Young people in Guangzhou suddenly like... sitting in wheelchairs

According to interviewees, electric wheelchairs do not have to follow any traffic rules. In contrast, riding electric bicycles is restricted in many areas and driving cars often leads to traffic jams.

Electric wheelchairs are "effort-saving and flexible, and you can 'drive' straight to your destination without having to find a parking space," an unnamed young man told HK01.

The use of electric wheelchairs has caused a backlash among Chinese public opinion.

SCREENSHOT FROM VIDEOUPPER/YOUTUBE

Electric bicycles are among the vehicles that have been subject to stricter regulations in recent times. Some of the regulations include limiting the speed of electric bicycles and requiring them to dismount and push their bikes when crossing the street. According to a report by the Ministry of Transport, only motorized wheelchairs for the disabled that use gasoline as fuel are required to be registered and comply with traffic regulations.

HK01 said that electric wheelchairs are not vehicles and will not be regulated the same way as motorized and non-motorized vehicles. The use of electric wheelchairs for mobility by healthy young people has sparked backlash from some in China over safety concerns.

Meanwhile, some lawyers in China said that although the practice is not illegal, the use of electric wheelchairs by healthy people raises ethical concerns.

The Guardian cited data from e-commerce platforms showing that demand for electric wheelchairs in Guangzhou has surged. In the first half of 2023, sales of electric wheelchairs increased by 60%, with those priced at 3,000 yuan (nearly 10 million VND) being the most popular.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/nguoi-tre-o-quang-chau-bong-thich-ngoi-xe-lan-185230713122729631.htm