Are Electric Scooters Allowed on the Road in Shanghai?
2 Answers
Due to the frequent occurrence of traffic accidents caused by electric scooters and balance bikes. According to Article 26 of the "Shanghai Non-Motor Vehicle Management Regulations", "electric balance bikes" do not have road rights and are not allowed to be driven on the road. The following is relevant information: Skateboards, roller skates: For illegal road use of skateboards, roller skates, etc., the traffic police will issue an "oral warning, record the education situation and then release" for the first and second time they are caught, and impose a fine for the third time and above. Electric scooters, balance bikes: For illegal road use of electric scooters, balance bikes, electric unicycles, etc., the city's public security traffic police department will continue to strengthen the publicity and notification of the illegality and hazards of such traffic tools, and on the basis of "wide publicity", further strengthen street law enforcement education and strict management, and actively coordinate to strengthen source governance.
I often commute in Shanghai, and riding an electric scooter is quite convenient. But to be honest, Shanghai doesn't allow it on the roads. I know this from personal experience—I once tried riding it to the subway station and was stopped by the police, who gave me a warning and fined me. The police said electric scooters are classified as non-motorized vehicles, but Shanghai regulations prohibit them from being ridden on motor vehicle lanes or sidewalks due to their speed, which could lead to accidents or collisions with pedestrians. To ride legally, you must follow traffic laws, such as keeping the speed under 25 km/h, but in practice, it's easy to get fined. I've seen many people ride them secretly, but this poses safety risks or could lead to the scooter being confiscated. Alternatives include taking buses, the subway, or riding shared bikes, all of which are legal and safe.
