Without needing a driver's license or spending money on gasoline, for just a few million VND, commuters can own an electric bicycle that runs at speeds comparable to a motorcycle.
Reality shows that in recent years, electric bicycles have become a popular mode of transport among teenagers and students. The growing number of electric bicycles—used primarily by students—has brought increasing concerns about traffic safety.
Therefore, when news broke that Hanoi recently petitioned the Government to amend and improve several regulations on road traffic vehicle management—including a proposal to regulate electric bicycles similarly to motorcycles, meaning electric bicycles would require registration and riders would need a certificate or driver's license—it received strong support from parents.
Students riding electric bicycles cause worry for many parents
Ms. Nguyen Nhu Mai (Thanh Xuan, Hanoi), whose 7th-grade son rides an electric bicycle, shared: "My son also rides an electric bicycle to school every day, so I know very well that the kids often ride abreast in rows and are lazy about wearing helmets. Every day when he pushes his bike out of the house, I have to remind him to ride carefully and not overtake recklessly, yet I still feel uneasy. I think tightening electric bicycle management by requiring registration and a driver's license like motorcycles is a good idea and will better ensure the children's safety in traffic."
Ms. Mai is very worried when her son rides an electric bicycle to school.
Mr. Pham Dang Thanh (La Thanh, Dong Da) said: "My child entered middle school and commutes far from home while my wife and I are both busy, which is why I bought an electric bicycle for my child. However, I am also worried because we live on De La Thanh Street, where the road is narrow, and some days I see my child zooming along on the electric bicycle.
If a driver's license is now required to ride an electric bicycle, that would be great—we would feel much more at ease letting our children participate in traffic. At the same time, it could reduce the risk of regrettable traffic accidents."
Mr. Pham Dang Thanh supports requiring a driver's license to ride an electric bicycle
A large number of parents agree with the view that managing electric bicycles should require a driver's license like motorcycles. However, a small portion of parents believe that while requiring electric bicycle registration is right, forcing school students to hold a driver's license goes a bit too far.
Ms. Le Minh Hoa (Giang Vo, Dong Da) shared: "A huge number of students ride electric bicycles nowadays, so close management is needed to reduce the risk of traffic accidents. I also regularly remind my child to wear a helmet, not speed, and stop at red lights when riding an electric bicycle. Requiring registration when buying an electric bicycle is only natural, but forcing primary and middle school kids to have a driver's license is a bit excessive. Not to mention how the licensing exam would even be conducted is a whole issue in itself. I think simply reminding the children and strengthening oversight so they obey traffic laws is enough."
Source: Nguoi Dua Tin Newspaper