In July, Guangzhou implemented new regulations to crack down on modified electric bikes. Photo: Zhang Zhitao, special contributor/Caixin

Electric bikes are wildly popular with Guangzhou residents, due to their affordability, minimal maintenance requirements, and ability to maneuver through congested traffic. Photo: Zhang Zhitao, special contributor/Caixin

Guangzhou is estimated to have nearly 5 million electric bikes, while its total population at the end of 2022 was reported to be 18.73 million, according to the Guangdong Electric Vehicle Association. This means approximately one in four residents owns an electric bike. Photo: Zhang Zhitao, special contributor/Caixin

The presence of electric bikes has proven disruptive to regular traffic flow. Data released by the city's transportation bureau showed, traffic accidents involving electric bikes have surged by 63% in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year. Photo: Zhang Zhitao, special contributor/Caixin

Bike riders navigate through a congested road in Guangzhou on July 26. Photo: Zhang Zhitao, special contributor/Caixin

Zengcha Road, which was once home to Guangzhou’s largest wholesale market for motorcycle parts, has now been transformed into a street filled with electric bike shops. Photo: Zhang Zhitao, special contributor/Caixin

In 2006, Guangzhou imposed a ban on electric bikes. The ban proved ineffective due to lax enforcement. Since 2015, the rapid expansion of delivery services fueled an increase in the use of electric bikes throughout the city. Photo: Zhang Zhitao, special contributor/Caixin

People deliver goods by electric bikes in Guangzhou’s Kangle village on Feb. 20. Photo: Zhang Zhitao, special contributor/Caixin

Traffic police officers carry out facial recognition registrations for bike riders on April 14. In November 2021, the city began issuing licenses to bike riders and implemented classified registration plates. Photo: Zhang Zhitao, special contributor/Caixin

From November 2021 to May 2023, Guangzhou constructed over 600 kilometers of lanes and installed more than 170,000 meters of barriers to separate electric bikes from other vehicles on the roads. Photo: Zhang Zhitao, special contributor/Caixin

A parking lot adjacent to a subway station is occupied by electric bikes on July 12. Photo: Zhang Zhitao, special contributor/Caixin

Residents charge their bikes at a charging station in Haizhu district on July 31. The safety of parking and charging electric bikes has become a major concern for residents due to cases of explosions. Photo: Zhang Zhitao, special contributor/Caixin

A couple enjoys the view by the riverside with their electric bike parked nearby on June 10. Photo: Zhang Zhitao, special contributor/Caixin