Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the safety concerns surrounding shared bicycles, particularly incidents of automatic locking that have led to user injuries, prompting calls for improved accountability and safety measures within the industry [2][3]. Group 1: Company Responses - Both major companies, Qingju and Hello Bike, have denied that technical defects caused the automatic locking incidents, attributing issues to potential hardware problems such as loose chains [5][6]. - Qingju has expressed regret for the negative riding experience and is actively managing user claims and insurance processes following reported accidents [5]. - Hello Bike has outlined three scenarios that could lead to automatic locking, emphasizing that their locking mechanism is designed to prevent locking while the bike is in motion [6]. Group 2: User Concerns and Industry Analysis - Users have expressed skepticism regarding the companies' self-assessments, suggesting that independent third-party evaluations are necessary to ensure vehicle safety [7]. - Industry analysts argue that the responsibility for safety should be reinforced through technological improvements and better product design to minimize risks [8]. - The article notes that the shared bicycle user base is expected to exceed 600 million by 2024, with a significant increase in riding frequency, highlighting the need for improved safety and claims mechanisms [9][11]. Group 3: Recommendations for Improvement - Analysts recommend that the shared bicycle industry adopt a more mature insurance framework similar to that of ride-hailing services, clarifying accident liability and compensation processes [11]. - It is suggested that leading companies establish a consumer protection fund to cover damages not addressed by traditional insurance [11]. - Regulatory bodies are encouraged to focus on enforcing existing responsibilities rather than introducing new regulations, promoting a more effective problem-solving framework [12]. Group 4: Future Directions - The shared bicycle industry is transitioning from rapid growth to refined operations, with a focus on enhancing user trust through transparency, improved insurance mechanisms, and corporate social responsibility [13]. - Achieving a state where users feel secure while riding and have clear compensation pathways is essential for the sustainable integration of shared bicycles into urban transportation systems [14].

Core Viewpoint - The frequent incidents of shared bicycle accidents due to automatic locking mechanisms have raised significant safety concerns among users, prompting major companies like Qingju and Hello to respond to allegations of technical defects in their systems [1][2][3]. Company Responses - Qingju stated that the incidents may be attributed to loose chains causing riding difficulties, denying any software-related issues [2][3]. - Hello also confirmed that their technical team found no evidence of automatic locking anomalies and emphasized that all bicycles undergo strict pre-ride inspections [2][3]. Incident Statistics - Reports indicate at least 41 incidents of automatic locking accidents involving shared bicycles over the past two years, affecting multiple platforms [1]. - A specific case involved a user suffering three fractures and soft tissue injuries, highlighting the severity of such incidents [2]. User Concerns and Industry Analysis - Users have expressed skepticism regarding the companies' self-assessments, calling for transparency in testing processes and third-party evaluations to ensure safety [3][6]. - Industry analysts suggest that the current insurance mechanisms for shared bicycles are inadequate, particularly regarding accidents caused by vehicle malfunctions, and recommend adopting a more structured insurance framework similar to that of ride-hailing services [6][7]. Regulatory Perspective - Regulatory bodies have been monitoring the shared bicycle industry, focusing on issues like pricing and safety, but further emphasis on enforcing corporate responsibility and enhancing safety measures is necessary [7]. - The industry is transitioning from rapid growth to refined operations, with a focus on improving user trust through better safety protocols and insurance mechanisms [7].

Core Viewpoint - The frequent incidents of automatic locking of shared bicycles have raised significant safety concerns among users, prompting major companies like Qingju and Hello to respond to allegations of technical defects while denying any responsibility for the accidents [1][3][4]. Group 1: Incident Reports - There have been at least 41 reported incidents of shared bicycles automatically locking during rides over the past two years, affecting multiple platforms [1]. - A specific case involved a user, Ms. Ma, who suffered three fractures and soft tissue injuries after an unexpected brake while riding a Qingju bicycle [3]. Group 2: Company Responses - Qingju stated that the incidents may be due to a loose chain causing riding difficulties, and they have initiated a hardware and software check on the involved bicycles [3]. - Hello also denied any technical defects, asserting that their system did not detect any anomalies related to automatic locking and emphasized that all bicycles undergo strict testing before use [4]. Group 3: User Concerns and Industry Analysis - Users have expressed skepticism regarding the companies' self-assessments, suggesting that third-party evaluations of vehicle safety should be introduced to enhance public trust [4]. - Industry analysts highlight the need for shared bicycle companies to improve product design and safety measures to mitigate risks and clarify liability in case of accidents [5][9]. Group 4: Insurance and Liability - The current insurance mechanisms for shared bicycles are seen as inadequate, particularly regarding accidents caused by vehicle defects, and there is a call to adopt a more structured insurance system similar to that of ride-hailing services [9][10]. - Recommendations include establishing a consumer protection fund by leading companies to cover damages not addressed by traditional insurance [9][10]. Group 5: Regulatory Perspective - Regulatory bodies have been monitoring the shared bicycle industry, focusing on issues like price hikes, but there is a suggestion to enhance enforcement of corporate responsibility rather than imposing new regulations [10]. - The industry is transitioning from rapid growth to refined operations, emphasizing the importance of transparency, improved insurance mechanisms, and corporate social responsibility to foster a safer riding environment [10].