深圳 [Shenzhen] #1 - 沙井电动单车 [Shajing E-Bikes]

in #travel7 years ago

E-bikes are everywhere in Chinese cities, being a cheap, quick and easy way to negotiate the often chaotic traffic. I took all these photos in the space of about 15 minutes today.

20170817_125004.jpg

I've never seen an actual British person ride one of these popular designs.

20170817_125210.jpg

There are modern ones, rusted ones, long ones, short ones, some even flash neon lights.

20170817_125136.jpg

Older bikes, held together with string and hope, co-exist with those polished to a sheen.

20170817_125509.jpg

In Shajing you can hire migrant worker e-bike taxis to take you around for about 10元 (£1). Sometimes I pay more due to being a foreigner, a local tax I accept with good humour

20170817_125752.jpg

They are illegal, however, and everyday a street war between the e-bikes and police occurs. If caught they confiscate the bike with no repayment in an attempt to clean up the streets, essentially taking the migrants means of income.

20170817_124938.jpg

"The police are the biggest gang in China" one migrant tells me. Often the taxis refuse to take me, and those that do swerve down alleyways I'd never have otherwise seen to avoid the major checkpoints.

Sort:  

Congratulations @retversus! You have received a personal award!

1 Year on Steemit
Click on the badge to view your Board of Honor.

Do you like SteemitBoard's project? Then Vote for its witness and get one more award!

Congratulations @retversus! You received a personal award!

Happy Birthday! - You are on the Steem blockchain for 2 years!

You can view your badges on your Steem Board and compare to others on the Steem Ranking

Vote for @Steemitboard as a witness to get one more award and increased upvotes!