The Guangdong cities of Zhongshan, Huizhou and Zhanjiang have been selected as pilot areas where stricter rules on electric bikes will be introduced in coming months, according to the Guangzhou Daily.

Under the rules, all electric bikes will soon have to be granted licenses before they are allowed on roads in the three cities.

Riders of electric bikes and mopeds will also have to wear helmets, and have motor insurance. Electric bikes will not be allowed to be ridden at more than 15 km an hour on roads and streets designated for non-motor vehicles.

All electric bikes and mopeds that fail to meet State standards will not be allowed to be sold after March 30, traffic police from Zhongshan told local media on Monday. Those continuing to sell substandard bikes and mopeds will be fined up to 15,000 yuan ($2,390).

The new rules are being introduced after an increasing number of accidents involving electric bikes on roads in the three cities.