Ah, Shanghai! A city where the pace is fast, the dumplings are hot, and the bikes are plentiful. Welcome to your go-to guide for navigating the shared bike seas in this bustling metropolis. Whether you're a fresh face from afar or a local laoban, this little FAQ will have you zipping through the lanes like a seasoned pro.

Let's pedal through the details together.

Q: Which brand or kind of shared bike do we have in Shanghai?

A: There is a colorful cavalcade of shared bikes in Shanghai! It's like a rainbow on wheels. Here's the scoop on the top trio of pedal-pushers that keep this city moving:

1. Hello Bike (哈啰单车) – Spot these sky-blue chariots of convenience zipping along the city streets. They're part of the AliPay family, so if you've got the app, you're basically halfway there.

2. Meituan Bike (美团单车) – Can't miss the sunshine yellow of these bikes, affectionately dubbed xiaohuangche (小黄车) or the little yellow bike. They're bright, they're bold, and they're part of the giant Meituan ecosystem.

3. Qingju (青桔单车) – These are the sleek greenish-blue bikes under the wing of Didi, the ride-hailing giant.

Cen Tianxu

Q: Do I need to pay deposit for using shared bikes?

A: No.

Q: How do I use the bikes?

Jumping onto one of Shanghai's shared bikes is as easy as snagging a seat at your favorite xiaolongbao spot during off-peak hours! Here's how to get rolling:

1. Choose Your App and Bike Brand: First up, download the app for the bike brand you want to ride – Hello Bike, Meituan Bike, or Qingju. These apps are your gateway to breezy city traveling. Once downloaded, you'll need to link a bank card for payment. Don't worry; it's as secure as the vault at the Bank of Shanghai!

2. Unlocking Your Bike: This is where the magic happens. Open the app and use it to scan the QR code on the bike. This QR code is like the secret handshake that says, "Hey, I'm ready to ride!" And voilà, the bike unlocks, and it's all yours for the journey.

3. Using Alipay and WeChat: You've got options here! Both Alipay and WeChat have mini-programs for these bikes. For Hello Bike, Meituan, and Qingju, just hop onto Alipay. Alipay is especially friendly if your Mandarin needs work, because they recently released a translate feature that helps converts all on-page text for you. WeChat isn't just for gossip and stickers – it'll get you access to Meituan and Qingju bikes too.

Click here to see more: How to rent and use shared bikes in Shanghai

Q: What are the fees for using these bikes?

1. For a single ride, it typically charges 1.5 yuan for the first 15 minutes, and adds 1 yuan for every subsequent 15 minutes. During public holidays, Meituan charges 1.8 yuan for the first 15 minutes.

2. Each bike-sharing brand offers discounted ride packages. For example, Meituan offers a 7-day unlimited ride pass for only 6.48 yuan and a 30-day pass for 17.86 yuan.

3. Be aware that when you finish riding, the bike needs to be placed in designated public parking areas marked with white lines; otherwise, you will be fined between 2 and 20 yuan by the platform.

Q: What's the drill for locking up the bike and parking it once I'm done riding?

A: In the ever-evolving landscape of Shanghai's bike-sharing scene, you'll encounter two types of locks. There's the vintage model with a charming physical lock, and then there's the sleek, new-age version that seems to have misplaced its physical lock somewhere along the way.

Click here to see more details: Shared bicycles without physical locks hit city streets

For those riding the high-tech wave, these modern bikes feature a neat trick – a split lock. No more fiddling with actual locks; just a tap on your smartphone, and presto! The bike secures itself and tallies up your fee, all with the grace of a digital magician.

After riding, the app will show the screen of the lock and simply tapping it will lock the bike and charge the fee.

When it's time to say goodbye, do make sure you park your mechanical steed in one of the designated spots, marked by artistic white lines. Consider it the VIP parking of the bike world – ignore these spots at your wallet's peril, as fines range from a mild annoyance to a downright party spoiler.

Q: What should I do if I unlock a bike that has a problem?

A: No need to panic if you find yourself pedaling nowhere fast with a bike that's seen better days. Let's take Hello Bike's mini program in Alipay as our guide. Just pop open the app where you initially scanned the QR code to unlock your less-than-perfect chariot.

You'll find a handy "repair" section right there. A few taps and you can report the issue, making it a smooth ride for the next would-be cyclist and earning some good karma along the way!

After you've navigated to the "repair" section, simply snap a photo of the malfunctioning part and submit it through the app. This will not only help the next rider but also alerts the system to waive any charges associated with your ill-fated journey.

Once you've documented the issue, make sure to lock up the bike you're abandoning. Then, feel free to scan another bike to continue on your way without missing a beat.

If you find yourself puzzled by a problem you can't pinpoint – say, the bike won't unlock even though your app cheerily tells you that your trip has started – don't fret. Head over to the customer service section within the app. Select the issue you're encountering, and like a virtual cavalry, customer service will swoop in to resolve the matter swiftly and ensure you're not charged for the inconvenience.

Q: What else should I be aware of?

- Follow traffic laws: Obey all traffic signals, signs, and regulations. This includes stopping at red lights, yielding to pedestrians, and riding in the correct direction on one-way streets.

- Stay in designated lanes: Whenever possible, ride in bike lanes or designated areas for cyclists. Avoid riding on sidewalks, as they are primarily for pedestrians.

- Be visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially during low-light conditions.

- Watch out for pedestrians:** Be vigilant of pedestrians, especially in crowded areas or when approaching crosswalks. Always yield to pedestrians and give them plenty of space when passing.

- Use your bike bell: Signal your intentions to turn or stop using the bike's bell.

- Stay alert: Keep your eyes and ears open for potential hazards such as potholes, road debris, or vehicles. Avoid distractions like using your phone while riding.

- Keep a safe distance: Maintain a safe distance from other cyclists and vehicles on the road. Avoid weaving in and out of traffic and give yourself plenty of space to maneuver.

- Be predictable: Ride in a straight line and avoid sudden movements or swerving. This helps other road users anticipate your actions and reduces the risk of collisions.

- Watch for opening doors: Be cautious when riding near parked cars, as doors can suddenly open into your path. Leave enough space between yourself and parked cars to avoid accidents.