OBike

{{Short description|Bicycle sharing company}}

{{update|date=June 2019}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}}

{{lowercase title}}

{{Infobox company

| name = oBike

| logo = OBike in Taitung 20170425.jpg

| industry = Transportation

| founded = February 2017 (original)
{{Start date and age|df=yes|2019|11}}

| founders = Yi Shi,{{cite web|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/world/it-changed-my-life-health-crisis-opened-obike-founders-eyes-to-chinas-potential|title=It Changed My Life: Health crisis opened oBike founder's eyes to China's potential|last=Kim Hoh|first=Wong|work=The Straits Times |date=1 October 2017|access-date=26 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626030339/https://www.straitstimes.com/world/it-changed-my-life-health-crisis-opened-obike-founders-eyes-to-chinas-potential|archive-date=26 June 2018|url-status=dead}} Edward Chen{{cite web|url=https://www.techinasia.com/singapore-obike-45-million-series-b|title=Tech in Asia - Connecting Asia's startup ecosystem|website=www.techinasia.com|access-date=26 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626054425/https://www.techinasia.com/singapore-obike-45-million-series-b|archive-date=26 June 2018|url-status=live}}

| hq_location = Singapore

| areas_served = {{Unbulleted list|Singapore|Australia|Austria|France|Germany|Hong Kong|Italy|Korea|Malaysia|Netherlands|Portugal|Sweden|Spain|Taiwan|Thailand| United Kingdom|}}

| products = Bicycle sharing services

| homepage = [https://www.o.bike/ o.bike]

}}

oBike was a Singapore-registered stationless bicycle-sharing system started by businessmen Yi Shi and Edward Chen 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 rent bikes. It launched in Singapore in February 2017, and ceased operation on 25 June 2018 in Singapore. Subsequently, the parent company filed for insolvency in its home market.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/insolvent-bike-sharer-obike-abandons-bicycles-throughout-europe/a-44634636|title=Insolvent bike-sharer Obike abandons bicycles throughout Europe {{!}} DW {{!}} 11.07.2018|last=(www.dw.com)|first=Deutsche Welle|website=DW.COM|language=en|access-date=2018-07-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713201323/https://www.dw.com/en/insolvent-bike-sharer-obike-abandons-bicycles-throughout-europe/a-44634636|archive-date=13 July 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/verkehr-in-berlin-leihradanbieter-obike-meldet-insolvenz-an/22788156.html|title=Leihradanbieter Obike meldet Insolvenz an|date=2018-07-11|work=Der Tagesspiegel Online|access-date=2018-07-13|language=de-DE|issn=1865-2263|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713143159/https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/verkehr-in-berlin-leihradanbieter-obike-meldet-insolvenz-an/22788156.html|archive-date=13 July 2018|url-status=live}} The effect on operations outside of Singapore is unknown.{{Cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-06/bike-sharing-company-future-in-australia-uncertain/9950334|title=End of the road for oBike? Parent company goes into liquidation|date=2018-07-06|work=ABC News|access-date=2018-07-13|language=en-AU|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710030133/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-06/bike-sharing-company-future-in-australia-uncertain/9950334|archive-date=10 July 2018|url-status=live}}

The firm had expanded to 24 countries including Australia, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom.{{cite web |url=http://www.cyclist.co.uk/news/3115/obike-brings-station-less-hire-bikes-to-london |title=Obike brings station-less hire bikes to London |work=Cyclist |date=12 July 2017 |access-date=14 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170718111309/http://www.cyclist.co.uk/news/3115/obike-brings-station-less-hire-bikes-to-london |archive-date=18 July 2017 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|url=https://www.fin24.com/Companies/TravelAndLeisure/obike-to-roll-out-bike-sharing-model-in-10-more-countries-20171113|title=oBike to roll out bike sharing model in 10 more countries|work=Fin24|access-date=2018-02-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216025418/https://www.fin24.com/Companies/TravelAndLeisure/obike-to-roll-out-bike-sharing-model-in-10-more-countries-20171113|archive-date=16 February 2018|url-status=live}}

File:OBike, Putney Bridge Approach, London, 12 July 2017.jpg

The system

File:Lock and QR code on oBike.jpg

The bicycles were 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, the user had to download the oBike application, register and pay a deposit. The App was used to rent and return the bicycles and users were charged by 15 or 30 minutes, with payment charged to their Credit/Debit card. To ride bikes, users needed to have an internet connection and Bluetooth enabled on their mobile device to enable unlocking of their desired oBike, which was done by scanning the QR code or entering the corresponding bicycle number. If successful, the lock on the rear wheel opened automatically. Once users finished with their ride, they needed 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 had 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 were reported, a credit system penalized 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 could use the app to pay with a Cryptocurrency called ″oCoin″ which the company planned to offer.[http://www.businessinsider.sg/obike-partners-blockchain-technology-platform-tron-to-launch-its-own-cryptocurrency-for-users-to-pay-for-rides/ oBike partners Tron to launch its own cryptocurrency called oCoins for users to pay for rides] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101030313/http://www.businessinsider.sg/obike-partners-blockchain-technology-platform-tron-to-launch-its-own-cryptocurrency-for-users-to-pay-for-rides/ |date=1 January 2018 }} businessinsider.sg

