Looking at the current state of China’s bicycle-sharing system, you’d think the resource-sharing fad is doomed. Guess what? More recent ideas driven by the indomitable entrepreneurs in China may make you think otherwise.
Looking at the current state of China’s bicycle-sharing system, you’d think the resource-sharing fad is doomed. Guess what? More recent ideas driven by the indomitable entrepreneurs in China may make you think otherwise.
Photo:Mothership
Riding on the concept popularised by bike-sharing companies such as Mobike and ofo , many Chinese startups have sprung up in different parts of China, each striving to bring into the sharing economy almost anything that they think can be passed along among different users.
Here are some things you can share in China now:
1. Umbrellas
Photo:Youbi Qushi
Photo:Zhitong Touhang via Gaoshan Liushui
Currently available in 12 major cities in China such as Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Customers rent brollies by paying a refundable deposit and scanning a QR code.
But one company, Sharing E Umbrella, has lost most of its 300,000 umbrellas, just weeks after launching the rental scheme.
2. Electric Bikes
Photo:Guangxi Zixun
A common mode of transport to get around the neighbourhood. Available in some city in China.
3. Mini Cars
Photo:Nanfang Zhoumo
Small little cars for a quick cosy ride around the city. Available in more than 10 major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu and Hangzhou.
4. Books
Photo:Seke Saisi
Photo:Huxiu
You can now read a book on the train with these mini-libraries situated in the train stations. Just remember to return them at any train station.
However, this initiative has ended. But recently, in most major cities, more than 200 book vending machines are now renting books using an online borrowing and returning system, bypassing the need for a librarian.
Made available in Harbin, Heilongjiang.
5. Fans in Chengdu, Sichuan
Photo:Yucai Kuaiji Jiaoyu
Photo:Yucai Kuaiji Jiaoyu
Riding the bike under the hot sun? Just get a fan that comes with one of the shared bikes. Reportedly only available in Chengdu for now.
6. Phones in Weihai, Shandong
Photo:Bakesong Shouji Liansuo
You can follow the gadget trend at a starting rate of $3 yuan for three days. Currently available in most mobile franchise stores, online stores and physical stores.
7. Portable Chargers
Photo:Kexue+
Photo:Zhoukan Jun
Never lose power when you’re out with shareable portable chargers.
Photo:36kr.com
The initiative has also found its competitor with the recent new business idea of sharing wireless mobile charging stations in restaurants, theatres and cafes. It is reportedly available only in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Zhejiang.
8. Mobile Data
Photo:Quwei Shangye Xinli
An app for you to earn some quick money by sharing some of your data with strangers. There has since been a few more competitors with the same business model.
9. Basketballs
Photo:Zhitong Touhang
Can’t find a basketball to play or reluctant to buy one? Rent one outside. Available in most outdoor stadiums and basketball courts of major cities, including schools.
10. KTV Room in Xiamen
Photo:Yanyi Keji Chuanmei
Photo:Yanyi Keji Chuanmei
Tiny KTV rooms you can rent in the middle of shopping malls. Strangers can see you sing through the glass box though. Available in more than 135 areas in China by at least five of such KTV companies.
If this isn’t Socialism with Chinese characteristics at its best, then we don’t know what is.
