Many Children Play Electric Bikes Crossing The Highway, Transportation Agency Asks Parents To Supervise

Residents take advantage of electric scooter rental services in the Menteng area, Jakarta, in November 2019. (ANTARA/Risky A)

JAKARTA - Children in Palangka Raya City are now using electric bicycles as entertainment to pass the time. However, the highway remains their path to play the electric bicycle.

Head of the Palangka Raya City Transportation Service, Alman P Pakpahan, reminded parents to monitor their children's activities when using electric bicycles on the road.

"Currently, the phenomenon of using electric bicycles is rampant. For this reason, we ask parents to supervise their children so they don't use these types of bicycles on the road," said Alman in Palangka Raya, quoted from Antara, Friday, June 3.

He said electric bicycles usually operate in certain areas, such as residential areas, car free days, tourist areas, areas around public transportation facilities as integrated transportation, office areas and off-road areas.

He made this statement when it was confirmed that there were many children using bicycles equipped with electric propulsion to move on the highway.

"Everyone who uses a vehicle with an electric drive is required to use the applicable provisions as contained in the regulation of the Minister of Transportation Number 44 of 2022," said Alman.

He explained that the Permenhub stated that everyone must wear a helmet while driving, and the minimum age of use must be 12 years.

"The use of certain vehicles using an electric motor drive, then that type of vehicle is not allowed to modify the electric power and speed of the vehicle," he said.

The maximum speed for hoverboards, unicycles and autopets can operate at only six kilometers per hour. Meanwhile, electric scooters and electric bicycles can operate at a maximum speed of 25 kilometers per hour.

The area of operation of certain motorized vehicles with electric motor drives on public roads is in the bicycle lane or a specially provided lane.

The existence of electric bicycles is now starting to become a trend in urban areas in Palangka Raya City. The users are many children and young adults who often ride electric bicycles quite fast without complete safety riding.

"We recommend using special lanes or certain areas and it is hoped that the use of electric bicycles for children and adolescents should be accompanied by adults," he concluded.