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
With no deposit to pay (or lose if they go out of business!), SG Bike is still providing 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. Plus, after buying MoBike’s bike-sharing licence (below), you can use its SG Bike app to unlock those bikes, too. A win-win if you want to hire bikes frequently around town!
2. Anywheel
Back when personal mobility devices (PMDs) were still legal on pavements, you could rent a scooter from this bike-sharing company and whizz around town. But not anymore – Anywheel is strictly a bike-sharing company, 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. At $1 for 30 minutes, and with unlimited free trips on an Anywheel pass, it’s a no-brainer. Plus, you don’t need a deposit to hire its bikes!
3. Mobike
Mobike‘s bike-sharing licence was bought by SG Bike, but you can still find its fleet all around Singapore. To use, simply open up the SG Bike app and scan the QR code to unlock your ride. And thanks to the cool GPS tracking system integrated into the cycle, you can park it at the designated parking area once you’re done. (Failure to do so will incur a $5 service fee.) Borrowing a bike will cost you just $1 per 30 minutes, making it a fun transport option around the city! Better for your bod and the environment…
Ready to hire a bike in Singapore? Check out our fave cycling routes around the city!