Society

Electric bike bans spark debate

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-06-23 16:26

BEIJING - Electric bicycles, or battery-driven bikes, are popular in China because of their low gas emissions, low price, and ability to zigzag through traffic jams.

However, electric bikes are banned in some Chinese cities because they are believed to contribute - proportionally more than other vehicles - to a rising number of road accidents.

And these bans continue to spark controversy among public, with about 120 million electric bikes already in use throughout the country.

The southern city of Shenzhen, which borders Hong Kong, is one of the cities to have banned e-bikes in main downtown areas. The ban, which has been in force since June 6, is aimed at reducing traffic accidents.

Riders of e-bikes in the banned areas will face fines of 200 yuan starting next month.

Statistics from local police show electric-powered bicycles caused 268 accidents resulting in 64 deaths last year in Shenzhen, which has over 500,000 e-bikes.

The ban is expected to greatly increase the operational costs of express delivery companies.

Du Sheng, a courier of Shenzhen Yuantong Express Company, said many customers have complained about him delivering goods late since he switched to riding a normal bicycle.

And due to couriers struggling to deliver goods on time, the express company Du works for has had to employ more couriers. "My income has also been reduced," Du said, admitting that he now wants to quit his job.

Xie Yimin, head of the Shenzhen Yuantong Express Company, said the company will have to pass on the increased human resources costs to its consumers.