How to Get an Electric Bike in Beijing
Although bike sharing apps like MoBike and Ofo are currently trending, allowing people to pick up, ride and drop off a bicycle anywhere and anytime they want, regular bikes are not enough for people that need a more effortless and quick mode of transportation, like the electric bike. Here’s a guide for how to purchase an electric bike in Beijing.
Where to buy electric bikes in Beijing
It’s usually easy to spot an electric bike store from far away, as the sellers commonly line up their proudly owned stock on the front yard of their stores. Here’s a list of the electric bike shops in Beijing, summarized by the Chinese electric bike website easybuybike.com. The list is in Chinese only, but you can refer to the translations in the screenshots below to find out how to use the list.
How to select an electric bike
When it comes to electric bicycles, there is more to consider compared to regular bikes. For example, you’ll need to decide if you want flexible speed control, and you’ll need to learn how to maintain battery life. Below are five major principles that will help you to make a choice that is right for you:
Research the brand
You should always go with the big and trustworthy brands that have passed the ISO9001-2000 quality test. Brands like Lvyuan, Aima, Giant and Xinri are all well-established and reliable.
Learn about service and repair
As different electric bike brands don’t share the same parts, you’ll need to make sure that there’s a local repair shop that specializes in the brand you choose. This is also one reason why you should go with the big name brands.
Know the types and styles of bikes
There are basically two types of electric bikes: one looks more like a motorcycle, with a powerful battery and an extremely comfortable seat, and the other is simpler and cheaper and usually has two pedals that you can use when your bike is out of battery power. You should also keep in mind that electric bikes are at a higher risk of getting stolen in China, so you may need to purchase an expensive lock for a high-end model.
Be careful of the parts
Electric bikes have a higher demand for parts than regular bikes, and that’s why you should check the parts even more carefully before payment. You should pay special attention to the tires, brakes, handlebar flexibility, chain (for electric bikes with pedals), and the battery. What’s more, you should also check if the auxiliary features, like the screen displaying battery life, speed and distance, work properly.
Ask yourself if you are really ready for an electric bike?
Last, but not least, ask the seller how long the battery lasts. Make sure that it can sustain your journey. If not, make sure that you can charge the battery somewhere. Some roadside shops and news stands provide electric bike battery charging services.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Culture Trip Spring Sale
Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.
