Battery-assisted app-based bikes debut in Shenzhen
A new type of app-based bikes with an auxiliary internal battery system that helps bikers save energy while pedaling was put into use at Shenzhen Science and Technology Park in Nanshan District on Tuesday.
The US-Bike, developed and operated by Shenzhen Qianhai Youshi Science and Technology Co., is different from electric bikes as it is powered by pedaling and only assisted by electricity.
The operator has put 1,000 bikes into use and will increase the number in Shenzhen to 10,000 before end of the year.
Customers can use the smart bikes by downloading its app, registering and paying a 298-yuan (US$44) deposit. The charge is 1 yuan for a distance within 3 kilometers and an additional 0.5 yuan for each additional kilometer. If a rider uses the bike for more than 30 minutes, the operator will charge an additional 0.5 yuan for each additional 15 minutes.
The fee standard is a little bit higher than other app-based bikes in the city which require deposits between 99 and 299 yuan and fees generally between 0.5 and 1 yuan per hour.
The red bikes are small compared to other app-based bikes.
Tests showed that riders on US-Bikes could climb slopes easier than on ordinary bicycles.
Riders generally feel tired if they ride an ordinary bike for more than 3 kilometers. But this battery-assisted bike enables riders to cover a distance of 10 kilometers without feeling fatigued. This is good news for morning commuters.
According to the operator, the bikes weigh within 20 kg and their speed is limited to within 20 kilometers per hour. If a rider travels faster than 20 kilometers per hour, the service platform will automatically cut off the auxiliary system to ensure the rider’s safety.
The battery system can assist a rider for about 80 kilometers and the service provider will maintain the power supply for the battery. The bike is also equipped with automatic sensing lamps for night riding.
A draft released by the Ministry of Transportation last month discouraged the development of app-based electric bikes. Shenzhen Municipal Transport Commission said yesterday that so far there were no rules or technical standards about bikes that are powered by pedaling and assisted by battery. The city is working on some technical and operational standards for app-based bikes with safety as the top priority.
If the speed of the battery- assisted app-based bikes is effectively controlled, the commission said it would consider them as a type of app-based bike when developing technical standards.
