Institute of Transportation, MOTC

In recent years riding bicycles has become increasingly popular in Taiwan. Bicycles are not only a recreational tool, but also have gradually become a means of short-distance transportation. Meanwhile, there appear electric or power-assisted transporters similar to bicycles, such as mobility scooters, electric scooters, segways, electric hoverboards, electric unicycles, etc. Currently, there are still no concrete laws to govern these transporters, thus resulting traffic and safety problems on roads and sidewalks. This study collects the local and foreign laws and management mechanisms of bicycles and similar transporters, and then makes a comparative analysis, as well as reviews the important issues concerning thers slow-speed transporters. From the aspects of road safety systems framework, slow-speed transporters access position and management concept, right-of-way rules, driver regulations and transporter regulations, this study proposes management measures for slow-speed transporters. This study also gives suggestions for subsequent promotion of policies, which can be a reference for the competent authorities in implementing administration.
In terms of slow-speed transporters definition and access positioning, this study proposes to create “motorized mobility aids” classifies as pedestrian, to more extensively care for the traffic needs of seniors and disabled. Furthermore, “personal mobility devices” are classified as bicycle, which enable them to develop and manage on the basis of bicycles. In terms of the concept of slow-speed transporters management, this study proposes a vehicle speed limit (the maximum speed of the device is 25 km/h) and a road speed limit (the lane speed limit is 30 km/h) as the slow-speed transporters shunt management structure. Under the premise of speed risk control of slow-speed transporters, low intensity management to users and devices of slow-speed transporters can be adopted, and then local governments can follow this principle structure and adapt it to local conditions.