Power to the people: electric bikes take off in North Korea

A man pushes an electric bicycle over the bridge in Pyongyang, North Korea May 6, 2016. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

PYONGYANG (Reuters) - Wheels have long been a sign of economic status for both individuals and nations, and on the lightly trafficked streets of Pyongyang, capital of impoverished and isolated North Korea, electric bicycles are the hottest new ride on the road.

Almost unseen two years ago, the Chinese-made two-wheelers are a common site this week in the city, which hosts the first congress of the country's ruling Workers' Party in 36 years.