Sometimes
when living here I feel like I effortlessly reap the benefits of the
conveniences of an economic boom. But in other times I feel the
system of red tape suffocate my independent spirit. For the last 2
years a significant outlet for my independent spirit has been zipping
around Chinese markets, industrial parks, and residential side roads
on my handy “PaShanWang” (literally “the King of climbing
mountains”). Though the mere 48 volt and under 30 mph would never
have the slightest hope of making it up anything more than a little
bunny hill. Nevertheless, its noiseless motor (recharged every other
night) and narrow size was an amazing asset to provide freedom,
convenience, and speed home after a long day at the office.
Beginning
the start of next month, there will be a step on the “red tape”
direction as all bikes that do not have a license placed on it will
presumably be taken when in public. So, I decided to investigate what
I had to do in order to register this bike for legal riding in the
city.
After
two unsuccessful trips to different police offices I finally showed
up at the right location a few minutes before they began registering
individual's bikes. In the chaos of a sea of bikes waiting to be
registered I was clearly the only foreigner there (everyone was quite
puzzled why I didn't drive a BMW). The officials said the only
foreigner who had tried registering for the whole month.
I
quickly was told that I didn't have the right documents (I had to
have my residence permit). After yet another unsuccessful trip, where
I learned they couldn't read my English documents, I had one of my
Chinese friends go to help and use his identification. Now, mind you,
I didn't need to have a drivers license or any apparent skill in
driving the vehicle. Other than documentation all I needed was a
$1.60 fee.
The
next afternoon after getting the two license plates, I went to the
electric bike realtor who I was told could help install the plates on
my bike. To their amazement. I still was using a bike that I had
bought almost a year and a half before! I didn't know if I should
take the comment to mean that they were amazed that I hadn't lost it
yet (theft is rampant) or that the quality of the bike was still in
such good shape. Regardless the picture below is take after they had
finished attaching the license plate (with the help of two cable
ties) to my bike tire guard.
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I
now am free to ride in freedom without the fear of having my bike
taken away from me. My independent electric bike riding is still a
joy to take me away from the cares of a hard day.
And
yes... I am the “weird' one who wears a helmet.
-David
