What are the current regulations for elderly four-wheel scooters?
2 Answers
At present, elderly four-wheel scooters are in a regulatory gray area, or rather, there are loopholes in their management. These vehicles are not included in the national production catalog and are considered unqualified motor vehicles, making it impossible for vehicle management departments to register them or issue license plates. Therefore, driving them on the road is considered illegal. According to national requirements and market positioning, four-wheel elderly scooters should fall under the category of non-motorized vehicles. However, the current production of four-wheel elderly scooters has far exceeded the speed limit of 15 km/h, placing them in the motor vehicle category, which means they should comply with motor vehicle management regulations. Prospects for standardized management: In June 2021, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology solicited public opinions on the revised national standard "Technical Requirements for Pure Electric Passenger Vehicles (Draft for Comments)." The draft added definitions and standards for micro low-speed pure electric passenger vehicles and classified them as a subcategory of pure electric passenger vehicles for management. The so-called "elderly scooters" fall into this category, indicating the potential for standardized management of these vehicles.
Lately, I've been using this small commuter vehicle around town, and it feels quite convenient, but the regulations have indeed changed a lot. Local policies vary—big cities like Beijing and Shanghai enforce strict rules, requiring registration and licensing, with fines for driving unregistered. The speed limit is set at 25 km/h, and exceeding it may trigger speed cameras. Safety certifications are also mandatory, so when buying a new vehicle, check if it meets national standards. It's best to get insurance for protection in case of accidents. Some communities even organize awareness sessions to teach elderly residents how to follow the rules and reduce accidents. I recommend using it within neighborhoods or small streets, avoiding main roads to prevent traffic disruptions. Overall, it's for everyone's safety and well-being.
