Scalpers make a killing as new safety law leaves China’s 300 million eScooter riders 200 million helmets short

The country is facing a shortfall of 200 million cheap helmets as a new law requires eScooter riders to don protective headgear. Most companies making low-priced helmets have a daily capacity of under 2,000 units, and it will be some time before they can meet the nationwide surge in demand. — SCMP

Wang Zhenxiang, a grocery owner in Shanghai, recently rushed out and bought several hundred safety helmets for 30 yuan each (RM18). The 35-year-old is now making a killing, selling the helmets for 85 yuan (RM52) each.

He is one of many scalpers enjoying a windfall, thanks to a new law requiring China’s 300 million eScooter riders to wear protective headgear from the beginning of June.