Bringing back 'Kingdom of Bicycles'

People examine Mobikes at a creative industry center in Beijing. [Photo by ZOU HONG/CHINA DAILY]

Innovative technology

Mobikes, operated by a startup called Beijing Mobike Technology Co, appeared in Shanghai in April and Beijing in September, encouraging people to cycle short distances, rather than driving.

The company is expanding rapidly in large cities, and ranks as one of the five most popular free transportation and tourism apps on the iPhone Chinese app store.

"We want to bring bicycles back to China's cities," said Hu Weiwei, Mobike's founder. "We are using innovative technology to provide better services. Public bike-sharing already exists, but we aim to improve the user experience by upgrading the technology."

The company's free-floating model frees users from the need to find specific drop-off and collection points, and a GPS installed in a "smart" lock allows them to locate and book bikes in advance. The electricity required to power the smart lock is generated as the rider pedals.

Despite its success, Mobike's technology and business model are not infallible.

The bike's weight, fixed seats and self-power function results in an unpleasant riding experience for people unused to exercise or who are so tall they have to almost bend double to ride. Moreover, the system crashed for several hours in September, and the free-floating model has seen bikes stolen or vandalized. Meanwhile, some users park in private spaces, leave bikes outside their apartment blocks, or even take them home overnight.

"We are a technology company. Our product is not perfect, but we will use technology and innovative business models to solve the problems," Hu said.

On Oct 19, new silver and red bikes, Mobike Lite, became operational in Beijing and Shanghai. Compared with the older version, the new bikes are lighter and the smart lock is powered by solar energy.

Mobike has introduced a credit system to punish users who break the rules. Credit is deducted if a user regularly leaves bikes in inappropriate locations, and the accounts of repeat offenders are closed.

Zhuang Ji, marketing head at the Powerstation of Art, a gallery in Shanghai, is a volunteer "Mobike hunter", searching for "missing or inappropriately parked bikes" in his leisure time. Since May, he has recovered more than 200 bikes.

"I worked for the fire department for 15 years and I care about social ethics very much," Zhuang said. He sees Mobike as "a company with a conscience" that's raising social awareness: "That's why I like to help them."

He is hoping that Mobikes will connect his gallery, located in a city suburb and 1.5 km from the nearest subway station, with visitors who don't want to walk or take a taxi.

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