Areas serviced

=Asia=

==Singapore==

When oBike first started its operations in Singapore in 2017, 1,000 oBike bicycles were rolled out across the city.{{Cite news|last1=Lim|first1=Adrian|title=Bike-sharing start-up oBike officially launches, to offer Tampines residents free one-month usage|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/bike-sharing-start-up-obike-officially-launches-to-offer-tampines-residents-free|access-date=13 July 2017|publisher=The Straits Times|date=13 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170726171046/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/bike-sharing-start-up-obike-officially-launches-to-offer-tampines-residents-free|archive-date=26 July 2017|url-status=live}} 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 was their partner for the Ride and Roll programme.{{Cite news|title=LTA rolls out bicycle parking zones|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/lta-rolls-out-bicycle-parking-zones-8599924|access-date=14 July 2017|publisher=Channel News Asia|date=28 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723210902/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/lta-rolls-out-bicycle-parking-zones-8599924|archive-date=23 July 2017|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last1=Othman|first1=Liyana|title=oBike to introduce points system that penalises 'ungracious' users|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/obike-to-introduce-points-system-that-penalises-ungracious-users-8720774|access-date=17 July 2017|publisher=Channel News Asia|date=13 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704135726/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/obike-to-introduce-points-system-that-penalises-ungracious-users-8720774|archive-date=4 July 2017|url-status=live}}

On 25 June 2018, oBike announced that they were exiting the Singaporean market as they are unable to meet new legislation addressing indiscriminate parking of bikes.{{Cite news|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/obike-ceases-operations-in-singapore-citing-difficulty-in-meeting-new-lta-regulations|title=oBike ceases operations in Singapore, citing difficulties in meeting new LTA regulations|last=Huiwen|first=Ng|date=2018-06-25|work=The Straits Times|access-date=2018-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625085015/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/obike-ceases-operations-in-singapore-citing-difficulty-in-meeting-new-lta-regulations|archive-date=25 June 2018|url-status=live}} Under the new rules set by the Land Transport Authority, operators will have to pay a S$30 licensing fee and a S$30 security deposit for every bicycle they deploy and a S$1,500 one-time application fee.{{cite web|url=https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/startups/obike-blames-new-rules-for-singapore-exit-but-writing-already-on-the-wall|title=oBike blames new rules for Singapore exit, but writing already on the wall|first=Jacquelyn|last=Cheok|date=25 June 2018 |access-date=29 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629074232/https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/startups/obike-blames-new-rules-for-singapore-exit-but-writing-already-on-the-wall|archive-date=29 June 2018|url-status=live}}

==Malaysia==

Launched in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. oBike is appointed as the KL2017 official green initiative partner, they were glad to be part of the biggest sporting event in the Southeast Asia region by providing bicycles all around KL2017 venues in Klang Valley in a bid to encourage people to preserve the environment.{{Cite web|last=Bernama|date=2017-08-22|title=KL2017: Let's go green via oBike {{!}} New Straits Times|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2017/08/271057/kl2017-lets-go-green-obike|access-date=2021-01-09|website=NST Online|language=en}}

==Korea==

Launched in Seoul in early 2017.{{Cite web |last=聯合新聞網 |title=新加坡oBike閃電下車:泡沫吹破的共享單車? |url=https://global.udn.com/global_vision/story/8664/3257752 |access-date=2025-03-22 |website=轉角國際 udn Global |language=zh-Hant-TW}}

==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,{{cite web |author=Nikki Sun |url=http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/2111463/singapore-operator-obike-rides-hong-kong-1000 |title=Singapore operator oBike rides into Hong Kong with 1,000 shared bicycles |publisher=South China Morning Post |date=16 September 2017 |access-date=25 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925182135/http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/2111463/singapore-operator-obike-rides-hong-kong-1000 |archive-date=25 September 2017 |url-status=live }} 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.

