Celebrating my one-year anniversary, just over a month ago, as the proud owner of an e-scooter, I have thoroughly enjoyed the advantages of this lightweight mobility device in China. The e-scooter has made my commuting easier, and has allowed me to explore the city of Shenyang in a more efficient and eco-friendly way. Its compact foldable design and long battery life make it an appropriate choice for my urban transportation.

Over the past year, I have relied on this product as a favored alternative to buses or cabs. The frustration of waiting for a bus, particularly when a missed bus causes further delays, or the challenge of hailing a cab during inclement weather, even with the aid of an app, can be overwhelming. However, my scooter has saved my time and has provided a more enjoyable commute.

The first time I witnessed an e-scooter rider in person was in my neighborhood. He was a security guard who was cruising on one with a seat attached. It was a beautiful summer day, and I thought to myself that it would be nice to ride on one.

Although it was a few years ago, in my pursuit of a reliable electric scooter, I continued to conduct extensive research to find the best quality product. When considering buying one, I considered several factors, including weight, design, distance capabilities, and, of course, price. When I finally found an attractive e-scooter, I waited a little longer until it went on sale to get a better price.

Because I'm not accustomed to riding an e-scooter, I bought it from JD.com, a popular app for online shopping of daily necessities. The scooter comes equipped with a seat that features multi-functional storage.

Before purchasing it, I inquired at various Shenyang Metro stations to ensure it was allowed on the subway system. The staff told me it was allowed, which further aided my decision-making process.

When my electric scooter arrived on Oct 22 of last year, I was thrilled. Just like people who buy a protective case and some sort of screen protector when they purchase a new phone, I also searched online for relevant accessories for my new scooter. To my surprise, I saw a broad selection of high-quality products available online.

Over the course of the past year, I have enjoyed some noteworthy experiences with my e-scooter. I would like to share some highlights with you. On Nov 3 of last year, I effortlessly zipped the South Market of Shenyang with ease, passing nine of my favorite shops. This was also the first time I brought my electric scooter onto the subway. A mere week and a half later, my scooter experienced its first ride in the trunk of a car. It then bravely tackled snowy terrain three days before Christmas.

In March of this year, I took my scooter on a food critic trip and captured sleek photos of myself and my mobile scooter at a city café. Additionally, I scheduled my first maintenance check-up for my ride during that month. Furthermore, I was able to operate my e-scooter while standing.

In light of all that has happened, I have gained unforeseen expertise in the guidelines for operating e-scooters on city roads and in the Shenyang subway system. Consequently, I autonomously developed the first draft of the E-scooter Standard Procedures for the subway. This document underwent two rounds of revisions incorporating public feedback and my own fresh ideas.

Recently, I discovered that the eSkootr Championship was in its second year of competition. I jumped at the chance to create a new type of e-scooter racing called E-Scooter Obstacle Racing. The eSkootr Championship is the first International Electric Scooter Championship that focuses on speed racing, while E-Scooter Obstacle Racing requires racers to navigate through a predetermined course filled with obstacles.

One of the best takeaways of riding my e-scooter is the e-scooter app in Chinese mainland. Each time I ride, I earn non-purchasable N-Coins, which can be exchanged for free items or donate it to a welfare program. I particularly appreciate the donation feature, as it provides a sense of purpose and satisfaction knowing that I am assisting those in need. The welfare projects introduced are truly meaningful, and I have continuously gifted all of my N-Coins since the sixth launch.

Although owning an electric scooter is just one of the benefits of being a Chinese foreigner residing in Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning province in Northeast China. Currently, I head the first Shenyang Ninebot E-scooter Club, which consists of a small group of e-scooter enthusiasts who share a common interest in the subject. For the readers in search of transportation solutions, I wish you success in finding your perfect ride of mobility.

Luke Shen-Tien Chi is an American spokenologist and writer. The article presented is solely the opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of China Daily.

If you have a specific expertise, or would like to share your thought about our stories, then send us your writings at [email protected], and [email protected].