Are electric scooters allowed on the road in Hangzhou?

[McHannah]

Yes, but they cannot be ridden on motor vehicle lanes. There are no explicit regulations stipulating whether electric scooters belong to the category of motor vehicles, and whether they require license plates for road use is still under discussion. Currently, traffic police generally do not enforce penalties. However, it is best to choose parks, squares, or areas with smooth and uncrowded traffic when riding electric scooters. Below is some relevant information: Scooters: Electric scooters are a new form of skateboarding sport following traditional skateboards. Electric scooters are highly energy-efficient, charge quickly, and have a long range. The overall design is aesthetically pleasing, easy to operate, and safer to ride. Precautions for riding electric scooters: Always tighten all screws before riding. Practice repeatedly before riding on the road. Do not be overconfident; if you are not skilled on the road and need to stop suddenly, panic can easily lead to danger. Therefore, it is essential to practice outdoors.

[CassidyFitz]

I've worked in Hangzhou for a few years and often see young people commuting on electric scooters in the streets, which looks cool but requires attention to regulations. Here in Hangzhou, official rules state that electric scooters are not allowed on motor vehicle lanes, such as main roads or expressways; they can only be ridden slowly on non-motorized lanes and sidewalks, generally keeping the speed below 20 km/h. But honestly, safety is a big concern; last year's accident reports mentioned injuries from slips on rainy days. Personally, I prefer using shared bikes or the subway—they're more reliable and help avoid the risk of fines. Remember, Hangzhou's traffic authorities enforce strict regulations, with fines ranging from 50 to 100 yuan for violations, and I've even encountered patrol officers on the road. In the long run, the city is promoting green transportation, and perhaps dedicated lanes will be introduced in the future. But for now, safety comes first—wear a helmet and don’t speed.

[DelNorah]

As an environmental advocate, I've been promoting green transportation options, and electric scooters are a great choice—energy-efficient and low-carbon. However, in Hangzhou, using them can be tricky. Regulations only permit low-speed riding on sidewalks or non-motorized lanes, prohibiting free travel on roads. I find them much more eco-friendly than driving, saving energy for short trips. Yet, there are practical risks, such as high accident rates disrupting traffic order. I suggest Hangzhou build more bike lanes integrated for scooters or encourage riding only in parks. Personally, I stick to walking or public transport to reduce my carbon footprint. Future policies might improve, like easing restrictions in pilot zones. Let’s all take action to promote sustainable living.

[LePenelope]

I'm a freshman studying in Hangzhou this year, and I rely on an electric scooter to get to classes every day. It's quite convenient and saves time, but rules must be followed. Hangzhou doesn't allow riding on motor vehicle lanes; you can only ride slowly on sidewalks. Police often check at the school gate, and speeding will result in a fine. Both my classmates and I have been fined—50 yuan each time, which is quite painful. Its advantage is flexibility, especially during traffic jams; the downside is poor safety. Last time, I almost fell because of uneven road surfaces. I still recommend bicycles or campus shuttles as better options—safety comes first. If you must ride, remember to wear protective gear and avoid taking risks. Although Hangzhou's overall environment is beautiful, don't ignore traffic rules.