Beijing approves stricter electric bicycle safety regulations

Beijing has approved revisions to its non-motor vehicle regulations on Friday, prioritizing safety amid growing electric bicycles and related traffic risks. These new regulations will take effect on May 1, 2026.

Approved by the 20th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 16th Beijing Municipal People's Congress, these regulations impose more stringent controls on rider behavior and vehicle compliance.

The measures mandate that riders and passengers of electric bicycles wear helmets, and they strengthen safety rules for batteries, courier fleets, charging facilities, and more.

Riders must wear certified helmets or face warnings or fines ranging from 10 yuan ($1.4) to 50 yuan. The age limit for carrying minor passengers rises from 12 to 16.

The regulations prohibit actions such as using mobile phones while riding, taking both hands off the handlebars, entering expressways, and failing to dismount at pedestrian crossings.

Penalties will be imposed for illegal modifications, including non-compliant batteries or motors, added canopies or seats, and disabled speed limiters.

All electric bicycles, batteries, chargers, and helmets sold in Beijing must meet national standards and have compulsory certification. Batteries older than five years require safety assessments in designated evaluation sites and should be removed from use if they fail. Producers and retailers are also required to offer battery recycling and trade-in services.

Courier and food-delivery vehicles will receive special number plates. Delivery platforms must register and regularly review their dispatch algorithms to ensure reasonable delivery times and routes and promote safe driving. The regulations also encourage the platforms to provide unified vehicles and insurance.

Furthermore, new public buildings and residential projects must include parking for non-motor vehicles. Bringing e-bike batteries into residential buildings is banned. Charging-facility operators must provide real-time safety monitoring, and property managers are required to conduct daily inspections.