oBike is Singapore's first homegrown stationless bicycle-sharing system with operations in several countries. The bikes have a built-in Bluetooth lock and can therefore be left anywhere at the end of a journey, not just at a docking station. Users use a smartphone app to locate and hire bikes. It launched in Singapore in February 2017 and has since expanded to 24 countries including Taiwan, Korea, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, France and Sweden.
Video OBike
The system
The biycles are single speed with a plastic chainguard, short mudguards on both wheels, front and rear rim brakes, and dynamo electric lights.
To make use of the system, one must download the oBike application, register and pay a deposit. The App is used to rent and return the bicycles and users are charged by 15 or 30 minutes, with payment charged to their Credit/Debit card. To ride bikes, users must have an internet connection and Bluetooth enabled on their mobile device to enable unlocking of their desired oBike, which is done by scanning the QR code or entering the corresponding bicycle number. If successful, the lock on the rear wheel opens automatically. Once users finish their ride, they need to manually lock and leave the bike in any parking spot to be ready for the next user. At the time of locking the bike the user must again ensure they have a Bluetooth and an internet connection, in order for the oBike system to record the end of the ride and correctly calculate the hire charge. If violations are reported, a credit system penalizes the corresponding user after a certain number of times, and in extreme cases, the user could be suspended from the platform. At the beginning of 2018 oBike entered into a partnership with TRON. In addition customers of oBike can use the app to pay with the Cryptocurrency ?oCoin? in future.
Maps OBike
App downloads
Despite intense competition in Singapore, oBike has achieved more than 1 million downloads to date (Sep 2017) since its inception, far surpassing its competitors. According to third-party data agency, App Annie, it shows that the total number of app downloads from oBike has consistently been at the top, a strong showing from the SEA bike-sharing leader.
Areas serviced
Asia
Singapore
When oBike first started its operations in Singapore, 1,000 oBike bicycles were rolled out across the city. One month later, the Singapore Land Transport Authority rolled out bicycle parking zones in seven areas and in April, the company officially launched. Tampines Town Council is their partner for the Ride and Roll programme. They currently have up to a million users in Singapore, 20% of the population.
Malaysia
Launching in the capital of Kuala Lumpur they were the main event partner for the 2017 Sea Games.
Taiwan
oBike's Bicycle-sharing system began operations in Taiwan during April 2017 under the management of Taiwan's Aozhi Network Technology Co., Ltd. As of 20 June 2017, oBike has set up shop in the cities of Keelung, New Taipei, Taipei, Hsinchu, Tainan and Kaohsiung as well as the counties of Nantou, Yilan, Hualien and Taitung.
Korea
Launched in Seoul.
Thailand
Launched in Bangkok in July 2017.
Hong Kong
oBike launched in Hong Kong on 15 September 2017, with 1,000 bikes available in Tung Chung, Yuen Long, Tuen Mun and Tseung Kwan O, becoming the third operator provides bike-sharing service in Hong Kong. Bike hire in Hong Kong area is HK$3 for 15 minutes, with a HK$350 deposit being required.
Australia
oBike launched in Melbourne, Australia in June 2017. At the end of August 2017 the Melbourne City Council began impounding the bikes, declaring them visual pollution after they were found on a raft in Albert Park Lake, up trees, on railway tracks, and on top of toilet blocks. Lord Mayor Robert Doyle described them as "urban clutter" but did not take any action in regards to banning them. After oBikes were found to be submerged in the Yarra River, the company was requested to hire external contractors by Parks Victoria to recover the bikes. The month of September saw more than 40 bikes being removed from the river. In August 2017, oBike launched in Sydney. By October 2017, there were similar complaints of oBikes being left in trees, parks and other public places.
Europe
Austria
oBike started its service on 17 August 2017 in Vienna. Bike hire is EUR1/30 minutes.
Germany
oBike launched in Munich on 24 August 2017 and Hanover on 15 November 2017. Bike hire is EUR1/30 minutes with a EUR79 deposit (EUR29 for students).
Netherlands
The Netherlands is oBike's first European market. It officially launched in Rotterdam in June 2017 and Amsterdam in July 2017, and was banned from Amsterdam in October 2017. Bike hire is EUR0.25 per 15 minutes with a EUR79 deposit (EUR49 for students).
Spain
oBike launched in Madrid in September 2017, operated by oBike Spain, SL.
Switzerland
oBike launched in Zurich in July 2017, operated by oBike Swiss Ltd. It originally deployed approximately 350 bikes and soon after increased to 900. Bike hire is CHF 1.50 for 30 minutes with a CHF 129 deposit.
United Kingdom
In July 2017, oBike launched in London with 400 bikes and is expected to soon spread to other cities in the UK. Bike hire is 50p for 30 minutes with a £49 deposit.
In Hammersmith and Fulham the local authority placed obstruction notices on some oBikes parked on the public highway.
Belgium
oBike started its service on 22 September 2017 in Brussels. The bike hire is EUR1/30 minutes.
Sweden
oBike launched in Stockholm on 15 November 2017. The bike hire will be 10 SEK/30 minutes after the initial free winter trial period.
Italy
oBike launched in Turin on 17 November 2017. The bike hire will be EUR0.30/30 minutes minutes after the initial free trial period which will end on 31 December 2017.
See also
- Mobike
- Ofo
References
External links
- Official website
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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