Riverside safety will guide new regulations as Taipei and New Taipei ban low-power electric mopeds from riverside parks starting Jan. 1. Moreover, both cities intend to reduce rising conflicts and protect cyclists and walkers using busy riverside corridors.
City officials introduced the coordinated action after receiving steady complaints about mopeds moving too quickly near pedestrians. Additionally, these incidents increased each month, prompting leaders to consider stronger measures that directly support long-term riverside safety. Riders often used narrow paths, creating repeated close calls with families, joggers and daily cyclists.
Taipei announced the new rule on Oct. 23, and New Taipei quickly adopted the same standard. Therefore, both governments want fully unified regulations across the shared Taipei–New Taipei living circle to prevent confusion among frequent riders. The ban covers electric mopeds with top speeds of twenty-five kilometers per hour or less.
Starting in January, officials will increase patrols to enforce the restrictions more consistently along all riverside parks. Furthermore, patrol teams plan to report violations to police, who will issue fines between NT$300 and NT$1,200. Consequently, authorities expect steady enforcement to strengthen public awareness and reinforce commitments to continued riverside safety.
Both cities have already placed banners at riverfront entrances and along heavily used bicycle paths to warn riders. In addition, the signs encourage visitors to rely on bicycles or walking when entering protected riverbank recreation zones. Engineers explained that these pathways were originally designed for non-motorized use, so motorized vehicles introduce unnecessary safety risks.
Transportation departments expect the joint ban to improve traffic flow and reduce avoidable accidents during peak hours. Meanwhile, officials will track collision data next year to determine whether the ban delivers measurable improvements. If patterns shift, the cities may later revise regulations to preserve predictable and stable movement conditions.
City leaders emphasize that the coordinated policy aligns with wider goals for calmer and cleaner public recreation areas. Ultimately, they believe fewer conflicts, safer pathways and stronger community confidence will emerge from continued commitments to riverside safety.
