Shanghai E-Bike Rules for Foreigners: License Plates, Helmets, and Passenger Limits

Two Thai tourists in Shanghai were given a written warning after one of them was caught carrying an adult passenger on an electric bicycle, prompting police to explain local traffic regulations in English.

The incident took place late at night on November 5, 2026, at the intersection of Xinzha Road and Zhenning Road in Shanghai's Jing'an District.

Xu Yichao, a traffic police officer on duty, spotted a woman riding an electric bicycle with another adult seated behind her. After stopping the vehicle for inspection, Xu learned that both individuals were tourists from Thailand.

Neither was familiar with Chinese, and they initially tried to explain their situation by saying, in Chinese, "We are foreigners." Recognizing the language barrier, Xu switched to fluent English and explained the relevant traffic regulations.

Under Shanghai's non-motorized vehicle regulations, electric bicycles may carry only one passenger under the age of 12. Carrying an adult passenger is not permitted.

He also explained the safety risks associated with carrying unauthorized passengers and reminded the tourists that visitors are required to comply with local traffic laws. Considering that this was their first violation, that they were unfamiliar with the local regulations, and that they cooperated with the police, Xu adopted a lenient approach. Rather than issuing a fine, he gave them a written warning and provided traffic safety guidance in English.

Both tourists said they understood the rules, expressed their apologies, and promised to comply with local traffic regulations in the future.

This was not an isolated case. Jing'an police have previously used English to explain traffic regulations and issue warnings to foreign nationals involved in traffic violations, including riding without helmets and using damaged or unclear license plates.

For foreign visitors and residents, however, the incident raises a broader question: what exactly are the rules for riding electric bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles in Shanghai?

Shanghai's E-Bike and Non-Motorized Vehicle Rules Explained

Shanghai's Regulations on the Safety Administration of Non-Motor-Powered Vehicles, together with the city's related non-motorized vehicle management rules, cover vehicle registration, modifications, road use, passenger restrictions, safety equipment, and parking. The following is a practical guide to the main requirements.

1. Which Non-Motorized Vehicles Are Allowed on Public Roads?

The following categories of vehicles are permitted on public roads, subject to the applicable requirements:

1. Electric bicycles registered with the Shanghai public security authorities and displaying valid license plates.
2. Motorized or electric wheelchairs for people with disabilities, registered and licensed as required.
3. Human-powered tricycles registered and licensed as required.
4. Bicycles that meet national standards.
5. Hand-operated wheelchairs for people with disabilities.
6. Other non-motorized vehicles specifically approved by the Shanghai Municipal Government.

Electric bicycles, motorized wheelchairs for people with disabilities, and human-powered tricycles must be registered and obtain the required license plates before being used on public roads. Registration for ordinary bicycles and hand-operated wheelchairs for people with disabilities is voluntary.

Newly purchased vehicles that require registration may be used temporarily on public roads for up to 15 days from the date of purchase, provided the rider carries proof of purchase. The owner must apply for registration within that period.

2. Registration and License Plate Requirements

Electric bicycle owners must apply for registration with the public security authorities within 15 days of purchasing the vehicle. When riding a registered vehicle on public roads, riders must:

1. Install the official license plate in the designated position.
2. Keep the plate clear, intact, and fully visible.
3. Avoid covering, damaging, staining, or reversing the plate.
4. Never use a forged, altered, or another vehicle's license plate.

License plates are issued by the public security authorities, and no fee is charged to vehicle owners for the plates.

Special requirements for delivery riders: Electric bicycles used for online delivery services, including food delivery and express delivery, must display special license plates. If an electric bicycle begins or stops being used for delivery services, its owner must apply to update the vehicle's registration accordingly. Owners must also apply to cancel the registration if a registered vehicle is stolen, lost, destroyed, or no longer used.

3. Illegal Modifications Are Prohibited

Shanghai prohibits individuals and businesses from assembling or modifying non-motorized vehicles in ways that affect their approved technical specifications or road safety. Prohibited modifications include:

1. Assembling non-motorized vehicles from separate parts.
2. Adding batteries, electric motors, or other power systems.
3. Installing additional seats, umbrellas, canopies, enclosed compartments, or high-volume audio equipment.
4. Changing the dimensions of exhaust systems.
5. Replacing batteries with ones that do not meet the vehicle's specified voltage requirements.
6. Unauthorized replacement of motors or other power systems.
7. Removing or altering silencers, speed-warning devices, speed limiters, or exhaust treatment equipment.

Selling assembled or illegally modified non-motorized vehicles is also prohibited. Vehicles that have been assembled, fitted with unauthorized additions, or modified in violation of the regulations must not be ridden on public roads.

