Policy environment and regulatory requirements for electric scooters for the elderly in the international market
As the global population ages, the market for electric scooters for the elderly is showing a rapid growth trend. According to Wise Guy Reports, the market size of electric scooters for the elderly is estimated to be US$1.017 billion in 2023, and is expected to grow to US$2.21 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 9.01%. This growth trend not only reflects the increasing demand for travel-assisting devices among the elderly, but also reflects the importance that governments of various countries attach to the convenience of travel for the elderly. This article will explore in detail the policy environment and regulatory requirements for electric scooters for the elderly in the international market to help related companies and consumers better understand market dynamics.
1. Policy environment
(I) Government support and subsidies
Many governments recognize the importance of providing travel-assisting devices for the elderly, and have therefore introduced a series of support policies. For example, the US government’s Medicare program pays part of the cost of scooters for eligible individuals. This subsidy policy not only reduces the financial burden on the elderly, but also promotes the growth of the electric scooter market for the elderly.
(II) Green travel policies
In recent years, a series of energy-saving, emission-saving and green travel policies have been implemented worldwide. As a low-energy, zero-emission means of transportation, electric scooters meet the requirements of these policies. For example, China has implemented policies such as the “Green Travel Creation Action Plan” and the “Notice on the Comprehensive Work Plan for Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction during the 14th Five-Year Plan Period” to promote green projects and reduce vehicle pollution. Electric scooters have become an ideal choice for solving the “last mile” travel problem due to their environmentally friendly characteristics.
(III) Market Access and Supervision
In order to ensure the quality and safety of electric scooters for the elderly, governments have formulated strict market access standards. For example, China has formulated the “National Standard for Low-Speed Electric Vehicles”, which clarifies the production standards, scope of use and safety performance requirements of electric scooters for the elderly. These standards include key indicators such as vehicle mass, maximum speed, and braking performance, and are intended to guide the healthy development of the industry.
II. Regulatory Requirements
(I) Vehicle Standards
Different countries and regions have different regulations on vehicle standards for electric scooters for the elderly. Taking China as an example, legal mobility scooters for the elderly need to meet the following conditions:
Vehicle parameters: curb weight not exceeding 750kg, length not exceeding 3500mm, width not exceeding 1500mm, number of seats not exceeding 4, maximum speed not exceeding 70km/h, and cruising range not less than 100km.
Safety configuration: The vehicle must be equipped with necessary safety equipment, such as brake system, turn signal, rearview mirror, etc.
(II) Driving qualifications
In many countries, driving an electric mobility scooter for the elderly requires a corresponding driver’s license. For example, in China, electric tricycles belong to the category of motorcycle management and require a D driver’s license; low-speed electric four-wheelers belong to the category of automobile management and require a Class C driver’s license. In addition, the vehicle also needs to purchase compulsory traffic insurance to ensure basic economic protection in the event of an accident
(III) Usage specifications
In addition to vehicle standards and driving qualifications, countries have also regulated the use of electric mobility scooters for the elderly. For example, some cities restrict the driving areas of mobility scooters for the elderly and stipulate parking locations to reduce traffic congestion and safety hazards. These measures are intended to ensure the safe use of electric scooters for the elderly on public roads.
III. Market Trends and Challenges
(I) Market Trends
Technological Advances: With the continuous advancement of technology, the performance and functions of electric scooters for the elderly have been significantly improved. For example, the extension of battery life, the improvement of design, and the integration of intelligent technologies (such as GPS tracking, remote monitoring, etc.) make electric scooters more convenient, reliable and safe.
Leasing and Subscription Services: The increasing popularity of leasing and subscription services allows the elderly to use electric scooters more flexibly without long-term ownership. This service model not only reduces the cost of use, but also improves the utilization rate of the equipment.
Personalized Demand: Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on meeting the personalized needs of elderly users, such as comfortable seats, easy-to-use controls and advanced safety features. These improvements help improve user satisfaction and the market competitiveness of products.
(II) Market Challenges
Regulatory Restrictions: Strict regulatory requirements increase the production costs and market access difficulties of enterprises. For example, some small enterprises may find it difficult to meet high standards of production requirements and be eliminated by the market
Safety Issues: Although technological advances have improved the safety of electric scooters, traffic accidents still occur from time to time. Therefore, improving the traffic safety awareness and driving skills of the elderly is an important challenge currently faced
Market competition: As the market continues to expand, competition is becoming increasingly fierce. Enterprises need to continuously improve in terms of technological innovation, product quality and after-sales service to win market share
IV. Conclusion
The international market’s policy environment and regulatory requirements for electric scooters for the elderly are becoming increasingly stringent, but at the same time, they also provide strong support for the development of the market. The government’s subsidy policy, green travel initiatives and strict market access standards have jointly promoted the healthy development of the electric scooter market for the elderly. Enterprises need to pay close attention to policy changes, actively respond to regulatory challenges, and meet the growing travel needs of the elderly through technological innovation and high-quality services. In the future, with the continuous advancement of technology and further standardization of the market, electric scooters for the elderly are expected to be more widely used worldwide, providing more convenience and safety for the elderly’s travel.
Post time: Jan-13-2025