Put away those EZLink cards! Bike sharing is the cheaper, greener and healthier way to go – but which schemes are still operating around Singapore?
We’re loving being able to spend more time outdoors (if the weather permits). And we all know how easy it is to whizz around Singapore with the kids in tow! For starters, we’ve got some great safety tips for cars and taxis, and our complete guide to public transport in Singapore – getting around the island has never been less stressful. But what about when we don’t have the kiddos with us, or we want to stay fit, too? Pedal power is the way forward, we say – yep, we love to hire bikes in Singapore! If you haven’t got your own set of wheels, why not consider bike-sharing schemes? While bike sharing was once a flooded market, many companies have ceased operations due to a change in the law by the LTA. So, who is still in the saddle, and who has parked up for the final time?
Everything you need to know about bike sharing in Singapore
What happened?
It was a great idea to have a fleet of bikes around the island for people to use affordably and conveniently. On paper, it was an excellent plan. In reality, there were bikes, bikes and more bikes cluttering up pathways, thrown in bushes or even abandoned in swimming pools (we saw this more than once). And sadly, too often they were broken. It became a big problem. And so, in March 2018, the Land Transport Authority had had enough. It passed a bill to ensure all bike-sharing companies apply for a licence to continue operations. Of the eight operators who initially had bike-share schemes around the island, only two remain in the saddle.
Who’s gone?
GBikes, oBikes and ShareBikeSG have ceased operations. Ofo has lost its bike-sharing licence as of 2019 and Baicycle, who failed to get a bike-sharing licence, has ceased operations, too. Local mobility startup company Moov Technology received its bike-sharing licence in 2019 for a whooping 10,000 bikes, but hasn’t seemed to have taken to the ground yet.
So, who’s still pedalling? Read on…
Where to hire a push bike in Singapore
1. SG Bike
SG Bike provides pedal power options all over Singapore. We love that this one also has a ride pass so you can ride bikes as much as you want. SG Bikes has two tiers of bikes, the Standard and the Premium lightweight bikes. The Standard bike costs $1 for the first 30 minutes and $0.03 for every subsequent minute. It is covered under the ride pass where you can pay a certain amount in order to get unlimited rides free during the pass validity period, up to 30 minutes per ride.
The Premium bike has a child seat included which costs $4 for the first 30 minutes and $0.06 for every subsequent minute – however these are not covered ride pass, you’ve got to pay per use. Also note that the Premium bikes have to be returned to designated zones (green zones) unlike the standard bikes.
2. Anywheel
Anywheel is one of the largest bike-sharing companies in Singapore, and its recognisable, funky green bikes are everywhere. You know the drill: find one of its bikes, unlock it using your app, and push off.
They offer two tiers of bikes: the Regular bike and the Family bike. The regular bike costs $1 for every 30 minutes. If you’re whizzing about often, the Regular bike is covered under the Anywheel Pass, which gives you unlimited free trips (each trip not exceeding 30 minutes). The Family bike includes a child seat, which costs $4 every 30 minutes. Unlike the Regular bike, the Family bikes are not covered under the Anywheel Pass and only the standard pay-per-use system.
3. HelloRide
HelloRide is the newest kid on the block in the bike-sharing sphere in Singapore. Its bikes are located mainly at East Coast Park, Marina Bay Sands, National Stadium, parks along the Kallang River, and a few other districts, including Little India, Bugis and Boon Keng.
HelloRide offers 2 kinds of bikes: a smart bike and a smart e-bike. Right now, there is only one tier of pricing for bikes. It is $1 for the first 30 minutes and $0.50 for every subsequent 10 minutes. It also offers bike passes where you can get unlimited rides capped at 30 minutes each, after which additional fees apply.
Ready to hire a bike in Singapore? Check out our fave cycling routes around the city!