==Taiwan==

oBike’s Bicycle-sharing system began operations in Taiwan during April 2017 under the management of Taiwan's Aozhi Network Technology Co., Ltd.{{Cite web|url=https://news.tvbs.com.tw/life/719055|title=YouBike新對手! 民營鐵馬「Obike」駐北市│TVBS新聞網|last=TVBS|website=news.tvbs.com.tw|access-date=2018-04-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613143946/http://news.tvbs.com.tw/life/719055|archive-date=13 June 2017|url-status=live}} 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.

oBike's managing company in Taiwan, Aozhi Network Technology, stopped oBike's activities in Taiwan in June 2018 and actually owe 18.57 million Taiwan dollars only in impound and custody fees.{{cite news |last1=Taiwan News |title=oBike apocalypse ends as Taipei scraps last of derelict bikes |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3743822 |date=12 July 2019}}

File:OBike 20170425.jpg, Taiwan]]

=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.{{cite web|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/illegally-dumped-rubbish-council-removes-obikes-blocking-melbourne-footpaths-20170901-gy96f7.html|title='Illegally dumped rubbish': Council removes oBikes blocking Melbourne footpaths|first=Ebony|last=Bowden|date=1 September 2017|access-date=12 October 2017|via=The Age|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930032310/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/illegally-dumped-rubbish-council-removes-obikes-blocking-melbourne-footpaths-20170901-gy96f7.html|archive-date=30 September 2017|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last1=Zhou|first1=Naaman|title=Dockless bike share: privacy and safety concerns voiced ahead of Sydney launch|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jun/25/dockless-bike-share-privacy-and-safety-concerns-voiced-ahead-of-sydney-launch|access-date=1 August 2017|work=The Guardian|date=25 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801120828/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jun/25/dockless-bike-share-privacy-and-safety-concerns-voiced-ahead-of-sydney-launch|archive-date=1 August 2017|url-status=live}} Lord Mayor Robert Doyle described them as "urban clutter" but did not take any action in regards to banning them. oBikes were found submerged in the Yarra River. Filmmaker Tommy Jackett released a video on social media "Fishing For O Bikes In The Yarra River".{{cite web|title=Fishing for O Bikes In The Yarra River|last=Jackett|first=Tommy|website=YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xuwl6vKiTLU|date=2017-09-24}} The short video highlighted the frustrations faced by oBike users; attempting to ride bikes with excessive marine growth - primarily Mussels.{{cn|date=November 2021}} oBike was later requested to hire external contractors by Parks Victoria to recover the bikes.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/vermin-dozens-of-obikes-pulled-from-yarra-river-20170926-gyp1k1.html|title='Vermin': Dozens of oBikes pulled from Yarra River|last=Bowden|first=Robyn Grace and Ebony|date=2017-09-26|website=The Age|language=en|access-date=2019-02-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225162038/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/vermin-dozens-of-obikes-pulled-from-yarra-river-20170926-gyp1k1.html|archive-date=25 February 2019|url-status=live}} The month of September saw more than 40 bikes being removed from the river.{{Cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/more-obikes-fished-from-yarra-river/news-story/9dc9d19813760c49f1db89defc8a582b|title=More oBikes fished from Yarra River|last=Masanauskas|first=John|date=18 November 2017|work=Herald Sun|access-date=18 November 2017}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/pranksters-cause-headaches-for-sydney-councils-wanting-to-control-share-bikes-20171013-gz0hvq.html|title=Pranksters cause headaches for Sydney councils wanting to control share bikes|first=Matt|last=O'Sullivan|date=14 October 2017|access-date=15 October 2017|via=The Sydney Morning Herald|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015083429/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/pranksters-cause-headaches-for-sydney-councils-wanting-to-control-share-bikes-20171013-gz0hvq.html|archive-date=15 October 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/randwick-city-council-council-to-crack-down-on-share-bikes-20171011-gyz4ce.html|title=Randwick City Council council to crack down on share bikes|date=11 October 2017|access-date=12 October 2017|via=The Sydney Morning Herald|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012100708/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/randwick-city-council-council-to-crack-down-on-share-bikes-20171011-gyz4ce.html|archive-date=12 October 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/comment/richard-glover-civil-disobedience-hits-the-suburbs-as-share-bikes-multiply-20171017-gz2bqo.html|title=Richard Glover: Civil disobedience hits the suburbs as share bikes multiply|first=Richard|last=Glover|date=20 October 2017|access-date=21 October 2017|via=The Sydney Morning Herald|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021111650/http://www.smh.com.au/comment/richard-glover-civil-disobedience-hits-the-suburbs-as-share-bikes-multiply-20171017-gz2bqo.html|archive-date=21 October 2017|url-status=live}} oBike announced it would cease operations in Melbourne after the city council was given the right to fine the company $3,000 every time it failed to comply with tighter regulations from the Victorian Environment Protection Authority.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-12/obike-dockless-bicycle-scheme-to-leave-melbourne/9860314|title=Vexed oBike sharing scheme quits Melbourne after crackdown|date=12 June 2018|website=abc.net.au|access-date=25 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626142803/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-12/obike-dockless-bicycle-scheme-to-leave-melbourne/9860314|archive-date=26 June 2018|url-status=live}}

oBike also operated in Adelaide{{cite web | url=https://www.o.bike/au/OBike | title=oBike Australia | date=27 June 2018 | access-date=27 June 2018 | website=oBike | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627062551/https://www.o.bike/au/OBike | archive-date=27 June 2018 | url-status=unfit }} (ceased), Brisbane, Sydney, and The Gold Coast, but current status of these operations is unknown.

