Making the switch to electric scooter, and enjoying a bit more freedom on roads
Print Edition
I never thought I would jump on the electric scooter bandwagon, especially with Shanghai’s amazing public transportation network, but I made the leap, and so far I haven’t looked back!
The main reason I didn’t consider buying an electric scooter — or dianpingche — earlier was to do with my health and nothing else. I’m actually pretty healthy, but I credit that in no small part to riding my pushbike nearly everywhere for the past two years.
Wherever I needed to go, up to about 20 kilometers return, I’d just ride my bicycle. This meant that I was getting in quite a lot of cardio exercise during my student life, which allowed me to eat lots of chocolate and white rice (I’m a true southerner) and baozi (steamed buns) and McDonald’s without having to worry too much about my waist.
But then I encountered other problems that I can’t really rule out being, at least in part, to do with riding a bicycle so much.
Bouts of coughing
For the past few years I’ve been quite susceptible to rather serious bouts of coughing, and the doctors I saw really didn’t know why.
That’s what got me thinking: When you ride a bike, at least for medium or long distances, it can really be quite a workout, raising your heart and breathing rates. Maybe it was to do with breathing in too much polluted air?
I know I can wear a filter mask but c’mon, who does that while they’re slogging away on a pushbike? And I know Shanghai’s air isn’t that dirty, compared with other parts of China, but hey, I’m from New Zealand.
On top of that, I really felt like I was losing a little too much weight with all that cardio, especially from my face. Not a good look.
So, when I started working full-time here at Shanghai Daily, I faced a real dilemma. It’s too far to ride a pushbike from home to work and back every day — once a week is fine — and standing on the subway for one hour and 20 minutes each and every day during peak hours was a bit much to contemplate.
That’s when I had to decide: move closer to work, or get a dianpingche. The choice was easy once I looked at rental prices around Jing’an District.
Buying dianpingche?
As a rookie, I really didn’t know what I should be looking for in an electric scooter. After a bit of research I found out the things that were important to me. Firstly, I wanted to know how far a bike can travel on a single battery charge — mine can go 75 kilometers, but the seller didn’t mention that this calculation is just when traveling in the slower gear (there are two) and without lights. All good.
Next, you’ll want to know top speeds. As I mentioned, my bike has two gears: one faster than the other. The first gear, which I use majority of the time, has a top speed of about 38km/h — which is perfect for Shanghai’s busy streets where we’re always dodging cars and bikes pulling out without looking, and pedestrians who love to walk right down the middle of busy streets. The second gear will get me speeding along at 50-55km/h, but that’s really too fast for general cruising on Shanghai’s road. I just use the second gear when I need a quick boost to get through a changing traffic light or to pass someone.
It also pays to make sure you have a secure and covered place to park your bike at home and, preferably, at work too. Remember, that place needs easy access to power points that you can use. Charging typically takes from 6-8 hours, so if you can charge while at work, or overnight at home, that’s perfect! You won’t need to charge every day.
Laws you may not know
There are a few laws, and non-existent laws, you will need to consider. Firstly, a license is not required for an electric scooter, however, you will need to register for a license plate, which can all be done at the store you’re buying the scooter from. They will need your passport, details, and the police form from your place of residence.
After application, your plate will arrive in a few days. You can ride your new bike without one, just show the police your application form (the shop will give you this) if you’re stopped, which says you’re waiting for your plate to arrive.
Secondly, there is no law requiring electric scooter drivers to wear a helmet (although the government suggests you do). I would definitely recommend wearing one anyway, and you can easily make sure you get one for free when you buy your bike.
Thirdly, despite this being very common, it’s actually illegal to carry another rider with you on the back. Sometimes this is enforced and sometimes it isn’t, but it always makes sense to follow local laws anyway.
Lastly, pay attention to which streets you can and can’t ride on. You might end up with a fine for riding down a street you’re prohibited to use, even if you’re just following everyone else. These streets are normally quite obviously signposted with “No Bikes” signs.
Freebies, freebies, freebies!
It’s easy to get all the accessories you need for free when buying a new bike. This includes a helmet, lock and rain coat. You could push for more, depending. Also, make sure you have at least one year’s warranty.
I’m glad I made the leap and bought an electric scooter — it’s certainly expanded my possibilities and given me quite a bit more freedom. Now I just need to head to the gym and do leg workouts a bit more often. But since I’m so busy this month, I might start later…
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
