Hi guys,
I just bought an E-bike from a secondhand market. Paid around 2000 kuai for the bike.
My question is if the police stop me and ask for documents? I got the receipt, both the original and that I bought it.
Do I need to be worried?
The original can be faked, with the new regulations be cautious when driving. If oyu get into an accident, or someone hits you. they will ask for the registration. If it is stolen you're in quite a bit of trouble. If you drive safely and dont get into accidents you wont get pulled over. But you are a target to hit for free money, especially if you cant speak chinese. I've been hit purposely multiple times, and chinese will gather around and twist the story against you. If you do get hit, dont act submissively. if they bring up not having a licenses plate, you only need it if you are driving someone.
When they stop drivers, they usually first ask for your ID and then for a copy of the receipt. If they know you are foreigner, they usually let you go without asking further questions. Some won't even stop you.
Did the 2nd hand shop make a new registration of the bike with your name? When I bought my scooters, the made entries of the serial number and my name in the police database. If the police check and the names are different, they might get suspicious, or take it as a reason to give you a penalty. Just make sure everything is in order, so that you can drive without worries.
When I bought it the seller said if the police ask for further questions they would call him, so I got phone number as well. Maybe little bit dumb of me?
If I'm in an accident, and someone hit me? Isn't it better just leave?
I've seen more random check points recently where they stop ebikes and check. Last one was at 121 street. Usually at night.
If I were you, I would want everything to be in regulation, so that I don't have to worry about those things every time I want to take my scooter out for a ride.
From what I understand, in an accident here, the one with the bigger vehicle (or larger insurance) is at fault. Like lawlz0mg said, don't act submissively or apologetic. That's a guaranteed way for them to exploit you, even if they are at fault/didn't follow the traffic rules
If you're surrounded by a local crowd (and they gather fast), you won't be leaving the scene easily, especially if the other guy is telling everyone in Kunminghua it's your fault whether or not it was.
Should I go back to the bike seller and ask for a "new registration"?
I have had several e bikes, but I bought them new, so I got a little card or something that I just keep in the seat. I have never seen anyone ever get stopped on an e bike, unless they were carrying one or more passengers during rush hour, or unless they got in a terrible wreck. For a small crash, usually a "Bu hao yi se" or a "Dui bu qi" is enough. The only problem is if your bike is stolen. If you get in a wreck, just apologize, smile, and be humble. The other guy might ask for some money, and I think it is always advisable to pay it if it avoids police involvement.
I've been hit 3 times by other ebikes driving in the wrong direction. They always raise hell, and want money. I just call the police, and let them deal with it. I usually get a few hundred Kuai out of it, but if you don't have a lot of free time to waste or your bike shell didnt get cracked just leave.
