Shared bike [Photo via tuchong.com]

For Beijing residents, riding a shared bicycle has become a more common way of transportation. There are various brands of shared bikes for you to choose, like Meituan bicycle, Hellobike, Qingju bike...

Taking Meituan bicycle as an example, we will introduce you how to use a  shared bicycle.

You can download the APP by searching '美团' or Meituan in the App Store.

Open the app and you will see the login page. Firstly, you need to input your telephone number to sign in. On the left side, country code can be chosen. Secondly, a verification code is needed to be taken by SMS. Tap in the code on the left side. Then click the bottom button to start.

Next, you can look for the Meituan bicycles nearby. After finding an available bike, you need to unlock it via the QR code at the back of the seat.

Then you can just start your bike tour. Don't forget to lock the bike after the tour or you will be continually charged.

Charging standard of Meituan bicycle: CNY ¥1.5 for half an hour, CNY ¥3 for an hour, charged per half hour, and the minimum unit is half an hour, that is, even if you only ride after unlocking 2 minutes, also charge 30 minutes. You can also choose a bicycle time card or month card.

Public bicycles

Requirements for “Public Bicycle Rental” Card

1. All personnel who are aged between 18 and 65 years old, over 130CM tall, in good health, and stay in Beijing for work, study, travel, or business.

2. Personnel who are based in Beijing for the long term must provide the following materials:

(1) The second-generation resident ID card or passport of the cardholder;

(2) Legal certificates for living in Beijing (work residence permit, foreigner residence permit, student ID card, military officer ID card, civilian ID card, soldier ID card, temporary residence permit, etc.), or proof of social insurance payment for more than one year;

(3) An Yikatong card bearing the “©” logo (special-shaped cards are excluded, and the balance in the card should not be less than CNY ¥30);

(4) Pay the CNY ¥200 Credit Guarantee Fund. 

3. Temporary visitors to Beijing shall provide the following materials:

(1) The second-generation resident ID card or passport of the cardholder;

(2) An Yikatong card bearing the “©” logo (special-shaped cards are excluded, and the balance in the card should not be less than CNY ¥30);

(3) Pay the CNY ¥400 Credit Guarantee Fund.

4. Others:

(1) The original and photocopy of the above documents and certificates shall be provided;

(2) The Public Bicycle Rental Service Contract must be signed for the rental of public bicycles under the name of the person.

Rental fee

The ride is free of charge within 1 hour, CNY ¥1 per hour for a ride of more than 1 hour (if the duration is less than 1 hour, it will be counted as 1 hour), and the fee is capped at CNY ¥10 for a ride of 24 hours.

Rental and return time

The rental service time is from 6:00 to 24:00, and the return service time is 24/7.

Remarks: Bicycles in the six districts of the city can be stored and retrieved interchangeably (cross-district rental and return is permitted). Suburbs operate independently, and bicycles in each suburb can be stored and retrieved interchangeably (no cross-district rental and return is permitted). In addition, there are a large number of shared bicycles on the streets of Beijing. At present, brands on offer are typically Meituan Bicycle, Green Orange Bicycle, Convenience Bee Bicycle, and Hello Bicycle. Users can open the apps of different bicycle brands and scan the QR code on the shared bicycles to unlock and ride the bicycle. Currently, the charging rules of major bicycle brands in Beijing are generally CNY ¥1 every 15 minutes, and CNY ¥0.5-CNY ¥1 every 15 minutes after the initial 15 minute period.