Bikes
...or perhaps, ebikes?
As the song goes… “There are nine million bicycles in Beijing…” and it’s true. Well, it was anyway. The Chinese are surely keen on bikes and this useful craze has just grown over the decades with families going on bike rides. But it has changed. Now are living in the age of the ebike!
Beijing is now more afflicted by cars (and subsequent gridlock) as is Shanghai and most large cities, rather than bike chaos but across the land it is a great way to get around.
There are so many types and brands available that I couldn’t list them here, but once you’ve purchased a good one then it’ll last a long while. Repairs are found from roadside bike guys, dirtied and greased and ready to fix anything wrong (although they are becoming fewer and farther in between). They will casually inspect your bike, rummage through their battered, old roadside unit and in no time at all get your bike sorted.
Ebikes have bike stations, beside roads and malls, which is a simple scan (Wechat and Alipay). Check our article on Social Media to link a bank card! It's essential.
These ebikes are either scooter or normal bike style. The QR codes are found somewhere on the vehicle and you'll need to wear the attached helmet. Be sure to scan (or lock) your bike after you get to your destination ebike station. This is a great way to get around but take care of the roads on there.
Scooters
If you stay a while in China and it’s appropriate, you should definitely buy an electric scooter. There are lots of scooter repair shops and they quite common. A license is supposed to be obtained but most people don't bother. Most of all, wear a helmet and avoid carrying passengers, or you may get stung by the police at one of their roadside police checks.
Check our article on Driving