=Europe=

==Austria==

oBikes were introduced in Vienna on 17 August 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.fahrradwien.at/2017/08/18/der-erste-wiener-obike-test/|title=Der erste Wiener oBike-Test – Fahrrad Wien|website=www.fahrradwien.at|date=18 August 2017 |access-date=12 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831172148/https://www.fahrradwien.at/2017/08/18/der-erste-wiener-obike-test/|archive-date=31 August 2017|url-status=live}} Bike hire cost €1 for 30 minutes. On 1 August 2018, Viennese authorities effectively banned oBikes. It was reported that 780 bikes had been seized, representing virtually all such bikes in the Austrian capital.{{cite web |title=Vienna declares victory in war on dockless bikes |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20180807-vienna-declares-victory-war-dockless-bikes |website=France 24 |access-date=2019-12-03 |date=2018-08-07}}

==Belgium==

oBike started its service on 22 September 2017 in Brussels. The bike hire is €1/30 minutes. As of June 2018, there are few bikes left around the city and it doesn't seem possible to rent them using the app. The company is also not responding to queries.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bruzz.be/mobiliteit/einde-van-obike-lijkt-nabij-2018-06-29|title=Einde van oBike lijkt nabij|website=www.bruzz.be|language=nl|access-date=2019-11-16}}

==Germany==

oBike launched in Munich on 24 August 2017 and Hanover on 15 November 2017. They had to withdraw 6000 bikes from Munich already. Bike hire is €1/30 minutes with a €79 deposit (€29 for students).{{cite web | access-date=28 August 2017 | url=https://o.bike/de/ | title=oBike Germany | language=de | website=oBike | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828184258/https://o.bike/de/ | archive-date=28 August 2017 | url-status=unfit }} The sale of oBikes was banned by the state of Schleswig-Holstein in September 2018.{{cite news |title=Schleswig-Holstein verbietet Verkauf von Obikes |language=de |first=Matthias |last=Popien |work=Hamburger Abendblatt |date=27 September 2018 |access-date=27 September 2018 |url=https://www.abendblatt.de/region/article215431027/Schleswig-Holstein-verbietet-Verkauf-von-Obikes.html |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928013334/https://www.abendblatt.de/region/article215431027/Schleswig-Holstein-verbietet-Verkauf-von-Obikes.html |archive-date=28 September 2018 |url-status=live }}

==Italy==

oBike launched in Turin on 17 November 2017. The bike hire is €0.50/30 minutes after the initial free trial period ended on 31 December 2017 and a brief period at €0.30/30 minutes. oBike was also available in municipalities I and II of Rome as of March 2018. The bike hire is €0.50/30 minutes. oBike left the city of Rome due to vandalism reasons.

==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 €0.25 per 15 minutes with a €79 deposit (€49 for students).{{Cite news|last1=Keunen|first1=Yvonne|title=Rotterdam krijgt als eerste stad de deelfiets om overal te stallen|url=http://www.ad.nl/rotterdam/rotterdam-krijgt-als-eerste-stad-de-deelfiets-om-overal-te-stallen~a4345937/|access-date=18 July 2017|publisher=Algemeen Dagblad|date=16 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721030935/http://www.ad.nl/rotterdam/rotterdam-krijgt-als-eerste-stad-de-deelfiets-om-overal-te-stallen~a4345937|archive-date=21 July 2017|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last1=Teuling|first1=Ike|title=Concurrentiestrijd op deelfietsmarkt barst los in grote steden|url=https://www.volkskrant.nl/economie/concurrentiestrijd-op-deelfietsmarkt-barst-los-in-grote-steden~a4505000/|access-date=17 July 2017|publisher=de Volkskrant|date=6 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712055742/http://www.volkskrant.nl/economie/concurrentiestrijd-op-deelfietsmarkt-barst-los-in-grote-steden~a4505000/|archive-date=12 July 2017|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.o.bike/nl/ |title=Overal te vinden in Amsterdam - DOWNLOAD APP |access-date=19 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019163208/https://www.o.bike/nl/ |archive-date=19 October 2017 |url-status=unfit }}

==Portugal==

oBike launched in Lisbon in February 2017 with 350 bikes at a cost of €0.50 per 30 minutes of bike rental.

==Spain==

oBike launched in Madrid in September 2017, operated by oBike Spain, SL.

==Sweden==

oBike launched in Stockholm on 15 November 2017. The bike hire cost 10 SEK per 30 minutes after the initial free winter trial period.

