Requirement for All Scooter Riders to Wear Helmets as of Jun 1 Deemed Fake News

For the past several days, China's scooter owners have been navigating a world of misinformation following news that all riders will be required to wear a helmet as of Jun 1. However, despite such bastions of outstanding state media coverage like Global Times reporting otherwise, it appears that the "nationwide policy" is not so nationwide after all. Rather, it only pertains to Jiangsu and Zhejiang, prompting cries from citizens and watchdogs that the country's helmet sellers have leaped on the news and misconstrued it to ignite sales.

The confusion began on May 15, when local transport agencies in Jiangsu and Zhejiang announced that from Jun 1 onwards scooter riders found not wearing a helmet would be fined up to RMB 50. There is not, however, presently a plan to enforce these fines elsewhere. Instead, local transport bureaus will promote a nationwide awareness program, comically dubbed "One Helmet, One Belt," teaching motorists the benefits of wearing a helmet or belting up. 

In light of the initial province-specific announcement, scooter owners quickly found that the price of helmets online rose overnight from an average RMB 30 to upwards of RMB 100, "with even defective products selling out," according to 163. Cries of price gouging have since been investigated by the State Administration of Market Supervision and Administration, who are keen not to see a repeat of skyrocketing mask prices witnessed during the coronavirus pandemic.

Whether the new policy has been exaggerated for financial gain or not, it's still wise to wear a helmet. According to Sina, research has shown that the correct use of safety helmets and safety belts can reduce the risk of traffic accident deaths by between 60-70 percent, with approximately 80 percent of all motorcycle and electric bicycle deaths caused by head injuries.

If you're on the hunt for a helmet, be sure to check its safety certification via the various China Compulsory Product Certifications (3Cs) etched into the helmet. Behind each CCC, there should be a code, which corresponds to a specific manufacturer and product. Read more on how to check your helmet's authenticity here (in Chinese).

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Photo: Joshua Fernandez (via Unsplash)