Authorities in Hong Kong detain forty-two e-bike riders during an enforcement action targeting the illicit operation of these vehicles.
In a five-day operation named "Operation Lightingsteps," Senior Inspector Cheng Ho-ming, of Kowloon West traffic task force, led a team to enforce laws regarding the use of electric mobility devices (EMDs) on the roads of Hong Kong. The operation, which began on Monday, resulted in the arrest of 42 individuals, including 11 food delivery couriers.
The arrested group consisted of 39 men and three women, aged between 18 and 66. Among those arrested were 11 food delivery riders, who allegedly transported takeaway orders using electric bicycles (e-bikes). One of the food delivery riders arrested was an asylum seeker, who was also arrested for allegedly working illegally. Ten of the arrested individuals were non-locals.
The operation targeted the illegal use of EMDs on the roads, not just electric bicycles. Their e-bikes were seized by the police. The use of e-bikes for food delivery in Hong Kong is currently regulated under the Road Traffic Ordinance, which classifies EMDs, including e-bikes, as "motor vehicles" that must be licensed and registered before being used on roads or private roads.
Without third-party risks insurance, other road users are not adequately protected in case of accidents involving electric bikes. The operation aimed to improve safety for pedestrians and other road users by addressing the illegal use of EMDs. Electric bikes, like motorcycles, have the potential to cause serious accidents due to their speed, which can reach up to 50 km/h (31 mph).
The government acknowledges the popularity of e-bikes for food delivery but emphasizes the need for proper regulation due to Hong Kong's dense population and heavy traffic. It is working on formulating codes of practice and infrastructure improvements, such as designated cycle tracks, to accommodate safe EMD use in the future.
Until new legislation is formally enacted, food delivery riders face legal risks when using e-bikes on public roads. The government has proposed legislation requiring riders to wear helmets when riding electric scooters and e-bikes, highlighting increasing regulation emphasis on safety. Unauthorized use of EMDs is punishable by fines up to HK$10,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months according to current enforcement practices.
The operation did not specifically target food delivery couriers or asylum seekers, but could potentially affect them if found using EMDs illegally. The government is in the process of refining regulations to allow safer and more regulated use of electric bicycles for food delivery in the future.
- The government has proposed legislation requiring food delivery riders to wear helmets when riding electric scooters and e-bikes, indicating an increasing emphasis on safety in the industry.
- operation "Operation Lightingsteps" targeted the illegal use of electric mobility devices (EMDs) on the roads, which includes electric bicycles (e-bikes), and resulted in the arrest of 42 individuals, among them 11 food delivery couriers.
- In the dense population and heavy traffic of Hong Kong, the government acknowledges the popularity of electric bicycles (e-bikes) for food delivery but emphasizes the need for proper regulation due to the potential for serious accidents caused by their speed.
- Despite not specifically targeting food delivery couriers or asylum seekers in the operation, the unauthorized use of electric mobility devices (EMDs) is punishable by fines up to HK$10,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months according to current enforcement practices.
