Mobike launches deposit-free policy for Singapore users

It will be available to users registered with the phone number prefix +65.

Bike-share firm Mobike announced a deposit-free policy for existing and new users that have registered using a local Singapore phone number with the prefix +65.

According to an announcement, the one-time, fully refundable deposit of $49 was introduced at Mobike’s launch in Singapore in March 2017.

“However, through data-driven analysis from Mobikes’ built-in IoT (Internet of Things) technology, the company has determined that Mobikes are widely used consciously in Singapore, and riders can be freed from a deposit,” it said.

In order to get a refund, users need to log into the Mobike mobile app and select the “Refund” button located on the lower part of their wallet page.

Mobike will start the refund process immediately upon receiving the request. The actual credit of $49 will be refunded into user’s account within 10 working days.

Mobike Singapore country manager Sharon Meng commented, “With regards to deposits, Mobike guarantees that the user’s deposit is safe and available for a full refund anytime. We are also thankful to the local authorities for their support for user education and improving infrastructure. We are fully prepared to work with local authorities and will continue investing in technologies to improve our services.”

This follows the closure of oBike, another bike-share firm in Singapore, wherein the $49 deposits of its users were left unrefunded or converted into SVIP subscriptions without their knowledge.