These bikes are for anyone to use; all you need is a certain phone app linked to the bike. There are a few different companies, so you have to make sure you use the right bike and app combination. Once you do, you scan the code on the bike with your app to unlock it. The app you use will most likely be linked to your bank account, which pays for the time you ride the bike--a half an hour is only one 块(kuai).
In a big city like Wuhan, there are also public transportation options that can take you farther. For example, you can choose between a taxi, a bus or the metro. Taxis are the most comfortable way to travel, but because there are so many people--especially on the road--there can be a lot of traffic. This is a problem with buses, too; however, the bus fare is really cheap (around two 快 kuai). Though it’s cheap, you still have to deal with traffic. And because it’s cheap, the bus is very crowded and can be uncomfortable. The metro is by far the most convenient way to travel. The fare is based on the distance you're traveling, so I can travel about forty minutes away for only four kuai. Also, it’s usually not too crowded, as long as you’re not traveling during rush hour.
So far I’ve traveled using five of these methods. I’ve yet to ride a motorbike since I don’t have the right helmet. I’ve also only ridden in a taxi once because the traffic can be bad and rack up the cost. As for riding a bike, I usually only ride in a more controlled area (again, no helmet) like East Lake, where there are no cars. Safety is definitely important! I’d say that I either walk or ride the metro the most.
