ELECTRIC bicycle riders in Shenzhen would face a fine of 2,000 yuan (US$317) after Jan. 1 if they were found carrying passengers or goods, Southern Metropolis Daily reported Wednesday, Nov. 23.

Their bicycles would also be seized, the city traffic department said Tuesday.

The penalties are designed to control electric bicycle riders.

According to road safety regulations to take effect Jan. 1, riders of electric bicycles that surpass the national standard would be fined 1,000 yuan if the bike was ridden on the road.

An electric bike should not be capable of running at more than 20 km per hour and should weigh no more than 40 kg, according to the national standard. The fine would increase to 2,000 yuan if the bike was carrying a passenger or goods. The existing fine is 200 yuan. Disabled riders would be fined 1,000 yuan for carrying passengers or goods.

The department launched a campaign to seize illegal electric bicycles Tuesday.

Riders of 79 electric bicycles and motorcycles were fined in Baishizhou, Nanshan District. The bicycles were confiscated if the fines were not paid.

Shenzhen, which has 500,000 e-bike owners, instituted a ban on electric bicycles from most of its streets in June for safety reasons. The ban is for a six-month trial basis and lasts until Dec. 5.

Last year, according to Shenzhen traffic police bureau, 64 people were killed and 233 were injured in 268 accidents involving e-bikes, accounting for 15.7 percent of all road accidents.

(Wang Yuanyuan)