==Switzerland==

oBike launched in Zürich in July 2017, operated by oBike Swiss Ltd.{{Cite news|last1=Petrò|first1=Lorenzo|title=Plötzlich hat Zürich einen mobilen Veloverleih|url=http://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/zuerich/region/ploetzlich-hat-zuerich-einen-mobilen-veloverleih/story/24285267|access-date=17 July 2017|publisher=Tages-Anzeiger|date=14 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721030345/http://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/zuerich/region/Ploetzlich-hat-Zuerich-einen-mobilen-Veloverleih/story/24285267|archive-date=21 July 2017|url-status=live}} It originally deployed approximately 350 bikes and soon after increased to 900.{{Cite news|last1=Metzler|first1=Beat|title=Neue Regeln für asiatischen Veloverleih in Zürich|publisher=Tages-Anzeiger|date= 9 August 2017}} Bike hire is CHF 1.50 for 30 minutes with a CHF 129 deposit.{{Cite news|last1=Giusto|first1=Lina|title=O-Bike nutzt gewisse Orte übermässig|url=https://www.limmattalerzeitung.ch/limmattal/zuerich/o-bike-nutzt-gewisse-orte-uebermaessig-131518995|access-date=14 July 2017|publisher=Tages-Anzeiger|date=17 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801072351/https://www.limmattalerzeitung.ch/limmattal/zuerich/o-bike-nutzt-gewisse-orte-uebermaessig-131518995|archive-date=1 August 2017|url-status=live}} Meanwhile oBike has stopped its service in Switzerland.{{Cite news|last1=Sarasin|first1=David|title=Das schlechte Geschäft mit O-Bike|url=https://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/zuerich/region/das-schlechte-geschaeft-mit-obike/story/16770736|access-date=26 June 2018|publisher=Tages-Anzeiger|date=26 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626150755/https://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/zuerich/region/Das-schlechte-Geschaeft-mit-OBike/story/16770736|archive-date=26 June 2018|url-status=live}}

==United Kingdom==

In July 2017, oBike launched in London with 400 bikes.{{cite web |author=Laura Laker |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/bike-blog/2017/jul/12/londons-first-dockless-hire-bike-scheme-launches |title=London's first dockless hire bike scheme launches | Environment |work=The Guardian |date=12 July 2017 |access-date=14 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170714041824/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/bike-blog/2017/jul/12/londons-first-dockless-hire-bike-scheme-launches |archive-date=14 July 2017 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author=Sean Morrison |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/boris-bike-rival-obike-launches-in-london-with-400-dockfree-cycles-for-hire-a3585781.html |title=Dockless Boris bike rival oBike launches in London with 400 cycles for hire | London Evening Standard |date=12 July 2017 |publisher=Standard.co.uk |access-date=14 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170714091147/http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/boris-bike-rival-obike-launches-in-london-with-400-dockfree-cycles-for-hire-a3585781.html |archive-date=14 July 2017 |url-status=live }} Bike hire was 50p for 30 minutes with a £49 deposit.{{cite magazine |last=Burgess |first=Matt |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/london-obike-dockless |title=oBike is putting thousands of bikes on the streets of London | WIRED UK |magazine=Wired |publisher=Wired.co.uk |access-date=14 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713142414/http://www.wired.co.uk/article/london-obike-dockless |archive-date=13 July 2017 |url-status=live }} oBike's operations in London were put on hiatus at the end of 2017{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/dec/03/dockless-bicycles-sharing-london-transport|title=Is shared cycling in London on a road to nowhere?|work=The Guardian|date=3 December 2017|access-date=12 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713042452/https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/dec/03/dockless-bicycles-sharing-london-transport|archive-date=13 July 2018|url-status=live}}

Controversy

=Australia=

After oBike has announced it ceased operations in Melbourne, there were reports of many users being unable to get their deposits back, or having their deposits unwillingly converted to VIP subscriptions. Furthermore, the app was redesigned to prevent people from requesting refunds.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/business/consumer-affairs/obike-users-sweat-on-deposit-refunds-as-company-hits-the-skids-20180627-p4zo1z.html|title=oBike users sweat on deposit refunds as company hits the skids|last=Clun|first=Rachel|date=2018-06-27|website=The Age|language=en|access-date=2018-09-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914094304/https://www.theage.com.au/business/consumer-affairs/obike-users-sweat-on-deposit-refunds-as-company-hits-the-skids-20180627-p4zo1z.html|archive-date=14 September 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/jun/27/obike-customers-say-deposit-refund-button-on-app-now-deleted|title=OBike customers say deposit refund button on app now deleted|last=Zhou|first=Naaman|date=2018-06-26|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-09-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101172924/https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/jun/27/obike-customers-say-deposit-refund-button-on-app-now-deleted|archive-date=1 January 2019|url-status=live}}

= Malaysia =

In March 2019, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall authorities announced a strict ultimatum for the oBike company owners to claim the thousands of abandoned oBike bicycles by mid-April that is currently piled up in a depot or otherwise be destroyed or turned to scrap. It is believed that the oBike Malaysia company has shut down its operations; and are uncontactable by the media or authorities.

