Aaaand... It's Happened.
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Hi there, my friends! Let's discuss a little "surprise" while traveling in Shenzhen!
One thing that you might see on the streets of Shenzhen is something called "mò dī", or motorcycle taxis.
What is it? It is actually a motorcycle or an electric scooter used for passenger transportation. You can think of it as a "motorcycle taxi," which is quite popular in some cities for its convenience and speed.
️ Important Notice:
It seems that the government has recently started to regulate these "mò dī" services.However, based on my experience, this kind of management might be temporary, like a passing wind.
Even if it is regulated, don't expect them to be managed meticulously and standardized all at once. There will still be loopholes and areas where regulations are not strict enough, so keep in mind.
Many people who have traveled to Shenzhen have shared their terrifying experiences when riding "mò dī." Listening to their stories gives me goosebumps!
How to avoid falling into the trap?
If you're not familiar with the local situation or feel uneasy about these "mò dī," you should stick with regular taxis or use ride-hailing apps to call for a car.Safety first! Don’t let this ruin your vacation.
#Shenzhen
#TravelTips -
I've never taken one. My family moved to Shenzhen in the early 2000s. Back then, even inside the Special Economic Zone (Guān Nèi), there were motorcycle snatch thieves. My dad had his phone snatched, and it was even more common outside the SEZ (Guān Wài). My cousin, who lived in Buji at the time, was robbed multiple times and nearly died. Ever since, I've made sure to steer clear of these motorcycle taxis.
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It feels like today's motorcycle taxi drivers are organized too... It's definitely safer to keep your distance. But they hang out right at subway station entrances, places people have to pass on their way to and from work. What's really needed is proper regulation.
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Unless armed police are brought in to crack down on organized crime, it'll be tough to get rid of them completely.
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True, but why don't the local authorities take strict measures to completely eliminate them?
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You rarely see motorcycle taxis waiting for fares in the Futian Central District. They're mostly found outside the SEZ (Guān Wài), aren't they? It's definitely better to live inside the SEZ (Guān Nèi) if you can.
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It's the same inside or outside the SEZ.
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That makes me wonder, why can't they get it done?
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I'm saying this deliberately because I've seen some people resort to victim-blaming. I'm worried that if another incident occurs, the narrative will shift to 'Well, it's your fault for taking a motorcycle taxi. A prudent person avoids unnecessary risks.' That's why I sincerely hope everyone stays away from them.
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I've never used one. With something unregulated like this, aren't you worried the driver might just take you somewhere else? I'd much rather walk or use a shared bike.
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I took one once in Nanchang, but the driver ran a red light. I haven't taken one since then.
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For short distances, I walk or use a shared bike. For medium distances, I take a taxi. For longer trips, the subway is great because it avoids traffic. Aren't all of these options safer than a motorcycle taxi?
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Never used one. And I've been in Shenzhen for over a decade.
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I've never taken one. I usually rely on the subway, bus, taxi, or my own two feet (the 'number 11 bus' as we say).
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It's just safer that way. You have no idea who these motorcycle taxi drivers are, and there's zero regulation.
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I don't use them. They feel unsafe and frankly, quite scary. I'd rather spend extra time and money on a licensed taxi, or even just walk a bit more.
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Love it, love it! Message received and saved! [Chuckles]