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Self-balancing unicycles banned in Shanghai despite growing popularity

(People's Daily Online)    10:36, August 26, 2016
Self-balancing unicycles banned in Shanghai despite growing popularity

Self-balancing unicycles have grown in popularity to become an unlikely favorite among cyclists in recent times. However, in the wake of a new ruling by Shanghai's transportation department, such vehicles will no longer be allowed on roads, as they are no longer considered a means of transportation.

The simply-constructed vehicles are very easy to drive; with no steering wheel or pedals, the unicycle is controlled by internal gravity sensors. The vehicle goes forward when the rider leans forward and stops when the rider leans back. Some of its popularity may also be attributed to the fact that it's portable and easy to handle.

However, according to officials with the city transportation department, these self-balancing electric vehicles do not conform to national motor vehicle safety standards. Experts have raised a number of concerns about the unicycles. Firstly, riders may not be able to brake quickly enough, since the action of leaning backward requires too much time. In addition, the performance of brakes in the vehicles is not reliable. And, in the event of an accident, rider are likely to be severely injured, as the vehicle itself provides no protection.

Traffic police suggest that the use of such vehicles be limited to entertainment. Anyone found riding the self-balancing unicycles on the road will receive a fine ranging from 5 yuan to 50 yuan. If an accident should occur, the cyclists will be assigned full responsibility. 

(For the latest China news, Please follow People's Daily on Twitter and Facebook)(Editor: Hongyu,Bianji)

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