Chinese smart bike-sharing platform Mobike launches service in London

According to Mobike, its bikes are designed with a series of proprietary high-tech features that no other bike-sharing company provides. Every Mobike is equipped with unique smart-lock technology and built-in GPS connected via the Mobike IoT network, which helps locate and monitor the conditions of each bike to ensure a constant supply and quality experience for users.

Additionally, the data it generates can provide invaluable urban transportation insights for cities and local communities, to manage location-based bike demand and inform infrastructure planning.

"We help increasing the attractiveness of remote areas by making it possible for people to complete a few more kilometers through cycling -- contributing to the creation of new business and locals friendly spaces. We pride ourselves in being a truly positive and enduring benefit for the areas that we work in. That was the case in Manchester, and we're confident it will be the case in London, starting with Ealing," Pyre added.

Councillor Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council, said: "We want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to try cycling so I'm excited by the arrival of Mobike. We have a wide range of cycling support already in place, including free cycle training, free maintenance checks and free guided bike tours, and this affordable, dockless bike scheme will complement all these."

"This scheme works best when everyone plays their part in using and parking the bikes responsibly so as not to block the pavement for others. We have a wonderful community in Ealing and I am sure our residents will use the scheme with consideration for others. I look forward to seeing more residents leave their cars at home and switch to a Mobike instead," he added.

According to Mobike, its bikes have been warmly welcomed and endorsed by local authorities in all the cities it has come to, with strong support from the transport department of Greater Manchester, the mayors of Salford and Manchester, and the respective councils.

Mobike was also launched in Italy last week, with the support of the mayors of both Florence and Milan, who joined Hu Weiwei, the founder and president of Mobike, to cycle around the city following the launch in Florence on Monday.