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Smart bike sharing company Mobike launches today in Washington D.C. with an initial placement of dockless bikes based in key downtown locations.
The expansion – planned collaboratively with city leaders and planners – marks the company’s first foray into the United States and brings the total number of cities with a Mobike presence to over 180 in less than eighteen months.
The bikes are powered by features including smart-lock technology, non- puncture airless tires, bike status sensors and built-in GPS locators. Users can download the Mobike app, find a nearby Mobike and scan its QR code to unlock. Changes were made to the bike to specifically serve Washington D.C, including the shape of the bike itself and the addition of three gears.
We look forward to working with more cities across the nation to make cycling the most convenient, affordable, and environmentally friendly transportation option for residents and tourists alike.
“We are thrilled to call Washington D.C. Mobike’s first home in North America,” said Mobike co-founder and president Hu Weiwei. “Mobike is committed to developing a global bike share culture by collaborating closely with cities, and the U.S. capital is key in achieving this. We look forward to working with more cities across the nation to make cycling the most convenient, affordable, and environmentally friendly transportation option for residents and tourists alike.”
The company uses data analytics to not only monitor the health of each bike and allocate their fleet across the city depending on traffic, weather and other variables – but also to support city planners, local businesses and authorities in a variety of smart urban planning projects.
General manager of Mobike U.S Rachel Song added: “We are working with a number of cities across the country and are confident this successful pilot will be the first of many partnerships, allowing us to make cycling the most convenient and affordable choice for transportation all around America.”
