We are getting mixed signals about taking the electric bike.
The recent news from Shenzhen is they have started to ban then, as has been done in a few other big cities here, citing a high accident rate.
Complete with a hefty fine and having the bike impounded.
Opposite that, we talked to an Old Lady while there who was sitting on her electric bike just outside our new warehouse. She informed us where she parked it and charged the battery. The police, like any sane person, don't usually mess with an Old Lady.
Because of traffic congestion in the big cities, getting a license for a car is ridiculously difficult and expensive. And with subway, city bus and taxi stops so conveniently placed nearby the bike is not truly needed anymore.
Shopping for food is also close and I'm grasping for reasons to take the bike and the risk.
The best I can do is the feeling of freedom when flying through the streets, wind wafting my hair and the thrill of returning home alive. Its the most fun you can have with your clothes on.
Taxi rides are cheap here. The meter starts at about $1 and if you go only a few kilometers the fare is only a couple of bucks. A bus ride is about 19 cents if you have the Metro card which can also be used for the subway or to pay the taxi. I think there are 5 "lines" that compose the Shenzhen subway. About $1 depending on how may transfers to different lines but we went a LONG way, about 45 minutes at high speed, for less than 2 bucks. The same ride by taxi would be $20 and take twice as long.
So there is no economic incentive to bring the bike. Would miss the hair wafting though.
