Are EV Rickshaws a solution to enhance tourism in Hong Kong
A terrific idea but it would take 10 years to get official approval!
Me Jamie, your host, I am English and I have lived in Hong Kong for 53 years - I know the place.
I have personally completed 2,340+ Private Tours and Experiences (over 6,500+ guests) since April 2011 and I am considered one of the finest Private Tour Guides in Asia.
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Are EV Rickshaws a solution to enhance tourism in Hong Kong?
A terrific idea but it would take 10 years to get official approval!
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My great friend Bill of Streets of Hong Kong Private Walking and Photography Tours posed an excellent question on this subject - with Hong Kong’s amazing enhanced waterfronts then E - Rickshaws, E - Scooters and E - Bikes would absolutely boost tourism in Hong Kong as it has done in places such as Singapore and many countries in Asia and Europe etc.
As you may know I have very recently started to use AI as a research tool, I am a typical writer and I get writers block when confronted with a blank screen, AI is proving very helpful in getting me the information I need and it saves me an awful lot of time which means I can pump out more blog posts!
In the last couple of months there has been many articles in the Hong Kong press about the need to enhance Hong Kong Tourism and to find ways to attract more visitors to Hong Kong despite the fact that we will probably hit 50 million visitors in 2025
We have plenty of experts in Hong Kong both in the Government and in the Private Sector who like nothing more than to present ideas to the press, I have no problem with that but myself and my friends (other Private Tour Guides) often wonder about the feasibility of their proposals. it always seems like throwing food at the wall to see what sticks, they make for good sound bites and it enhances their reputation as experts but in general most of the ideas are simply not feasible and no consideration has been given to practical matters and they completely ignore the issue of TIME - when it comes to tourism in Hong Kong time is a key factor for someone who is only in Hong Kong for 1 - 2 days
I have done personally 2,340+ private tours of Hong Kong and I am an absolute expert on time. as an example the big thing apparently is Factory Tours now (as proposed by important Hong Kong Government ministers) in other words, visit the factories of iconic Hong Kong companies making such thing as soy sauce, biscuits and bread and such, the problem is a lot of these factories are located out in the sticks so to do a factory tour it could take up to 4 or 5 hours which does not give you much time to explore other sites and sights as you are only in Hong Kong for a short period of time.
Which brings me back to my friend Bill
He does a lot of travelling and so he reports on tourism on the many cities he visits with his wife and our group of Private Tour Guides got into the subject of using e bikes or e rickshaws in Hong Kong, which I have to say is a terrific idea., I actually think tourists would love the experience.
….. and then our enthusiasm hit a brick wall as we realised that at this moment in Hong Kong, e bikes and e scooters are outlawed and it is a criminal offence to use them (see my notes at the end of this post)
I have lived in Hong Kong for 53 years and I am quite familiar with how long it takes for legislation to be passed and something like this would take 10 years to get approval.
anyway…. read on
The Hong Kong Government has explored various initiatives to promote eco-friendly tourism and enhance the use of waterfront promenades, but there is limited evidence of specific plans for introducing electric vehicle (EV) bikes, EV rickshaws, or similar small-scale EVs explicitly for tourism purposes on promenades like those on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, or Tsuen Wan. However, several related efforts and proposals provide insight into the government's stance and potential interest in such ideas.
Current Context and Related Initiatives
Bicycle-Friendly Initiatives and Promenades:
The Hong Kong Tourism Board has promoted cycling as a leisure activity, particularly along waterfront promenades. For instance, from August 2022 to August 2023, free bicycle rentals were offered along a one-kilometer shared path from Central to the Wan Chai Promenade, indicating support for non-motorized, eco-friendly transport for tourists and locals.
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E - Scooters - absolutely perfect for our waterfront promenades
The West Kowloon Cultural District, a key tourism area, offers bike rentals for exploring its promenade, highlighting the government’s interest in integrating cycling into cultural and tourism experiences.
The Tsuen Wan promenade, among others, has designated cycling paths, and the government has piloted bike-sharing schemes, such as at the West Kowloon Cultural District. However, these are primarily for pedal bicycles, not EVs.