Complaints include that the bikes were not sturdy, poorly maintained and had no parking facilities. Bikes collected by the authorities were found in every nook and cranny of the city including the river, back alleys and clogging drains.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2019/03/13/its-a-twowheeled-nightmare-for-dbkl/|title=It's a two-wheeled nightmare for DBKL - Metro News {{!}} The Star Online|last=M|first=Bavani|website=www.thestar.com.my|date=13 March 2019 |access-date=2019-03-14}}

= Singapore=

In 2018, after oBike shut down operations in Singapore, its bicycles are left abandoned on the streets.{{Cite web|last1=Lim|first1=Adrian|last2=De Wei|first2=Low|date=2018-06-27|title=oBike's rental bicycles remain uncollected across Singapore, but town councils prepared to take action|work=The Straits Times|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/fate-of-thousands-of-obikes-in-limbo-after-firm-shuts-down-singapore-business|access-date=2022-01-05}} On 28 June, 2018 the Land Transport Authority instructed the company to remove the bikes by 4 July or they will be charged for the towing and storage service. oBike's provisional liquidator, FTI Consulting, subsequently removed the bicycles as part of their commitments to Land Transport Authority remove them.{{Cite web|last1=Abdullah|first1=Zhaki|last2=Tan|first2=Sue-Ann|date=2018-07-04|title=oBike must commit to "full and prompt removal" of bicycles|url=https://tnp.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/obike-must-commit-full-and-prompt-removal-bicycles|access-date=2022-01-05|website=The New Paper}}{{Cite web|last=Abdullah|first=Zhaki|date=2018-08-01|title=35,000 oBike bicycles, about 70 per cent of the total number here, removed from public spaces: LTA|work=The Straits Times|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/35000-obikes-removed-from-public-spaces-lta|access-date=2022-01-05}} On The Consumers Association of Singapore also told customers to keep proof of debt while the company assets are liquidated.{{cite web|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/lta-instructs-obike-to-remove-bicycles-by-next-wednesday-10479682|title=LTA instructs oBike to remove bicycles by next Wednesday|work=CNA |access-date=28 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628184003/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/lta-instructs-obike-to-remove-bicycles-by-next-wednesday-10479682|archive-date=28 June 2018|url-status=live}} oBike chairman Yi Shi told Lianhe Zaobao that he is willing to use his shares to bear the cost of refunding users' deposit.{{cite web|url=https://tnp.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/obike-owes-users-63m-deposits|title=oBike owes users $6.3m in deposits|date=3 July 2018|access-date=3 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703011423/https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/obike-owes-users-63m-deposits|archive-date=3 July 2018|url-status=live}} He also said that the company's ability to refund users will be affected if the Land Transport Authority imposed fines on them, implying that the deposits which are to be refunded will be used to pay off the fines instead.{{cite web|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/obike-lta-deeply-disappointed-will-impose-fees-clear-bicycles-10496326|title=LTA 'deeply disappointed' in oBike, says will impose fees if bicycles not cleared|access-date=4 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704092913/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/obike-lta-deeply-disappointed-will-impose-fees-clear-bicycles-10496326|archive-date=4 July 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/obike-deposit-refund-users-extra-costs-clearing-bicycles-lta-10494590|title=Extra costs for not clearing bicycles 'might affect' refund of users' deposits: oBike chairman|access-date=4 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704092944/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/obike-deposit-refund-users-extra-costs-clearing-bicycles-lta-10494590|archive-date=4 July 2018|url-status=live}}

Users with $19/$49 deposits were unable to gain a refund via the Obike app after they removed the refund button with an app update. Contacts through other means were ignored as well.{{cite web|date=25 June 2018|title=Users seek refunds for deposits as oBike exits Singapore bike-sharing market - Techgoondu|url=https://www.techgoondu.com/2018/06/25/users-seek-refund-for-deposits-as-obike-exits-singapore-bike-sharing-market/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625090027/https://www.techgoondu.com/2018/06/25/users-seek-refund-for-deposits-as-obike-exits-singapore-bike-sharing-market/|archive-date=25 June 2018|access-date=25 June 2018|website=techgoondu.com}}

Before oBike withdrew from Singapore, it transferred the deposits owed to the Singapore users to its sister company, oBike Hong Kong. oBike was then investigated for misappropriation of funds and was deemed not to have committed any offence in September 2021.{{Cite web|last=Tan|first=Christopher|date=2021-09-06|title=Police find no evidence of wrongdoing against bike-sharing firm oBike|work=The Straits Times|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/police-find-no-evidence-of-wrongdoing-against-bike-sharing-firm-obike|url-access=subscription|access-date=2022-01-05}}

