How to Rent a Sharing Bike in China With Your Smart Phone

As a foreigner traveling or conducting business in China, using bike-sharing services and mobile payments has become an essential part of daily life. In cities like Shanghai (上海), Beijing (北京), and Shenzhen (深圳), bike-sharing services are a popular mode of transportation because they are convenient, eco-friendly, and easy to use. Some of the most common bike-sharing brands include Meituan bikes (美团单车), Hello bikes (哈罗单车), and DiDi Qingju bikes (滴滴青桔单车). If you’re new to China, this guide will help you navigate the bike-sharing services, including how to rent bikes using apps like Meituan, Hello Bike, and DiDi Qingju, and how to pay using international payment methods like Alipay (支付宝) and WeChat Pay (微信支付).

Bike-sharing Apps in China

Meituan Bike (Yellow)

Meituan, a well-known Chinese tech company founded in 2010 and headquartered in Beijing (北京), acquired Mobike (摩拜) in 2018 for $2.7 billion. Mobike was one of China’s earliest and largest bike-sharing brands, famous for its orange bikes. In 2019, Mobike was rebranded as Meituan Bike, now offering a range of services such as food delivery and ride-hailing, in addition to bike-sharing.

Hello Bike (Blue)

Hello Bike (哈罗单车) is another popular bike-sharing brand operated by Shanghai Hello Chuxing Technology Co., Ltd. Founded in 2016 and based in Shanghai (上海), Hello Bike provides shared bikes, electric bikes, and car-sharing services.

DiDi Qingju Bike (Green)

Operated by DiDi (滴滴), China’s leading transportation platform, Qingju Bike (青桔单车) offers green bikes for sharing and is integrated within the DiDi app, which also provides ride-hailing and other transportation services.

Steps to Rent a Bike in China

1. Download the App

To get started, download the relevant app on your phone:

  • Meituan app (美团)

  • Hello Chuxing app (哈罗出行)

  • DiDi app (滴滴出行)

These apps are available on both iOS and Android platforms.

2. Register and Log In

Once you’ve downloaded the app, register using your international phone number. This means you don’t need a Chinese phone number for registration. After registration, log in to your account.

3. Identity Verification

To verify your identity, upload a photo of your passport within the app. This is a required step for security and ensuring proper usage of the bike-sharing service.

4. Bind Your Payment Method

For payments, you can link your international credit or debit card to Alipay (支付宝) or WeChat Pay (微信支付), both of which are widely used in China. Both payment platforms now support international bank cards.

5. Renting a Bike

Once you’re logged in, open the app, find the “Shared Bike” option, and locate the nearest available bikes on the map. To unlock the bike, simply scan the QR code on the bike with the app. After unlocking, you’re ready to ride!

6. Return the Bike

Once your ride is over, make sure to park the bike in a designated area. Manually lock the bike, and the app will automatically calculate the rental fee based on the time used.

Key Considerations for Bike Rentals

1. International Phone Numbers

All three bike-sharing apps support registration with international phone numbers. Just make sure you can receive an SMS verification code.

2. Local Traffic Rules and Parking Regulations

Make sure to park your bike in a designated area to avoid fines. Each app provides maps that show authorized bike parking zones.

3. Payment Limits

Foreign tourists may encounter certain transaction limits when using international credit cards. For example, a single transaction limit might be RMB 6000 and a monthly cumulative limit might be RMB 50,000.

4. Bike Unlocking Problems

If you face issues unlocking a bike, check your network connection, restart the app, or try scanning the QR code again. If the problem persists, contact the app’s customer service for assistance.

5. Language Barriers

Although most bike-sharing apps support multiple languages, you might encounter language barriers. In that case, using translation software or asking locals for help can be very useful.

Using Alipay and WeChat Pay for Payments

In July 2023, Alipay (支付宝) and WeChat Pay (微信支付) began supporting the binding of international credit and debit cards, making it easier for foreign tourists to pay in China.

Using Alipay:

  • Download Alipay from the App Store or Google Play.

  • Register using your international phone number.

  • Complete identity verification by uploading your passport photo.

  • Bind your international credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, etc.).

Using WeChat Pay:

  • Download WeChat from the App Store or Google Play.

  • Register using your international phone number.

  • Complete identity verification by uploading your passport photo.

  • Bind your international credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, etc.).

Both Alipay and WeChat Pay allow you to pay by scanning the merchant’s QR code or having the merchant scan your QR code.

Tips for Using Shared Bikes in China

1. Peak Hour Strategy

During rush hours, there may be fewer bikes available. To increase your chances of finding a bike, consider walking a bit farther to less crowded areas or parking stations.

2. Choosing Electric Bikes

If you’re planning a longer ride or want to avoid physical exertion, opt for electric bikes (offered by services like Hello Bike). These are especially useful in hot summers or cold winters.

3. Parking Tips

Make sure to park the bike in authorized areas. Most bike-sharing apps show maps of parking zones, helping you find a spot before starting your ride.

Using a Chinese Phone Number for Additional Convenience

If you purchase a Chinese mobile phone number and complete the verification process, you’ll have access to quicker registration and easier payment methods. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

  • Register using a Chinese mobile number.

  • Verify your identity using your passport.

  • Bind a Chinese payment method (e.g., Alipay or WeChat Pay) to avoid transaction issues related to international cards.

Additional Benefits of Using a Chinese Phone Number:

  • Faster Identity Verification: Local numbers streamline the registration process.

  • Lower Payment Fees: Avoid international card payment limits and high fees by linking a Chinese payment method.

  • Better Local Support: Enjoy quicker customer service and more local promotions.

Renting shared bikes in China is straightforward and offers great convenience for both tourists and business travelers. With popular platforms like Meituan, Hello Bike, and DiDi Qingju, as well as the ability to pay using international cards through Alipay or WeChat Pay, cycling around China is easy, eco-friendly, and accessible.

Enjoy your ride through China’s vibrant cities or scenic countryside and experience the freedom and flexibility that shared bikes provide. Happy cycling! 🚴‍♂️