This is what we are up against in Hong Kong:
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201305/08/P201305070364.htm
You shouldn't think that this is the year 2014!
given that Taiwan, the United Kingdom and various provinces/municipalities on the Mainland permit the use of electric bicycles if certain requirements are complied with ...
Can you say "almost everywhere in the world, apart from Hong Kong and possibly, North Korea" ?
... there are people riding electric bicycles, which look like normal bicycles but installed with small motors, at high speeds and carrying passengers and goods, thereby seriously endangering the safety of pedestrians and drivers
Electric bikes, limited to 26 km/h - is that high speeds? How about the trucks in Hong Kong, they have no speed limiters like most other civilised states require. It happens all the time that you are passed by a truck, even huge ones, on the highway and more rural roads, they often go more than 120 km/h. So 26 km/h is "seriously endangering the safety" ? Hong Kong is so hypocritical and full of double standards ...
According to the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374) (the Ordinance), a bicycle means a vehicle with two wheels designed and constructed to be propelled by the use of pedals. Two-wheeled mechanically propelled vehicles (including bicycles equipped with electric motors) are regarded as "motor vehicles" and classified as motor cycles under the Ordinance. All motor vehicles which are to be used on roads must be registered and licensed. In order to be registered and licensed for use on roads, the motor vehicle concerned has to be examined for roadworthiness, i.e. it should be suitable and safe for use on public roads. Motorcyclists must also obtain driving licences for driving motor cycles.
How about a space shuttle license, just to be on the safe side?
Currently, there is no legislation against the import of electric bicycles into Hong Kong. The clearance formalities and requirements of such vehicles are no different from those of general imports. However, electric bicycles to be used on roads of Hong Kong have to be registered with and licensed by TD or else their use would be illegal and offenders are subject to prosecution.
Mind you, this is the same TD (transport department) which is preventing the
rear facing seats of the Tesla model S, as well as the
web browser - and possibly on the
model X, there won't be side cameras but traditional mirrors. Because that's what the law says, one has to have mirrors, and a mirror is a reflective surface which reflects light back -
not a 21st century system of electronic capture of light rays, projected on a liquid crystal display!
Bring back the horse carriages and the rickshaws!
Bicycles equipped with electric motors are not normally designed to the same safety and performance standards as conventional motor cycles. They are normally not considered roadworthy and would not be registered and licensed. They are also not suitable for use on cycle tracks with other bicycles due to their speed, weight and different method of control. Therefore, the Government currently has no plan to allow the use of electric bicycles on roads of Hong Kong.
Right, so you think it is safer to be hit by a motorcycle, than a bike with pedal assist? Motor cycle weighing 200+ kg, electric bike less than 50 kg. Motorcycle capable of 200 km/h or more, electric bike capable of 26 km/h. Different method of control? Electric bikes are controlled exactly the same way as other bikes - you pedal, you move forward, you steer, bike turns, you brake, bike stops. But with 30+ C (85F+) and near 100% relative humidity, who would consider using a bike for commuting, if there is no pedal assist?
Legco politicians with private chauffeurs can care less, but how about the general public Joe and Jane, who cannot afford a car in Hong Kong?
