It's all about e-scooters and bicycles! In Beijing, the capital of China, you'll see a lovely sight on the streets. Hundreds and thousands of people use e-scooters and bicycles on special lanes to get to their destinations. These lanes keep them safe from big vehicles like cars. For poets, this can symbolise personal freedom in a communist society.
In recent years, the automobile industry has been focusing on electric vehicles. They come in various forms, from e-bicycles and passenger cars to buses and trucks. Governments and consumers around the world are embracing this innovation.
Even the environmentally conscious folks are happy with it. Our northern neighbour is leading the way in electric vehicle market, as well as in innovation and development. Beijing can serve as a role model for other cities when it comes to using and managing e-scooters and e-bikes, and creating a sustainable urban transportation system.
People in China love electric two-wheelers because they are easy to use and perfect for navigating crowded city streets and narrow lanes. Commuters find them handy for short trips to work or the local market, avoiding the hassle of parking cars or regular bikes.
They are also cheaper to operate than traditional gasoline vehicles. This makes them a great choice for Beijing residents looking to save money on transportation. Plus, they're good for the environment and help fight air pollution and environmental damage.
They produce no emissions, which helps the city meet its goals of cleaner air and a smaller carbon footprint. Lately, Beijing has seen a drop in emissions from personal vehicles.
E-scooters have also made a big difference in easing traffic in Beijing. They take up less road space and can zip through traffic quickly.
This has made them an important part of the city's transportation system, connecting people to public transit stations for those last few miles of their journey. Commuters use them to bridge the gap between their homes and subway or bus stops.
This has been a game-changer for managing traffic and getting around the city. You can find e-bikes and scooters near the metro or train stations and bus stops. All of these electric vehicles are registered digitally, so people can unlock and pay for them online, mostly through WeChat.
Beijing's government understands the importance of regulating electric two-wheelers to ensure they are used safely and responsibly. They've set a speed limit of about 25 kilometers per hour. Many major roads in Beijing now have special lanes or paths just for e-scooters and e-bikes, keeping them separate from pedestrians and regular bicycles.
These two-wheelers are even allowed on sidewalks and pedestrian crossings. Traffic rules are strictly enforced, so unlike in Nepal, these lanes are not invaded by other vehicles.
However, there's one concern: helmets are not mandatory for riders, so even minor accidents can be very dangerous. Improper parking of e-scooters and e-bikes on sidewalks is also a common problem, blocking pedestrian walkways.
Nepal can take some valuable lessons from Beijing's electric two-wheeler system. There's a big business opportunity for private or public companies to offer rental services to people, helping them get from their homes to the nearest bus stop. All big cities, including Kathmandu, should have wider sidewalks and dedicated lanes for e-bikes.
Published in The Rising Nepal on 5 October 2023.
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