4. Where and How Should You Ride?

Non-motorized vehicles must generally travel in designated non-motorized vehicle lanes. On roads without designated non-motorized vehicle lanes:

1. Bicycles and electric bicycles must travel within 1.5 meters to the left of the right-hand edge of the motor vehicle roadway.
2. Hand-operated and motorized wheelchairs for people with disabilities, as well as human-powered tricycles, must travel within 2.2 meters to the left of that edge.

Riders must also observe the following rules:

1. Follow traffic signals and signs.
2. Ride in the correct direction. Riding against traffic is prohibited.
3. Do not enter motor vehicle lanes unless specifically permitted by law.
4. Do not enter expressways, urban expressways (including elevated roads), cross-river bridges, tunnels, or other areas where non-motorized vehicles are prohibited.
5. Keep braking systems and nighttime reflective devices in good working condition.

At pedestrian crossings and intersections:

1. Slow down when approaching pedestrian crossings.
2. Stop and give way to pedestrians who are crossing.
3. Yield to pedestrians crossing roads without traffic signals.
4. Slow down before turning and extend an arm to indicate the intended direction. Use turn signals if available.
5. Do not obstruct other vehicles when overtaking.
6. At intersections, when non-motorized vehicles traveling in opposite directions are turning left and right respectively, the vehicle turning right must give way to the vehicle turning left.

5. No Using Phones While Riding

Riders must not engage in activities that compromise safe driving. In particular, it is prohibited to:

1. Hold a phone to make or answer calls while riding.
2. Browse electronic devices while riding.
3. Tow animals.
4. Attach trailers or other devices designed to carry passengers or goods.

Non-motorized vehicles must also not be used to transport explosives, flammable or explosive chemicals, highly toxic substances, radioactive materials, or other dangerous goods.

6. Who Can Ride an Electric Bicycle? Speed and Helmet Rules

Electric bicycle riders must meet several additional requirements:

1. Riders must be at least 16 years old.
2. They must not exceed the maximum speed prescribed by national regulations.
3. Headlights and other lighting equipment must be switched on when riding at night or in low-visibility conditions, including fog, rain, snow, dust storms, and hail.
4. Repeated or prolonged horn use is prohibited.
5. Both the rider and any passenger must wear a safety helmet.

The age requirement also applies to people riding motorized or electric wheelchairs for people with disabilities, which may only be operated by individuals with lower-limb disabilities.

7. Who Can You Carry on a Bicycle or Electric Bicycle?

Passenger-carrying restrictions are particularly important for foreign residents and visitors. Under Shanghai's non-motorized vehicle management rules:

1. A bicycle or electric bicycle may carry only one passenger under the age of 12.
2. When carrying a child under the age of 6, the vehicle must be equipped with a fixed child seat.
3. Children under the age of 16 are prohibited from carrying passengers when riding bicycles.

This means that carrying an adult passenger on an electric bicycle or bicycle is not permitted under these rules. Both the rider and passenger on an electric bicycle must also wear safety helmets.

8. Where Can You Park?

Non-motorized vehicles must be parked in designated roadside parking areas. Local governments are responsible for planning and managing these parking spaces. Transport hubs and busy public venues are also required to provide designated parking facilities for non-motorized vehicles. These include:

1. Railway stations, ports, and metro stations.
2. Hospitals and schools.
3. Shopping malls and markets.
4. Pedestrian streets.
5. Cinemas, theaters, and sports venues.
6. Exhibition centers.

The managers of these venues are responsible for arranging the facilities and ensuring their proper management.

9. Is Insurance Required?

Shanghai encourages non-motorized vehicle owners and riders to purchase insurance covering:

1. Third-party liability.
2. Personal injury.
3. Property damage.

These insurance policies are encouraged rather than mandatory under the provisions outlined above.

A Reminder for Foreign Residents and Visitors

Foreign nationals riding electric bicycles or other non-motorized vehicles in Shanghai are subject to the same traffic regulations as local residents. Being unfamiliar with Chinese or local traffic rules does not exempt riders from their obligations.

Before riding, make sure your vehicle is properly registered and displays the required license plate. Always wear a helmet, use designated lanes, follow traffic signals, and pay particular attention to passenger restrictions and prohibited modifications.

The incident involving the two Thai tourists is a reminder that even seemingly minor violations can create safety risks. Understanding local traffic regulations before setting off can help foreign visitors and residents avoid unnecessary trouble and make getting around Shanghai safer for everyone.

Source: OT-Team(G), 文汇报 (Wenhui Daily), Shanghai Urban Management and Law Enforcement Bureau.