Will Self-Balancing Scooters Be Confiscated If Used on Roads?
2 Answers
Self-balancing scooters are not permitted on public roads. Additional information: Relevant laws: Self-balancing scooters do not fall under the category of motor vehicles, nor are they mentioned in the definition of "non-motorized vehicles." Furthermore, the external dimensions, weight, brakes, bells, and nighttime reflective devices of non-motorized vehicles must comply with non-motorized vehicle safety technical standards. Therefore, even if considered as non-motorized vehicles, electric self-balancing scooters do not meet the corresponding safety technical standards. Pedestrians are prohibited from engaging in the following activities: using sliding tools such as skateboards or rollerblades on roads; sitting, lying down, lingering, or playing in vehicle lanes; chasing vehicles or throwing objects at vehicles, among other behaviors that endanger road traffic safety.
When it comes to whether self-balancing scooters will be confiscated on the road, I have personal experience—these things can indeed be taken away by the police in some places. While researching traffic regulations, I discovered that many major cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, or certain cities abroad, explicitly prohibit electric self-balancing scooters on public roads or sidewalks. They are classified as non-motorized vehicles or even toy vehicles, and riding them illegally can result in confiscation, fines, or warnings. The risk is much higher than driving a car because cars have license plates and legal protections, while self-balancing scooters are barely regulated. Last year, a friend of mine tried riding one in the city center and was stopped by law enforcement—the scooter was impounded for three days before being returned. So, don’t act recklessly just because it seems fun. It’s best to check local traffic laws first or stick to places like parks to avoid trouble and losses. Remember, road rights come first, safety is paramount, and the cost of reckless riding can be high.
