A bicycle

Before you begin

Cycling in Shenzhen

Shenzhen has been developing its cycling infrastructure, making it increasingly bicycle-friendly. Whether you want to own a bicycle or use bike-sharing services, cycling can be an efficient and eco-friendly way to navigate the city.

Benefits of cycling:

• Cost-effective transportation
• Good for short to medium distances
• Exercise and health benefits
• Environmentally friendly
• Avoids traffic congestion

Options for cycling

1. Own a bicycle

• Purchase your own bike
• Full control and customization
• Requires registration
• Need secure storage

2. Bike-sharing services

• Convenient and flexible
• No ownership required
• Pay per use
• Available throughout city

3. E-bikes and electric bicycles

• Motor-assisted cycling
• Different regulations apply
• Popular for longer distances
• May require different registration

Bike registration

Is registration required?

For regular bicycles:

• Registration is technically required but rarely enforced
• Some districts may have stricter requirements
• Registration is free
• Helps with recovery if bike is stolen

For electric bicycles (e-bikes):

• Registration may be required depending on type
• Check current regulations for e-bike requirements
• Some e-bikes may need license plates
• Regulations change frequently

How to register a bicycle

Registration process:

1. Visit local police station or community center

   • Bring your bicycle
   • Bring your passport or ID
   • Fill out registration form
   • Receive registration certificate

2. Information required:

   • Personal identification
   • Bicycle details (brand, model, serial number)
   • Proof of purchase (if available)
   • Contact information

Benefits of registration:

• Helps recover stolen bikes
• Proof of ownership
• May be required for insurance claims
• Compliance with regulations

Bike-sharing services

Major bike-sharing providers

Meituan Bike (美团单车)

• Formerly Mobike
• Extensive network in Shenzhen
• Easy to find and use
• Integrated with Meituan app

Hello Bike (哈啰出行)

• Large network
• Good coverage
• User-friendly app
• Competitive pricing

Other providers:

• Various smaller providers
• Coverage varies by area
• Check availability in your district

How bike-sharing works

Getting started:

1. Download the app

   • Download provider’s mobile app
   • Register account with phone number
   • Link payment method (WeChat Pay or Alipay)

2. Finding a bike

   • Use app to locate nearby bikes
   • Scan QR code on bike
   • Unlock and start riding

3. Riding

   • Ride to your destination
   • Park in designated areas (when possible)
   • Lock the bike through app
   • Payment processed automatically

Costs (as of January 2025):

• Per ride: RMB 1.5-3.0 for first 30 minutes
• Additional time: RMB 1-2 per additional 30 minutes
• Monthly passes: Available for frequent users (varies by provider)
• Deposit: May require refundable deposit (varies by provider)

Tips:

• Check bike condition before unlocking
• Park in designated areas when possible
• Report damaged bikes through app
• Keep app updated for best experience

Buying a bicycle

Where to buy

Bicycle shops:

• Specialized bicycle stores
• Various brands available
• Can test before buying
• Professional assembly and service

Online platforms:

• Taobao, JD.com, etc.
• Wide selection
• May need assembly
• Check return policies

Second-hand options:

• Online marketplaces
• Community groups
• Bicycle shops (trade-ins)
• Verify condition before buying

What to consider

Type of bicycle:

• Road bike: For speed and distance
• Mountain bike: For varied terrain
• City/commuter bike: For daily commuting
• Folding bike: For easy storage and transport
• E-bike: Motor-assisted cycling

Price range (as of January 2025):

• Basic bicycle: RMB 300-800
• Mid-range: RMB 800-2,000
• High-end: RMB 2,000-5,000+
• E-bikes: RMB 1,500-5,000+

Additional considerations:

• Lock (essential for security)
• Helmet (safety)
• Lights (for night riding)
• Basket or panniers (for carrying items)
• Maintenance tools

Cycling infrastructure

Bike lanes

Availability:

• Dedicated bike lanes in many areas
• Coverage varies by district
• Some areas have excellent infrastructure
• Other areas still developing

Types of bike lanes:

• Dedicated bike lanes (separated from traffic)
• Shared bike lanes (with other vehicles)
• Sidewalk bike paths
• Mixed-use paths

Best districts for cycling:

• Futian: Good infrastructure in many areas
• Nanshan: Developing cycling network
• Shekou: Some good cycling paths
• Coverage improving city-wide

Parking and storage

Public bike parking:

• Designated bike parking areas
• Often near metro stations
• Some areas have bike racks
• Free to use

Secure storage:

