Beijing city has over 50,000 government operated rental bikes. You can find them nearly everywhere. You know, the ones that you can use a subway card to rent out, are heavy looking–you know what I’m talking about–the red and white ones that you mostly see zooming past you. Honestly speaking, I am not sure how to work those rental bikes, but the good news is that there’s a new hipster-looking bicycle brand for rent!
As I was cycling yesterday morning, one cyclist passed me, and all I could think of was how cool his bike looked. What was really amazing was when I tried to race it, having Rusty (that’s the name of my bike) try to catch up to the new bike on the block! Of course, he didn’t stand a chance to the new orange and black bikes operated by Mobike.
Beijing is the second city, after Shanghai, to have these shiny bikes zooming across the city. Mobikes can be found gracing the city in the areas of Zhongghuancun, Gulou, and Sanyuanqiao. The main appeal of the bike is not its cool appearance, but how it’s lighter than the 1920s red and white ones.
Our sister publication, thebeijinger, was invited by Mobike to test out the bikes. Head over to read their take on the Mobike experience.
Note: There are no kids’ bikes available at the moment, and whether these will be offered in the future remains to be seen. The current bikes can be used by children over the age of 12 as the bikes are small. Taller teens might have a problem using them.
Photos: Mobike.com
