What’s your idea of getting to work each morning? Getting on that half-broken moped you’ve had for years and just hoping it makes it? Or maybe you’re one of the lucky ones who gets to sit in traffic for an hour, inhaling fumes and feeling your blood pressure rise. Whatever your daily commute entails, chances are it’s not the most enjoyable part of your day.
But what if there was another way? What if you could zip through the streets on a sleek, stylish electric bike that you did not have to fork out a fortune for?
That’s the idea behind MUTE, a new rental service that’s on a mission to change the way we think about personal urban transport.
MUTE (Mutliple Urban Transport Evolution) specialises in providing electric scooter rentals that are designed to cater to the needs of urban dwellers. With rising concerns over pollution and traffic congestion in cities, this is a new kind of model emerging as a convenient and eco-friendly solution for those who need an affordable and efficient mode of transportation.
For every new subscriber, the company plants a tree in a drought-ridden area, helping to mitigate the environmental cost of scooter production. To date, over 1,500 trees have been planted, which equates to millions of electric kilometres travelled and 884 metric tonnes of carbon saved.
In addition to tree planting, the business model ensures that all its vehicles are recycled after 3 years of use. Professional recycling partners guarantee that all vehicle components are repurposed, recycled or disposed of in an eco-friendly manner.
But how can all of an e-bike be recycled?
Plastics are recycled into eco-friendly helmets, batteries are given a second life powering renewable energy facilities and steel framing is remolded into new scooters. By claiming to recycling 100 percent of their vehicles, MUTE seeks to guarantee their offering is always fresh and modern, while also doing more than their part for the environment.
Such a subscription-based model is the first The Nanjinger has come across. MUTE is to be lauded for aiming to at make electric scooters accessible and affordable to everyone, regardless of their income level.
The advantages therein go further than the many thousands of renminbi that an electric scooter costs in the first place. There is also the fretting over the hidden costs of maintenance, repairs and insurance. The model, which The Nanjinger thinks is plain genius (in part for its simplicity), provides a comprehensive package that includes personal insurance coverage, personal roadside assistance and repairs, as well as free service and maintenance. Seems they have thought of everything.
While it’s certainly convenient and environmentally friendly, there are certainly some drawbacks to consider before renting. One such downside is that MUTE is not open on Sundays; perhaps not ideal for those with a typical work week. Shanghai traffic can also be notoriously difficult to navigate, which may make renting an electric scooter a somewhat frustrating experience at times. And since you don’t own the bike, you’re limited in terms of the design and customisation options available. You also need to be a minimum of 16 years of age. Fair enough.
But overall, it’s a hassle-free and eco-friendly renting experience that starts at just ¥280 per month, with no deposit, no fixed contract and no minimum term. While it cannot be denied that a year of rental would give you your own bike, you can, essentially, hand back your rented scooter whenever you like.
But as long as you keep it, it will always be spick and span. Oh, and no paperwork.
It’s a business model which is finding increasing numbers of followers who are eager to shift their perceptions on the value of materialistic possessions and who have unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility. And for those who are perhaps a little less unwavering, it’s also making it easier than ever for people to switch to an eco-friendly mode of transportation.
Ride on! But just a little more in the direction of Nanjing, thank you very much.