= Taiwan =

== Bicycles parking in car parking spots ==

oBike bicycles parking in normal automobile parking caused public complaints.{{cite news|url=http://www.chinatimes.com/newspapers/20170502000425-260107|title=oBike進駐花蓮 機車族怨難停車|date=2017-05-02|work=中國時報|language=zh-tw|author=許家寧|access-date=2017-07-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607043058/http://www.chinatimes.com/newspapers/20170502000425-260107|archive-date=7 June 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://udn.com/news/story/7328/2483408|title=oBike首波宜蘭投放 民眾怨:占用機車格?|date=2017-05-24|work=聯合報|language=zh-tw|author=張芮瑜|access-date=2017-07-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524160122/https://udn.com/news/story/7328/2483408|archive-date=24 May 2017|url-status=live}} The Keelung City Government, Taipei City Government and Yilan County Government have since stated that bicycles can legally park in automobile spots.{{cite news|url=http://news.ltn.com.tw/news/life/breakingnews/2082895|title=oBike該停哪? 基市府這樣說…|date=2017-05-29|work=自由時報|language=zh-tw|author=俞肇福|access-date=2017-07-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713035052/http://news.ltn.com.tw/news/life/breakingnews/2082895|archive-date=13 July 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.appledaily.com.tw/realtimenews/article/new/20170626/1148291/|title=Obike佔用機車格被轟 交通局:可停機車格|date=2017-06-26|work=台灣蘋果日報|language=zh-tw|author=林媛玲|access-date=2017-07-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702194557/http://www.appledaily.com.tw/realtimenews/article/new/20170626/1148291|archive-date=2 July 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.appledaily.com.tw/realtimenews/article/new/20170525/1125938/|title=【有片】oBike現身宜蘭 連縣議會停車場也攻佔|date=2017-05-25|work=台灣蘋果日報|language=zh-tw|author=張芸甄|access-date=2017-07-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629121809/http://www.appledaily.com.tw/realtimenews/article/new/20170525/1125938|archive-date=29 June 2017|url-status=live}} On 7 July 2017 the New Taipei City Government Transportation Department announced a ban on rental bicycles parking in automobile spots in the districts of Sanchong, Tucheng, Zhonghe and 11 other districts as well as bicycle parking spots around MRT stations, train stations and other public transportation areas.{{cite news|url=http://www.ntpc.gov.tw/ch/home.jsp?id=28&parentpath=0,6,27&mcustomize=multimessages_view.jsp&dataserno=201707070016|title=oBike占用機車格 新北市公告禁停|date=2017-07-07|publisher=新北市政府交通局|language=zh-tw|access-date=2017-07-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707101730/http://www.ntpc.gov.tw/ch/home.jsp?id=28&parentpath=0,6,27&mcustomize=multimessages_view.jsp&dataserno=201707070016|archive-date=7 July 2017|url-status=live}}

== Other ==

File:OBike_in_parking_spaces_03.jpg

In April 2017 during its trial period, several instances of parking violations in Taipei; The Taipei City Government Transportation Department required oBike to reach an agreement with the city before continuing operations.{{cite press release|title=針對obike營運及車輛投放管理之因應作為|date=2017-04-10|publisher=臺北市政府交通局|url=http://www.gov.taipei/ct.asp?xItem=285081955&ctNode=5158&mp=100001|language=zh-tw|access-date=2017-04-10|archive-date=11 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170411000942/http://www.gov.taipei/ct.asp?xItem=285081955&ctNode=5158&mp=100001|url-status=live}}

