Smart Bike Sharing – An Excellent Eco friendly And Healthier Option To Explore Singapore.

I have already mentioned about the Convenient and Systematic Public Transport Options to explore Singapore- “ MRT ( Mass Rapid Transport) ,SMRT( Buses) and Taxis/Cabs ( Both Uber/ Grab). What if I tell you there is a more cheaper and healthier mode of transport.

Cycling is a great option to explore the hidden parts of Singapore. Even though the MRT / SMRT Options are really good , once you get down at the MRT Station/ Bus stop you still will have to walk to explore few places .Well with this more convenient option available you no longer have to worry about walking long distances to reach your destination. You’ll find these Bikes parked at any public location. All you need to do is just download the app , Scan the Code in the Cycle and ride away to places you wish to go visit .
Below is a list of information regarding the three main Bike Sharing Schemes in Singapore:
1)Mobikes ( Smart Bike Sharing) : These are pretty orange bikes with a tiny orange basket at the front.

• How to Use :After Downloading the app “ Mobike” Simply scan the QR Code on the Bike and ride away to places you wish to visit. Once you open the app it checks your location and show a map with all the mobikes parked in and around your location that are available for ride.
• Cost of the ride: You’ll have to pay a renting deposit of S$49 which will be refunded to you within 14 days . Cost for the ride is as follows:S$0.5 for 30 mins.
• Where to Park the Mobike Bikes: Park it at any Public parking area. If you see a Cycle stand near by just park it along with the rest.
• Frequency of finding the bike: Mobikes are found almost everywhere in and around Singapore. Most places we visited ,we could spot few mobikes parked in the public parking lot.
2)OBikes(Station-less Bike Sharing) :

• How to Use: After Downloading the app “OBike” Simply scan the QR Code on the Bike and ride away to places you wish to visit. As you open the app it will show a map showing all the OBikes available for ride nearby your location.
• Cost of the ride: You’ll have to pay a deposit fee of S$45 and Students have a concession fee of S$19 . This Deposit will be refunded within 14 days. You’ll be charged S$0.5 for 15 minutes of the ride. OBikes also give many discount offers for your ride and also allows free ride during public holidays.
• Where to Park the OBike Bikes: You can park them outside the MRT, it can also be parked along any sidewalks and also near any of the shopping mall .In short, you can park it in any bike parking lot. All you need to make sure is that the sidewalk is quite wide enough and ensure you are not blocking the pedestrians.
• Frequency of finding the bike: OBikes are very easily found. You can find plenty of them outside the MRT Stations and Sidewalks of Shopping malls etc.
3)Ofo ( Smart Bike Sharing): These bikes come in a pretty yellow colour with a little basket in front where you can keep you belongings.

• How to Use :Once you download the app “ Ofo” you ‘ll have to link your credit / debit Card to the app .Scan the Code / enter the bike number and ride away. No deposit is needed. You’ll only be charged for your ride.
• Cost of the ride: It’s the cheapest among the three bike Sharing Scheme.S$1 per hour is the cost of riding an Ofo Bike.
• Where to Park the Ofo Bikes: You can pick the bike from anywhere and park it anywhere at a permitted geostation near your destination. If you park it in the wrong place your points will be deducted.
• Frequency of finding the bike: Though it is quite easy to ride and is quite affordable with no deposit fee, finding an Ofo bike can be a bit tricky. Unlike the other apps this app doesn’t tell you where the nearby Ofo Bikes are . You’ll have to find it yourself .Me and my husband did find one near our place but we actually had to walk a bit to find another one.
Note: Well! do pay attention to the rules for Bike sharing. Singapore is very strict when it comes to following rules. You will be charged hefty and will be subjected to paying higher fares as per the degree of damage caused .You will be penalized for abuse of bicycles , parking illegally or violating traffic rules .
For those who follow the rules and know to maintain public property well, this is definitely a great mode of transport.
Save Money by opting for this eco-friendly and healthier mode of transport.
By: Aswathi Ashok.