NIU - UQi+

Two pieces of advice that I wish someone had told me when I was getting my first moped: 1. Do not cheap out on the battery. its the most crucial part of the moped. Spend the extra couple hundred USD if you can afford it to get a really big nice one. Not only is it safer, but you will thank yourself for the extra range in the long run. Whatever they say the range is on the package, I usually cut 20-30% off that, more in the winter time. 2. Make sure you get them to include adding mirrors, foot rests for a passenger, and a phone stand. They should do it for free when you get the moped 3. Make sure they commit to taking you (for free) to the registration office to get the license plate within the first week. You don't wanna do it on your own, they will make it so much easier. Don't let them brush you off on this its really important. Also they should "upgrade" it for free after the registration to go the top speed possible of the bike (40-45kmph depending on the bike, tbh I wouldn't want to be able to go any faster than 45kmph on Puxi streets, Pudong maybe 55 but that's pretty fast to be going on a scooter...) For the model: I personally had a carletto (don't think they make those anymore) before and just upgraded to a Xiaoniu Uqi+, couldn't be happier with it except for the battery. I feel like for the price it should go farther. it can go like 45kmph for maybe 40km ish. If you go slower it can go a lot farther. Xiaoniu's are quite expensive though so if you want a more budget-friendly but still nice option I've heard a lot of great things about 9bot. They look great and I think are cheaper than Xiaoniu. If you wanna go cheaper just get a 爱玛or雅迪, I think 雅迪 are a bit more performance better where 爱玛s are much cuter. Also depends on the model / battery. TBH there isn't that much of a difference between 雅迪 and xiaoniu, just look and feel. Xiaoniu just feels like a nicer bike but maybe I'm biased bc I spent money on it. Final note: ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET! The amount of moped crashes I have seen in this city with people lying unconscious in the street without a helmet is terrifying. Looking cool / being comfortable / your hair is not worth brain damage or worse.... Also don't use the one they give you for free. Decline it, tell them to take 20 kuai off the price, and buy a nice one with good padding on Taobao. Your brian is worth the investment.