Young Chinese Adults Using Electric Wheelchairs
"Durable and No Helmet Needed"
Some Point Out Road Traffic Confusion Concerns
Among Chinese youth, 'electric wheelchairs' are becoming a trend. Electric wheelchairs were primarily used as a means of mobility for people with disabilities or the elderly who have difficulty moving. However, because they do not require wearing helmets and can be used on sidewalks, they are gaining popularity among Chinese young people as well.
On the 11th, videos titled "How people born after 2000 commute to work" became a hot topic on Chinese social networking services Weibo and Douyin. The videos showed young people riding electric wheelchairs passing through company entrances.
One young person using an electric wheelchair said on social media, "I like it because I don't have to look for a separate parking space." Another praised, "It is sturdy, durable, and easy to repair, so it can be used for a long time."
Given this situation, questions from young people about the availability of electric wheelchairs have been pouring into online shopping mall sites. Sales have also increased. According to JD Health, the number of electric wheelchair transactions in the first half of this year increased by 60% compared to the same period last year. This seems to be related to the growing interest of young people in electric wheelchairs.
Local media cited reasons for the rising popularity of electric wheelchairs, including that helmets are not required, they can be used on sidewalks, and they have a long maximum driving range after charging.
However, there are concerns that electric wheelchairs could cause confusion in road traffic. Since electric wheelchairs are not classified as transportation vehicles, it is difficult to regulate them.
Yanbing, a partner at Beijing Shidaizhuhe Law Firm, said, "There is no law stating that only people with disabilities can purchase and use electric wheelchairs," adding, "Healthy young people using electric wheelchairs as a means of transportation can only be evaluated from a moral perspective at this time." While it is not illegal for healthy young people to use electric wheelchairs, there are concerns that it may be morally problematic.
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