Hefei Expat - China

Old Forums => Legal => Driving in China => Topic started by: Virginia9742 on October 09, 2011, 08:46:56 am

Title: Driving bikes and cars in Hefei
Post by: Virginia9742 on October 09, 2011, 08:46:56 am

I'm thinking of buying a scooter or a car, as the taxis are really frustrating me.  I have taken the bus a couple times, but that is a bit difficult, and so slow and hot.  I have a bicycle with I have been brave enough to venture out on a few times, but mostly just use it around the USTC campus.

Does anyone else get around by bicycle, scooter, car etc?  Have you almost been run over?

Title: Re: Driving bikes and cars in Hefei
Post by: Aussie Mike on October 09, 2011, 10:12:21 am

I was riding a bike until the rego expired. 
I always felt safer on the bike than walking but then I've been riding bikes for 40 years.
If you get a bike less than 80cc I don't think you need a license.

Title: Re: Driving bikes and cars in Hefei
Post by: Virginia9742 on October 11, 2011, 02:20:29 am

Oh really?  I was wondering if I would need a license.  I feel pretty safe on a bicycle, even in China, since I've been commuting off and on for a few years, though I don't think that actually means I am safe.  I think I would prefer a car, but I currently have no place to park it.  Maybe a gas scooter would be better, and they are so cheap!

By the way Mike, have you ever been in an accident in Hefei?  Just curious, it seems as if road accidents would be common.

Title: Re: Driving bikes and cars in Hefei
Post by: Aussie Mike on October 11, 2011, 10:22:43 am

Nothing serious, a few bumps. I had one accident where the bike received 3000rmb damage which he paid 2000 of and I wasn't about to quibble over 1000.

That was at a set of lights at a T junction and the guy cut behind another across the lanes to beat the traffic but the first guy stopped but the second didn't, I collided into his front guard which twisted the forks and smashed a few fiberglass mouldings. 

No harm done. I wear a full face helmet, plenty of padding and good solid boots.

Title: Re: Driving bikes and cars in Hefei
Post by: dsw on October 18, 2011, 12:57:31 pm

Where's a good place to buy bikes?

Title: Re: Driving bikes and cars in Hefei
Post by: Virginia9742 on October 18, 2011, 02:19:35 pm

What?  You mean you don't wear a bicycle helmet with the chin strap undone?

Title: Re: Driving bikes and cars in Hefei
Post by: Aussie Mike on October 18, 2011, 04:54:58 pm

I find the low quality Chinese construction eggshell helmet is the most ridiculous but chin strap is essential for any helmet or you have to keep stopping and go back to pick it up when it blows off.  ???

Title: Re: Driving bikes and cars in Hefei
Post by: Bavarian on October 18, 2011, 10:43:27 pm

I'll get my company car and driving license end of this week.
Going to be fun, so ya all watch out for a Metal Brown VW Touran ;-)

Title: Re: Driving bikes and cars in Hefei
Post by: Virginia9742 on October 20, 2011, 03:07:06 am

That sounds awesome!  I have so many questions.  Where did you get your bike?  How much did you pay?  Is it modified?

I want!!

Title: Re: Driving bikes and cars in Hefei
Post by: rgeczi on November 19, 2011, 11:43:52 am

Kim, they have motors higher than 5000 watts.  They have them up to 8KW (8000 watts) now.  ;)

Title: Re: Driving bikes and cars in Hefei
Post by: ebby on February 25, 2012, 02:19:12 pm

     I  have a cool n well maintained maxam scooter JL150T-F Japanese brand for sale, I bought it last year( 9months) with 48v -800w and has since been upgraded to 60v 40a 2000w. It can cover between 60km and 70km/hour. If any one is interested, The price goes for 5000yuan.