Hong Kong police crack down on illegal e-bike driving, arresting 23 suspects for range of violations

The Hong Kong police apprehended 23 individuals over the weekend, suspected of illicitly operating electric bicycles and other motorized vehicles in the New Territories. This marked the second crackdown within a fortnight. The arrested individuals comprised of 17 men and six women, ranging in age from 18 to 53. They were apprehended for a variety of offences, including operating an unlicensed vehicle, utilizing a motorized vehicle without third-party insurance, driving without a valid license, and riding a motorcycle without a helmet, as reported by the force on Sunday.

One individual was taken into custody on suspicion of permitting others to operate a vehicle that was unregistered and devoid of third-party insurance. Another individual was arrested after testing positive for driving under the influence. An earlier source informed the Post that the government was poised to authorize the use of electric bicycles and scooters on cycle tracks in Tseung Kwan O and Pak Shek Kok.

The traffic enforcement and control division of the New Territories South regional headquarters executed the operation on Friday and Saturday in Tsuen Wan, Kwai Chung, Tsing Yi, Sha Tin, Ma On Shan, and Lantau Island. They confiscated 12 e-bicycles, nine e-scooters, and one electric hoverboard. This was the second crackdown in the New Territories since mid-November, with 33 individuals arrested in the previous operation. Driving without a vehicle registration license contravenes the Road Traffic Ordinance and is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a HK$10,000 (US$1,280) fine. Under the Road Traffic Ordinance, a mechanically or electrically propelled bicycle is classified as a motorized vehicle.