Following is a question by the Hon Jimmy Ng and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (July 30):

Question:

     With the rising prevalence of electric mobility devices (EMDs) (such as electric scooters, electric skateboards, electric unicycles, electric hoverboards and power-assisted pedal cycles), the Government is studying the regulation of the use of EMDs in Hong Kong and associated certification arrangement. The work of drafting the legislative amendments is being conducted with the relevant departments. It is learnt that the community has expressed concern about the latest progress of the above work. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) when the authorities expect that the formulation of the code of practice for EMD users and the certification arrangements will be completed, and when will they introduce the relevant legislative amendments on EMDs into this Council;

(2) whether the authorities will implement trial of share EMDs on more different cycle tracks before the completion of the relevant legislative amendments; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(3) given that in the reply to a question from this Council in June last year, the Government indicated that it would open cycle tracks to the public for use of motorised personal mobility devices in phases under suitable circumstances, and that for the initial phase the cycle track sections being considered to be opened for use have to be at least 3.5 metres wide with high connectivity, and it would then review in a timely manner whether to open more suitable cycle tracks having regard to the effectiveness of the measures, whether the authorities have drawn up a timetable for opening various cycle tracks; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(4) as there are views that when EMDs can be used on cycle tracks in the future, the usage of such cycle tracks should increase, whether the authorities will provide more ancillary facilities for the cycle tracks, such as first aid stations, refreshment kiosks and toilets, etc; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

     The Government has always adopted an open attitude towards new technologies for promoting green commuting, whilst attaching great importance to road safety. As electric mobility devices (EMDs) are mechanically propelled, they fall within the definition of "motor vehicles" under the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374) (the Ordinance) and must be licensed before use on roads or private roads. We note that EMDs are becoming increasingly popular around the world. However, given the dense population and high passenger and vehicular flow in Hong Kong, we consider that EMDs should be properly regulated before they can be used to provide effective and safe short-distance commuting options.

     In consultation with the Transport Department (TD), my reply to the question raised by the Hon Jimmy Ng is as follows:

(1) Regarding users, EMD users must be at least 16 years old and wear a helmet. The Government has set up a working group, comprising representatives from the trade and government departments, to formulate a code of practice to set out the technical details, operating rules, as well as safety advice and guidelines, etc, regarding EMDs. The TD will continue its work on publicity and education, instilling into EMD users proper driving attitude to ensure the safe and responsible use of EMDs.

     Regarding product regulation, to ensure product safety, the TD is formulating technical and safety requirements for EMDs, and plans to require third-party accredited certification bodies to test the technical specifications as well as the electrical and mechanical requirements of the various products. Manufacturers or agents of EMDs will be required to apply to the certification bodies for certification of products, and certified products will be affixed with a QR code certification label for easy identification by the public and enforcement officers. With regard to the batteries and electronic devices mentioned in the question, we consider that it is necessary for them to be certified according to international standards, e.g. over-charging or discharging control, short-circuit and overheating protection, vibration and mechanical shock tests, to ensure product safety.

     To ensure that the product certification is practical in the Hong Kong market, the TD has been consulting the trade, who generally finds the proposed arrangements reasonable. The TD is identifying certification bodies that possess the relevant capabilities and is working in collaboration with the Hong Kong Productivity Council to formulate the details of the relevant certification arrangements, and will continue to give careful consideration to the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders with a view to regulating product safety, so that members of the public can feel confident when purchasing EMDs and use them properly.

     The Government is undertaking the relevant law drafting work, and will take into consideration the actual experience to ensure the practicality of the proposal. As the topic has a wide coverage, we plan to report the progress to the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Transport shortly, with the aim of introducing the Bill for amending the Ordinance and the new subsidiary legislation into the LegCo for scrutiny next year.

(2) To understand the actual usage and operation of EMDs, the TD had conducted site trials on the cycle tracks in Tseung Kwan O South and on those adjacent to the Hong Kong Science Park. In particular, the TD carried out a trial scheme on the shared use of power-assisted pedal cycles in Pak Shek Kok from 2023 to 2024. The implementation of the trial scheme was smooth in general and the results indicate that suitable ancillary facilities (e.g. battery facilities and frequency of charging) will be needed for the operation of the shared mode. The Government will make reference to such experience when planning for the road sections for use of EMDs.

(3) and (4) EMDs can serve as commuting means for short-distance travel and first-mile/last-mile connectivity to and from railway stations and stations etc, providing the general public with more options of active transport modes. The TD has been proactively discussing with relevant departments the construction of comprehensive cycle track networks in new development areas (such as the Hung Shui Kiu New Development Area), and will select suitable cycle tracks in other areas that can accommodate the safe co-use of bicycles and EMDs, except those cycle tracks which do not fulfil the particular requirements (e.g. insufficient width or frequent crossings with pedestrian footpath and vehicular roads). As for power-assisted pedal cycles, we propose allowing them to be used on all cycle tracks since their operating mode is similar to that of bicycles.

     In addition, places around many cycle tracks are already provided with first aid posts (e.g. Pak Shek Kok Promenade and Tai Po waterfront), refreshment kiosks or other eateries, and toilets (e.g. the Science Park, the vicinity of Tseung Kwan O South waterfront, and the Tai Po Waterfront Park). The Government will continue to review the cycle tracks and ancillary facilities in the New Territories and new towns and implement improvement measures, with a view to enhancing safety while facilitating a green and low-carbon lifestyle.

     With regard to whether it is possible to open locations other than cycle tracks, the Government understands that public acceptance of EMDs varies. In previous surveys conducted by the TD, over 60 per cent of the respondents supported the use of properly regulated EMDs on cycle tracks, while the remaining 30-odd per cent of the respondents expressed reservation, with the main concerns being the potential risks of EMDs as well as the limited space of existing cycle tracks. The Government will carefully consider the differing views to ensure road safety.

Ends/Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Issued at HKT 11:52

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