Electric Mobility Devices (EMDs) and Regulatory Challenges:
The Transport Department (TD) has been studying the regulation of EMDs, including electric bicycles, scooters, unicycles, and similar devices. Currently, EMDs are banned on roads, footpaths, and cycle tracks under the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374) due to safety concerns, particularly related to battery quality and the risk of overheating or fires.
A proposed pilot route for e-bikes, such as the Tseung Kwan O to Sai Kung trail, is under consideration to promote environmentally friendly transport. This suggests openness to e-bikes in controlled settings like designated paths, which could align with promenade-based tourism initiatives. However, these plans focus on leisure and exercise rather than tourism-specific vehicles like EV rickshaws.
The TD is exploring certification for EMDs to allow their use on designated cycling tracks in the future, but no clear timeline or mention of tourism-focused EVs has been confirmed.
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The traditional Hong Kong Rickshaw - it is no more…..
Rickshaws and Historical Context:
I took this image at Victoria Peak but I have not seen him for years now, back when I was a kid in the 1970’s here they where still a small but popular mode of transport for tourists.
Traditional pulled rickshaws, once a popular mode of transport in Hong Kong, have nearly vanished, with only a few licensed operators remaining as of 2017, mainly serving tourists at The Peak and for the record I have NOT seen them for years
Proposals to reintroduce rickshaws, potentially powered by electric unicycles, have been discussed in forums like GeoExpat, with advocacy groups presenting to the Legislative Council (LegCo) and the TD. However, these discussions focus on pavements and general mobility rather than promenade-specific tourism initiatives.
A 2019 proposal by architect Thomas Schmidt suggested reviving rickshaws for short-haul tourist transport along waterfronts, leveraging Hong Kong’s historic tram and ferry networks. This aligns with your idea of small, eco-friendly vehicles for promenades, but there’s no evidence of government adoption or implementation.
Tourism Blueprint 2.0 and Eco-Friendly Tourism:
The government’s Tourism Blueprint 2.0, outlined in 2025, emphasizes diversifying tourism offerings with a focus on culture, sports, ecology, and mega events. While it promotes eco-friendly initiatives, such as targeting Muslim-friendly facilities and data-driven tourism strategies, there’s no explicit mention of EV-based tourism vehicles like bikes or rickshaws for promenades.
The blueprint encourages collaboration with private sectors (e.g., hoteliers, transport operators) to enhance tourism infrastructure, which could potentially include EV-based initiatives if proposed by stakeholders.
Waterfront Promenade Development:
The Planning Department and the Harbourfront Commission have prioritized making Victoria Harbour’s waterfronts more accessible and vibrant, with plans for continuous promenades linking Central, Wan Chai, and Kowloon. These plans include pedestrian and cycling paths but do not explicitly mention EV rickshaws or similar vehicles.
Suggestions for intermodal transport hubs connecting ferries, water taxis, and cycling paths indicate a vision for integrated, eco-friendly transport, which could theoretically accommodate small EVs for tourism.
Government Departments Involved
The following departments are likely to be involved in considering or implementing such an initiative:
Transport Department (TD): Oversees transport regulations, including EMDs and cycling infrastructure. The TD is studying EMD certification and pilot routes, which could be relevant to EV bikes or rickshaws on promenades.
Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB): Promotes tourism activities, including cycling routes along waterfronts. The HKTB could champion EV-based tourism if aligned with eco-tourism goals.
Planning Department (PlanD): Manages urban and waterfront development, including promenade accessibility and design. PlanD’s Harbourfront Commission could consider EV tourism as part of enhancing waterfront vibrancy.
Environmental Protection Department (EPD): Supports EV adoption through initiatives like the EV-charging at Home Subsidy Scheme, indicating a broader interest in eco-friendly transport that could extend to tourism.
Legislative Council (LegCo): Reviews transport and tourism policies, with panels discussing EMD regulations and urban mobility. Advocacy for EV rickshaws has been presented here, suggesting potential interest.