• Some residential buildings have bike storage
• Paid bike parking at some locations
• Consider folding bike for easy storage
• Lock your bike securely

At home:

• Check if building allows bikes
• Some buildings have bike storage rooms
• Balcony storage (if allowed)
• Folding bikes easier to store

Safety and regulations

Safety tips

Essential safety practices:

• Wear a helmet: Protect your head
• Use lights: Essential for night riding
• Follow traffic rules: Obey traffic signals and signs
• Be visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing
• Stay alert: Watch for traffic and pedestrians
• Use bike lanes: When available and safe

Traffic awareness:

• Be aware of cars, buses, and other vehicles
• Watch for opening car doors
• Be cautious at intersections
• Understand local traffic patterns
• Defensive cycling is important

Traffic regulations

Rules to follow:

• Obey traffic signals and signs
• Ride in same direction as traffic (on roads)
• Use bike lanes when available
• Yield to pedestrians
• No riding on sidewalks (in most areas)
• No riding under influence

E-bike specific:

• May have speed limits
• May require license plates (check current regulations)
• Different rules may apply
• Verify current e-bike regulations

Common issues and solutions

Issue: Bike stolen

Prevention:

• Use high-quality locks
• Lock to fixed objects
• Park in visible, well-lit areas
• Use secure parking when available
• Register your bicycle
• Take photos and note serial number

If stolen:

• Report to police immediately
• Provide registration certificate if available
• Check nearby areas (thieves may move bikes)
• Check online marketplaces
• Inform community groups

Issue: Bike damaged or needs repair

Finding repair services:

• Bicycle shops offer repair services
• Some bike-sharing providers have repair stations
• Community groups may have recommendations
• Learn basic maintenance yourself

Common repairs:

• Flat tires
• Brake adjustments
• Chain maintenance
• Gear adjustments
• General tune-ups

Issue: No secure parking

Solutions:

• Use bike-sharing for convenience
• Consider folding bike for indoor storage
• Check if building has bike storage
• Use paid secure parking
• Lock securely even in “safe” areas

Issue: Weather concerns

Solutions:

• Check weather before cycling
• Have rain gear available
• Use bike-sharing on bad weather days
• Plan alternative transportation
• Be extra cautious in rain

Tips and best practices

Before cycling

• Plan your route: Know bike lanes and safe paths
• Check bike condition: Ensure brakes, tires, lights work
• Wear safety gear: Helmet, reflective clothing
• Check weather: Plan accordingly
• Have backup plan: Alternative transport if needed

While cycling

• Stay alert: Watch for traffic and hazards
• Follow rules: Obey traffic regulations
• Be visible: Use lights and wear bright colors
• Signal turns: Let others know your intentions
• Ride defensively: Assume drivers don’t see you

After cycling

• Lock securely: Use quality lock on fixed object
• Park properly: Use designated areas when possible
• Maintain bike: Regular cleaning and maintenance
• Report issues: Damaged infrastructure or safety concerns

Cost-saving tips

• Use bike-sharing: No ownership costs
• Buy second-hand: Save on purchase price
• Learn basic maintenance: Do simple repairs yourself
• Compare prices: Shop around before buying
• Consider monthly passes: If using bike-sharing frequently

Costs

Bike-sharing costs (as of January 2025)

• Per ride: RMB 1.5-3.0 for first 30 minutes
• Additional time: RMB 1-2 per additional 30 minutes
• Monthly passes: Varies by provider (typically RMB 10-30/month)
• Deposit: May require refundable deposit (RMB 0-299)

Owning a bicycle costs

Initial purchase:

• Basic bike: RMB 300-800
• Mid-range: RMB 800-2,000
• High-end: RMB 2,000-5,000+
• E-bike: RMB 1,500-5,000+

Ongoing costs:

• Locks: RMB 50-200
• Maintenance: RMB 50-200 per service
• Accessories: Varies (helmet, lights, etc.)
• Storage: May have costs if using paid parking

Registration:

• Free: Bicycle registration is typically free

Resources

Bike-sharing apps

• Meituan Bike: Available in Meituan app
• Hello Bike: Hello Bike app
• Download from App Store or Google Play

Finding bicycle shops

• Search online for bicycle shops in your area
• Check shopping malls and commercial areas
• Ask in community groups for recommendations

Cycling maps and routes

• Some apps show bike-friendly routes
• Check district websites for cycling infrastructure maps
• Ask in community groups for recommended routes

Related articles

• A vehicle - Other transportation options
• Moving to Shenzhen - General transportation information

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