Unlicensed electric three-wheelers and four-wheelers known as laotoule have long been popular among the elderly in China.
Many seniors use laotoule, which literally means "joy for the elderly", for short-distance errands such as picking up their grandchildren from school and buying groceries.
They like using the low-speed vehicles because they are easy to drive and park. The vehicles are also not subject to traffic rules that are applied to motorized vehicles, or to receiving tickets for illegal parking.
Starting from January 1, 2024, "Laotou Le" will be completely banned in Beijing. As "Laotou Le" is gradually banned, the resulting gap in supply and demand for travel by the elderly must be filled by traffic managers and the market.
