E-bike market to shut down

Dozens of electric bicycle sellers on Luomashi Dajie in Caishikou, Xicheng district, have been given until the end of July to clear out after complaints from locals about street congestion, the Beijing Youth Daily reported.

Luomashi Dajie was renowned during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) for its mule and horse market, but over the past decade the street has been better known for its electric bicycle market.

Booming business led many sellers to expand their stalls and temporary shelters to display bikes, which crowded the seven-meter-wide street.

Business owners were served their eviction notices after pedestrians complained of inconvenience in walking and fire hazards posed by loose electric wires used to charge bicycle batteries. Vendors who refuse to leave risk having their stalls dismantled.