Mobike, the world’s first and largest smart bicycle sharing company, yesterday announced the launch of its service in Pune. The launch, in collaboration with Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and other local administration agencies, marks the company’s first foray into India.
Mobike has signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the PMC in support of the municipality’s ambitious Pune Cycle Plan.
The PMC launched the Pune Cycle Plan to introduce environment-friendly means of transportation in 2016. The focus is on the development of a sustainable urban transportation system and smart city solution to reduce traffic congestion.
Mobike’s launch is aligned with this initiative and will offer residents a convenient and eco-friendly way to travel around the city. Mobike’s SMART Bicycle sharing plan incorporates one of the salient features of the Pune Cycle plan with respect to bridging demand/supply gap using internet/IoT technologies which makes it a very unique proposition for users and the city.
“We are thrilled to call Pune our first home in India,” said Mark Lin, Head of International Operations of Mobike. “Mobike is committed to developing a global bicycle share culture by collaborating closely with cities in India.
“Having lived in India for several years, I can fully appreciate the positive impact that a smart bicycle-share culture will bring to the residents here. Our rollout in Pune is just the start of this journey”.
Mobike’s bicycle-sharing service will launch in Kothrud. Mobike will offer a launch promotion price wherein there will be No Deposit fee for the user, and the service can be availed by paying 10 rupees for a 20-minute ride. Alternately, the user can choose to purchase a monthly pass which offers unlimited rides for an initial discounted fee of 99 rupees. With such affordable pricing giving access to an eco-friendly and healthy mode of transport, Mobike intends to transform the way Pune travels.
Mobike bicycles incorporate several unique high-tech features that contribute to the best user experience in the industry, including Internet of Things (IoT) smart-lock technology, chainless shaft-drive transmission, puncture free airless tires, and built-in GPS. Users simply download the Mobike app, find a nearby Mobike and scan its QR code to unlock and ride.
Mobikers shall have the benefit of choosing from many digital payment methods, ranging from net banking, cards, wallets to India’s own UPI method of payment.
“Smart bicycle sharing compared to other public transportation projects is affordable, people-friendly and easy to use. When utilised as a feeder system it can provide first and last mile connectivity to public transport systems such as BRTS and Metro.,” said Mr Kunal Kumar Jt Secretary MoUD and former Municipal Commissioner of PMC. “We are delighted that Mobike is launching its operations in Pune.”
“We are working with a number of cities across the country and are confident that the launch in Pune will be the first of many such partnerships with city administrations in India, allowing us to make,” said Vibhor Jain, CEO of Mobike India.
Mobike has over 9 million of its iconic orange bicycles currently operating in over 200 cities across 16 countries globally. With India, Mobike enters its 17th country of operations in just over 2 years from inception.
“Pune offers a great mix of young vibrant riders, many ideal locations for cycling, great environment and infrastructure, and an ideal size to get started”, added Sujith Nair, CBO of Mobike.
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