Workers have begun distributing electric YouBikes (e-bikes) around greater Taipei, with their electric-assist function limited at 20kph for pedestrian safety, officials said on Friday.
The e-bike has a battery and motor system to augment human power when needed, such as when going uphill or moving into headwinds, they said.
Meanwhile, electric kick scooters (e-scooters) are still not allowed on the road, as no local government has road permits for their use, they added.
Photo: Tung Kuan-yi, Taipei Times
Under Article 69 of the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act (道路交通管理處罰條例), an e-bike is defined as an “electric power-auxiliary bicycle” — a two-wheeled vehicle that is powered mainly by a person and provides electric assistance with a maximum speed of up to 25kph and weighs 40kg or less.
Meanwhile, e-scooters are described as “mini electric two-wheel vehicles” — a two-wheeled vehicle that is powered mainly by electricity, with a maximum speed of up to 25kph and which weighs 40kg without a battery or 60kg with a battery.
There is still no agreed-upon standard for testing e-scooters and setting their maximum velocity, Taipei Department of Transportation’s Transportation Management Section head Chu Cheng-tso (朱宸佐) said, adding that some have been found to go too fast and are therefore prohibited on roads and sidewalks, to keep pedestrians, drivers and riders themselves safe.
The law requires local governments to designate roads and walkways that are open for e-scooters, with limitations on time periods and maximum speeds, among other regulations, but no local authorities have done so yet, Chu said.
Those found riding an e-scooter in a public space would be subject to a fine of NT$1,200 to NT$3,600, Chu added.
Taipei traffic police officials reported 436 incidents of people illegally riding “mini electric two-wheel vehicles” on roads from January to last month.
Of those vehicles, 19 were involved in traffic incidents, which resulted in 15 injuries, traffic police added.
E-scooters can only be driven on private sites and special designated zones, such as at Kaohsiung Harbor’s Pier-2 Art Center and on the campus of several universities, as these areas have a speed limit of 15kph and are fenced off from other road vehicles, officials said.
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