Green light for bike-sharing firm HelloRide to boost fleet to 20,000

It plans to roll out bikes with better pedals and seats, and features like phone holders

- Savanna Tai

Chinese bicycle-sharing company HelloRide has been given the go-ahead to expand its bike fleet to 20,000 – up from 15,000 – starting July 1, and it plans to roll out two-wheelers with better pedals and seats, and added features such as phone holders.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has approved the company's application to renew its licence to operate a fleet of up to 20,000 for one year until June 30, 2026, said an LTA spokesperson on July 1.

LTA said that its considerations for granting HelloRide's new licence include the operator's plans to manage indiscriminate parking and its record for doing so, as well as efforts to educate users on proper parking behaviour.

It added that it takes into account the total shared bicycle population in Singapore, demand for bicycle sharing services and availability of parking infrastructure when evaluating applications for fleet expansions.

"We will continue to closely monitor the supply and demand of the deployed fleets, while ensuring all operators continue to manage dis-amenities," said an LTA spokesperson.

The expansion will help HelloRide remain competitive amid the Government's plans to push for more Walk, Cycle, Ride commutes and the opening of more bicycle paths, said HelloRide general manager Hayden Choo.

Walk, Cycle, Ride is the Government's vision of sustainable transport, focusing on walking, cycling and public transport as the main modes of travel.