In May 2017, in the county of Taitung, the Taitung Police Department discovered many people parking illegally;{{cite news|url=http://news.ltn.com.tw/news/life/breakingnews/2066137|title=方便不要變隨便 台東oBike任意停將開罰|date=2017-05-13|work=自由時報|language=zh-tw|author=陳賢義|access-date=2017-05-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519034149/http://news.ltn.com.tw/news/life/breakingnews/2066137|archive-date=19 May 2017|url-status=live}} in the county of Hualien, oBike bicycles were parked on the sidewalk in front of the Yuli Train Station, inciting complaints from the public;{{cite news|url=https://udn.com/news/story/7328/2454613|title=oBike「快閃」單車版Uber挨批占用公有土地|date=2017-05-10|work=聯合報|language=zh-tw|author=陳麗婷|access-date=2017-05-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510090101/https://udn.com/news/story/7328/2454613|archive-date=10 May 2017|url-status=live}} in the city of Tainan, the government made oBike undergo an audit before continuing operations;{{cite news|url=http://www.tainan.gov.tw/tainan/news.asp?id={E01DE469-CC12-4710-A6C9-FFAE587967A6}|title=交通局要求oBike業者需申請核可後始得營運|date=2017-05-31|publisher=臺南市政府新聞及國際關係處|language=zh-tw|access-date=2017-05-31}} in the county of Yilian, oBike bicycles were parked on pedestrian walkways and in automobile parking spots. Jiang Congyuan, the mayor of Yilian, stated that if the company does not control this, they will begin confiscating the bicycles.{{cite news|url=http://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20170525004761-260407|title=oBike上路亂象多 縣府將開罰、公所要扣車|date=2017-05-25|work=中時電子報|language=zh-tw|author=胡健森|access-date=2017-05-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525112200/http://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20170525004761-260407|archive-date=25 May 2017|url-status=live}} On 31 May, the city of Yilian confiscated 34 illegally parked bicycles.{{cite news|url=http://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20170531003255-260407|title=oBike亂象多 宜蘭市公所展鐵腕扣車|date=2017-05-31|work=中時電子報|language=zh-tw|author=胡健森|access-date=2017-05-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170531103343/http://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20170531003255-260407|archive-date=31 May 2017|url-status=live}}

= Germany =

In March 2018, oBike announced the withdrawal of the majority of bikes from Munich. The city accused the firm of making mistakes in the rollout of the service which left bikes vandalised and obstructing the city.{{Cite news|url=http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/leihraeder-obikes-in-muenchen-imageschaden-im-eiltempo-1.3660176|title=Obikes in München: Imageschaden im Eiltempo|last=Schubert|first=Andreas|date=2017-09-10|work=sueddeutsche.de|access-date=2018-04-04|language=de|issn=0174-4917|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405001856/http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/leihraeder-obikes-in-muenchen-imageschaden-im-eiltempo-1.3660176|archive-date=5 April 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/fahrradverleiher-obike-zieht-grossteil-der-leihraeder-aus-muenchen-ab-1.3922021|title=Obike zieht Großteil der Leihräder aus München ab|last=Crone|first=Philipp|date=2018|work=sueddeutsche.de|access-date=2018-04-04|language=de|issn=0174-4917|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405024312/http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/fahrradverleiher-obike-zieht-grossteil-der-leihraeder-aus-muenchen-ab-1.3922021|archive-date=5 April 2018|url-status=live}} 12,000 oBikes already sold in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein will have to be called back after the state ministry for consumer protection banned their sale in September 2018. The reason for the ban was a lack of roadworthiness because of poor brake performance.

= Portugal =

One month later, oBike ceased its services in Lisbon due to alleged abusive occupation of space within the city and lack of a municipal license to operate.{{Cite web |url=https://eco.sapo.pt/2018/03/07/lisboa-mandou-recolher-as-bicicletas-mas-a-obike-promete-voltar-em-breve/ |title=Lisboa mandou recolher as bicicletas, mas a oBike promete voltar "em breve" |access-date=15 April 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109041122/https://eco.sapo.pt/2018/03/07/lisboa-mandou-recolher-as-bicicletas-mas-a-obike-promete-voltar-em-breve/ }}

= Switzerland =

In June 2018, oBike announced the withdrawal of its bike fleet from Zurich. According to news reports, the low quality of the bikes, vandalism, the aggressive initial roll-out and controversies about the company's data collection and privacy policy forced oBike to withdraw all of its bikes. By November 2017, the company had stopped paying the local delivery and service companies which were hired to maintain the local bike fleet.{{Cite news|url=https://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/zuerich/region/das-schlechte-geschaeft-mit-obike/story/16770736|title=Das schlechte Geschäft mit O-Bike|last=Sarasin|first=David|work=Tages-Anzeiger, Tages-Anzeiger|access-date=2018-06-26|language=de|issn=1422-9994|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627005338/https://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/zuerich/region/das-schlechte-geschaeft-mit-obike/story/16770736|archive-date=27 June 2018|url-status=live}}

= United Kingdom =

In Hammersmith and Fulham the local authority placed obstruction notices on some oBikes parked on the public highway or "littering" the city.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cityam.com/268482/odear-obike-dockless-bike-startups-london-launch-doesnt-go|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170718130650/http://www.cityam.com/268482/odear-obike-dockless-bike-startups-london-launch-doesnt-go|url-status=dead|title=City A.M.|archive-date=18 July 2017|access-date=21 August 2019}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/cycle-hire-company-obike-accused-of-littering-londons-streets-as-bikes-vandalised-a3593161.html|title=Cycle hire company oBike accused of 'littering' London's streets|work=Evening Standard|access-date=2018-04-04|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405024749/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/cycle-hire-company-obike-accused-of-littering-londons-streets-as-bikes-vandalised-a3593161.html|archive-date=5 April 2018|url-status=live}}

See also

References

{{Reflist}}