Two girls ride Segways on the road. (File photo/Chinanews.com)
(ECNS) -- Beijing traffic police said it is difficult to implement the new rules that fine riders of electric and self-balancing scooters 10 yuan ($1.5) in order to keep them off roads.
"We did not get any specific notices for how to implement these regulations," a police officer said.
"I will stop a rider when I see him or her using it on the road. But whether to give a fine depends on their attitude," another added.
Xiao Chen, a user of a self-balancing scooter, said he cannot stop riding it even though he knows it is not that safe. "Traffic in Beijing is so bad. I can easily avoid traffic jams by riding it," it was added.
Long said he only rode his scooter inside the office building. "We should know where we can use it, and where we cannot."
Most citizens agreed with the government's ban on such vehicles, but they doubted the effect of small fines.
One said police can fine the rider once, but that the latter could ride it in another place.
Zhu Wei, a professor with the China University of Political Sciences and Law, also agreed with the decision to ban the vehicles from roads, saying it is dangerous for both rider and motor vehicles.
Zhu suggested clarification of when and where electric and self-balancing scooters can be used. In addition, companies that manufacture these products could reduce the power of such vehicles.
"If the power of self-balancing scooters could be sustained only for five or 10 kilometers of traveling, people would not be able to use them for commuting," Zhu said.
Beijing, following Shanghai, now prohibits electric scooters from traveling on its roads amidst security concerns.
A test by Beijing Consumer Association said such vehicles are fraught with issues including a capacity for high speeds along with questionable brakes and batteries. Traffic accidents caused by these vehicles, whose speed can reach 30 kilometers per hour, are often reported.