Wonderful run down on the bike sharing situation in China. In regards to the notion that 1 RMB per half hour is cheap, I would say it is fair. One RMB has buying power equal to about one USD in most situations.
I strongly disagree, with one RMB in China you can only get a lighter (cheap one) in 7-11, I can't really think of anything else for that price.
[1] https://www.dollartree.com/ [1] https://www.gobankingrates.com/personal-finance/best-dollar-...
1.5L water bottle
2 stamps (cheapest ones) to send 2 letters
1 liter of gas (for cars)
About 2/3rd of one McDonald's hamburger
About 2/3rd of one avocado
Other points I use to come up with my recommendation that outside Beijing and Shanghai you treat 1 USD to be equal to 1 to 2 RMB.
Bus Ride - $2, RMB 1-3 Quick lunch - $8-15, RMB 10-20 Beer at a basic bar - $6-8, RMB 8-12 Beer at store: $1-2, RMB 2-4
Of course this is for domestic products in both countries. Imports cost more and follow exchange rate. For example, in China imports are usually exchange price + 25% import tax (electronics, cars).