Traffic police in Qingdao saddled up to ride their new fleet of e-bikes on Jan 5, the stylish and eco-friendly wheels turning heads across the city.

According to an officer on duty, the new bikes will be trialed to carry out faster and more effective responses on patrols, particularly during times of heavy congestion and peak travel.

The first batch of 100 e-bikes was issued to each squadron in charge of areas in downtown Qingdao.

Colored in white and blue and displaying the moniker "Qingdao public security traffic patrol", the e-bikes are equipped with a toolbox and a warning light at the front, tool cabinets on both sides of the backseats and a flashing lamp at the rear.

According to the Qingdao traffic police, the e-bikes are specially tailored for patrolling. Compared with cars, e-bikes are more convenient and environmentally friendly.

The trial will be replicated across the city if it proves to be effective.

Traffic police in Qingdao downtown areas prepare to patrol the streets astride their shiny, new e-bikes on Jan 5. [Photo/qingdaonews.com]