​Following is a question by the Hon Tam Chun-kwok and a reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (February 4):

Question:

     Some members of the public have relayed that electric mobility devices (EMDs) are widely used in Hong Kong, particularly by residents in the New Territories, who often use them for short-distance commuting. However, some users operate such devices recklessly on roads, and incidents of battery short-circuit explosions during charging occur from time to time, rendering such devices a potential safety hazard in the community. Regarding the regulation of EMDs, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the number of persons arrested in the past two years for involvement in the illegal use of EMDs, as well as the number and nature of accidents (such as traffic accidents and short circuits during charging) arising from the use of such devices; the number of casualties in such accidents;

(2) of the progress and details of the legislative work for regulating EMDs, as well as when the certification standards for such devices will be introduced and come into effect; the measures put in place by the Government to reduce accidents involving such devices before the completion of the relevant legislative work; and

(3) as it is learnt that the Mainland has recently further regulated the use of EMDs, with some cities prohibiting the carrying of such devices into lifts to avoid causing fires, whether the Government will follow such practice?

Reply:

President,

     The Government has always adopted an open attitude towards new technologies for promoting green commuting whilst attaching great importance to road safety. We note that electric mobility devices (EMDs) are becoming increasingly popular around the world. We plan to legislate and introduce regulatory arrangements this year to enable the safe use of EMDs within designated areas. This will provide an effective first/last mile short-distance commuting solution, and will offer another green and low-carbon personal travel option, complementing the development of cycle tracks in new development areas.

     In consultation with the Security Bureau, the Development Bureau, the Transport Department (TD), the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), the Fire Services Department (FSD) and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, my reply to the various parts of the question raised by the Hon Tam Chun-kwok is as follows:

(1) As EMDs are mechanically propelled, they fall within the current definition of "motor vehicles" under the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374), and the use of unregistered or unlicensed EMDs may contravene the relevant laws. To ensure road safety, the HKPF carries out operations from time to time and takes strict enforcement actions against the illegal use of EMDs. Over the past two years, there were three traffic accidents involving EMDs in 2024 and eight in 2025; and for fire incidents involving EMDs, there were 12 and 17 cases respectively in 2024 and 2025, with electrical faults being the primary cause. Both figures were largely stable compared with the past few years and no fatal accidents were involved. However, there is a rising trend in the number of persons arrested by the HKPF for the illegal use of EMDs, rising from 647 persons in 2024 to 760 persons in 2025. These figures indicate that there is a need to step up the regulation to ensure the safe use of EMDs.

(2) and (3) To ensure the product quality and safety of EMDs, the TD and the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) are devising a product certification mechanism, having regard to practices in various regions. As the core of the regulatory framework, the certification mechanism will require the engagement of certification bodies to evaluate whether various models of EMDs comply with the technical specifications and motor requirements drawn up by the TD. A certification label with a QR code will be affixed to certified products for easy identification by the public and law enforcement officers. The TD has gauged the views of various stakeholders including manufacturers, suppliers, user organisations, testing laboratories, professional institutions, the Legislative Council Panel on Transport, the District Councils related to the trial arrangements, and the Transport Advisory Committee, so as to develop a mechanism and a set of standards that are practicable and safety-oriented. Meanwhile, the TD is working with the HKPC to implement simulated certification arrangements for industry participation, with a view to gaining trial experience and refining the certification requirements and arrangements.

     On the fire safety aspect mentioned in the question, the TD is working with the FSD to discuss concrete measures to minimise the fire risks associated with EMDs. In this regard, battery safety is a critical part of the aforementioned certification arrangements. Given that the liquid electrolytes currently used in lithium-ion batteries are flammable, the TD pays particular attention in formulating the certification arrangements, and will require certification bodies to conduct certification tests on the batteries, such as over-charging or discharging control, short-circuit and overheating protection, vibration and mechanical shock tests, in accordance with standards adopted in the Chinese Mainland and other major jurisdictions in the world so as to ensure product safety. We are also exploring the possibility of including the non-flammable semi-solid and solid batteries into the certification scheme. The latest requirements adopted by other places, including fire safety requirements, will be suitably incorporated into the certification standards to be proposed by the TD, and will be updated in the future as appropriate. The TD also plans to include recommendations on the charging and use of battery in the code of practice. Carrying certified EMDs that are compliant with safety standards into indoor areas, including elevators, will not compromise fire safety.

     In addition, the Government plans to establish clear guidelines under the product certification arrangements so that the responsibilities of various stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers and certification bodies, will be set out with clarity. As for EMD users, they must be at least 16 years old, wear a helmet and use compliant products.

     The TD has all along been collaborating with the Road Safety Council and the HKPF in publicising messages on road safety and the use of EMDs through various channels, including publications, websites and social media platforms. We will continue to enhance safety awareness among the public through publicity and education. Upon introduction of the regulatory arrangements, relevant guidelines will also be incorporated in the code of practice to be issued by the TD as an ongoing effort to instil proper driving attitude and disseminate safety messages among EMD users.

     As the topic has a wide coverage, the Government will conduct extensive consultation with stakeholders on the regulatory arrangement of EMDs. We plan to consult the Legislative Council Panel on Transport about the latest legislative proposal within this year.

     Thank you, President.

Ends/Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Issued at HKT 14:50

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