Here's How to Get Rid of Your Old Electric Scooter in Beijing

Beijing's recent rule changes for non-standard electric scooters have left many wondering: What am I supposed to do with my old ride?

Turns out, there are a few ways to navigate this issue, which we've detailed below.

Trade your old scooter for a new one

Thankfully, you don’t have to throw your old electric scooter away and fork over all the cash to buy a new one. You can simply trade or sell it to a shop and upgrade to a new scooter instead. There are some 800 stores offering such deals, all of which are listed on this website:

http://m.bj.bendibao.com/mip/298106.html?ivk_sa=1024320u

If you’re curious how much money you're likely to get for that old scooter, it largely depends on the make and model. Price quotes vary from RMB 300 to RMB 500. However, you can always try negotiating the price with the store to get the best bang for your buck.

Recycle your old scooter

What if you don't want to get a new scooter and just want to sell your old one? Then recycle! There are 92 designated spots around Beijing that offer scooter recycling services, which are listed on this website:

You can either bring your vehicle to any of those or, in some cases, have someone come pick your scooter up. Depending on its weight, you can count on getting an offer between RMB 100 and RMB 600.

Make sure your new ride is legit before you buy...

For those looking to buy a new scooter after selling their old one, beware when making online purchases. There are scammers afoot seeking to trick customers into thinking they're buying a standardized vehicle at an amazing discount.

A number of folks in the capital have fallen victim to such scams. According to one Beijinger who wished to remain anonymous, “I purchased an electric scooter online that cost me RMB 1,800. The seller promised that the vehicle can get proper licenses in Beijing. But when I went to get plates, I got turned away because the vehicle didn’t fit the new standards.”

To avoid such scams, your best bet is to ask for documentation guaranteeing an unconditional replacement of your vehicle should it fail to meet the requirements. 

What do you think of Beijing's policies for dealing with old scooters? Has it been a smooth process for you or are you experiencing any difficulties? Let us know in the comments!

Read: Beijing's New Rules for Scooters Are Now in Effect

Images: Dianping, Wangyi