Feasibility and Challenges
Feasibility: Hong Kong’s long waterfront promenades, such as those in Central, Wan Chai, Tsuen Wan, and West Kowloon, are well-suited for small, low-speed EVs like two- or three-seater rickshaws or bikes, especially if restricted to designated paths. The success of free bike rentals along Victoria Harbour suggests demand for such activities among tourists.
Challenges:
Regulation: Current laws prohibit EMDs on public paths without certification, and no driving license requirements would necessitate new regulatory frameworks to ensure safety.
Safety Concerns: The TD’s focus on battery safety and the risk of accidents on crowded promenades (e.g., Tsuen Wan’s bike lanes) could delay or limit EV adoption.
Infrastructure: While promenades have cycling paths, integrating EVs would require designated lanes, charging stations, and docking areas, which are not yet widespread.
Cultural Perception: Cycling is primarily seen as recreational rather than a transport mode, and rickshaws are viewed as outdated, which may hinder acceptance of EV versions for tourism.
Conclusion
While the Hong Kong Government has not explicitly proposed EV bikes or rickshaws for tourism on waterfront promenades, related efforts—such as bike-sharing pilots, EMD regulatory studies, and waterfront development plans—suggest potential openness to the idea. The Transport Department, Hong Kong Tourism Board, and Planning Department are key players that could drive such an initiative, particularly if aligned with Tourism Blueprint 2.0’s eco-friendly goals.
Advocacy for EV rickshaws exists, but no concrete government plans have been confirmed as of July 2025. Private sector collaboration or public advocacy could push this concept forward, especially given the success of cycling tourism in areas like Sha Tin and Tsuen Wan.
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….. and an E Rickshaw like this, well NOT in my lifetime…. it would take 10 years to get this approved given the current way of thinking in Hong Kong when it comes to small EV’s!
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Our waterfront promenades, just perfect for E - scooters!
The Hong Kong Island waterfront has undergone a major transformation, now offering an uninterrupted approx. 7 milea (11-kilometer) promenade stretching from Kennedy Town to North Point. This upgrade is part of the government's initiative to create a more accessible and enjoyable harbourfront experience for residents and visitors alike.
The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, also known as the Kowloon waterfront promenade, extends from the Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier to the Hung Hom area, specifically the Hung Hom Promenade, a distance of approximately 2.5 miles (4 kilometers).
So, although Hong Kong has 4 seasons, for 5 months of the year it can get pretty hot and humid which means that it is not practical to walk long distances on these long promenades, it is a situation crying out for an ev solution.
These are the current laws covering E - bikes and E - scooters in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters) are currently classified as "motor vehicles" under the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374) and are banned from public roads, footpaths, and cycle tracks. Using these devices in such areas is illegal and can lead to fines and even jail time. The government is exploring regulations to allow them on cycle tracks, but this is still under review.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Current Regulations:
EMDs, including e-bikes and e-scooters, are considered motor vehicles and are not allowed on roads, footpaths, or cycle tracks due to safety concerns.
Legal Consequences:
Using an EMD illegally can result in a fine of up to $5,000 and/or three months imprisonment
Government Review:
The Transport Department is actively studying how to regulate EMDs, including potential use on cycle tracks. This includes looking at technical and safety requirements, as well as drawing from practices in other regions.
Future Possibilities:
The government is considering allowing EMDs on cycle tracks if they meet specific technical and safety standards, such as speed limits (potentially 25 km/h), and other requirements.
Trial Schemes:
The Transport Department has conducted trial schemes on sections of cycle tracks in Tseung Kwan O and along the Science Park to gather experience in regulating EMDs.
Balancing Safety and Convenience:
The government is aiming to create a "bicycle-friendly environment" while also addressing safety concerns related to EMDs.
Key Considerations:
Any future regulations will likely address device specifications, speed limits, safety features, and potentially insurance requirements.
My insider tip
Please note that in general if you book a tour on Viator or Tripadvisor you generally have NO control over what guide will lead your Private Tour of Hong Kong and this is the most important component of the tour. I urge you to check the actual company website and book via their website and do not forget to read Tripadvisor reviews as well.
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