A new set of regulations concerning e-bikes and non-motor vehicles will take effect on May 1. The updated "Beijing Non-Motor Vehicle Management Regulations" (《北京市非机动车管理条例》) formalize several requirements regarding the production, sale, purchase, and operation of e-bikes and non-motor vehicles, alongside regulations for bike rentals, delivery service operators, and the integration of non-motor vehicle considerations into various city planning elements. In terms of safety management, the new regulations signal a marked shift in the city’s approach from mainly recommendations and awareness-raising to active regulation.
Highlighted below are key points from the updated regulations. For the complete text, please search for 《北京市非机动车管理条例》 on the website of the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau (https://jtgl.beijing.gov.cn). The full document contains comprehensive details on the aforementioned areas, including the use of disability wheelchairs, responsibilities of manufacturers and sellers, management of public spaces and parking, regulation of online bike rentals and delivery vehicles, legal responsibilities and fines, and more.
**Production and Sales**
Relevant authorities will compile a catalogue of e-bike products, recording details such as manufacturer, brand, model, and other technical specifications. This catalogue will be publicly accessible and updated regularly with new e-bike products that meet national standards and possess the required certifications.
All e-bikes sold, registered, and operating on city roads must align with the information detailed in the product catalogue. Sellers must visibly display the catalogue and necessary registration information. If a consumer purchases an e-bike not listed in the catalogue, they have the right to request a return or replacement.
**Registration**
The following types of non-motor vehicles must be registered, and operators must acquire a non-motor vehicle driving license and license plate before operating on Beijing roads:
- Electric bicycles/e-bikes
- Motorized wheelchairs for individuals with disabilities
- Human-powered three-wheel vehicles and other non-motor vehicles mandated by the Municipal People’s Government for registration and license plates
Non-motor vehicle registration applications must be submitted to the public security traffic management department within 15 days of vehicle purchase. Applicants are required to present the vehicle for an on-site inspection and provide proof of ownership, a vehicle qualification certificate, a purchase certificate, and other documentation verifying the vehicle's origin.
Assuming all application materials are correct, registration will be completed on-site, with a non-motor vehicle driving license and license plate issued free of charge.
These licenses and plates will be valid for ten years and can be renewed upon expiration. Any change of ownership information or transfer must be registered within 30 days at the public security traffic management department.
Owners of non-motor vehicles that are "lost, destroyed, damaged, returned, or no longer in use" must cancel their registration.
Authorities are charged with enhancing the non-motor vehicle registration system, including streamlining processes, introducing electronic licenses, and improving online registration procedures.
**Traffic Safety**
Non-motor vehicles must adhere to relevant speed limits and cannot exceed posted speed restrictions.
Drivers must keep at least one hand on the handles at all times and are prohibited from holding items while riding. Any distracting behavior that compromises safe operation is not allowed, including using mobile devices or making and receiving calls while holding the phone.
Non-motor vehicle drivers are not allowed to ride against the flow of traffic.
They must obey traffic signals and yield in designated areas.
Unsafe actions such as weaving, making abrupt turns, racing, or holding onto other bikes while in motion are prohibited.
Operators of e-bikes, bicycles, and three-wheel vehicles must dismount and walk their vehicles across pedestrian crossings, overpasses, and underground paths.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is forbidden.
Towing or being towed by other vehicles is not allowed. Towing animals or carrying other types of load devices is also prohibited.
Drivers of road-capable non-motor vehicles or motorized wheelchairs must be at least 16 years old.
Adult drivers can carry a minor under 16 in a secured seat behind the driver's seat.
Both drivers and passengers of non-motor vehicles are required to wear helmets that conform to national standards and meet mandatory certification.
The assembly or modification of non-motor vehicles, along with disabling or altering safety components, selling illegally modified vehicles, and driving such vehicles is prohibited.
Non-motor vehicles are not allowed on pedestrian greenways and waterfront paths.
**Parking and Charging**
Drivers must park non-motor vehicles in designated areas. If no such areas are available, vehicles must be parked in a manner that does not obstruct traffic or disrupt the urban environment.
Parking is prohibited in the following locations:
- No-parking zones on sidewalks, emergency access routes, and tactile paving areas
- No-parking zones for both motor and non-motor vehicle lanes
- Restricted areas, including intersections, railway crossings,
Revised regulations concerning e-bikes will come into effect on May 1.