooters on roads, footpaths and cycle tracks in urban areas.
The number of arrests in relation to the use of electric mobility devices rose from 207 in 2021 to 236 in 2022 and 267 last year. The first three months of this year also saw another 57 cases, on top of the latest crackdown.
The need for more vigorous enforcement action is evident.
Currently, the use of unauthorised vehicles is punishable by a HK$5,000 (US$640) fine and three months in jail. Authorities have sought to strike a balance by seeking to regulate the devices in terms of size, speed and weight, along with manufacturing requirements and safety installations.
Separately, various trial schemes have also been launched in designated areas. Despite previous plans to commence relevant legislative amendments by the second half of last year, officials now only say a bill will be submitted in due course.
We trust the government is well aware that riders will not be deterred by a few enforcement operations. Given the growing popularity of mobility devices and the potential danger to road users, the passing of proposed regulations must be accelerated.
