Green bikes for a greener Hanoi

The pilot project titled “Urban Bicycle” has just been approved by the municipal People's Committee. It is expected to help improve the efficiency of public transport services as well as reduce personal vehicle use.

Accordingly, 500 bikes and 500 electric bikes will be available for rent in 85 locking bike stands in six districts of Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Tay Ho, Dong Da, Ha Dong, and Thanh Xuan and the main stations of Cat Linh- Ha Dong Metro line. There will be 10 to 15 bikes are available at each bike stand.

This pilot bike-sharing project in Hanoi has a total investment of VND26 billion (US$1.12 million) by Tri Nam Company Ltd and lasts for 18 months.

According to Do Ba Dan- representative of the project investor, people only need to pay a minimum of VND10,000 ($0.4) to rent a bike without a deposit. The bicycle rental price is VND5,000 ($0.2) per 30 minutes and VND10,000 ($0.4) per hour. Charging stations for electric bicycles are also installed at parking spots.

“The bike-sharing scheme is expected to help people be more active in moving, providing opportunities for them to exercise as well as protect the environment,” he said.

Dinh Thi Minh Nguyet, a resident of Cau Giay District, Hanoi said that she feels quite satisfied after testing the bike. “The height of the vehicle can be easily adjusted to match the users’ tall. Each bike, equipped with a cellphone and water bottle holders, is safe and convenient.”

“In particular, the bike stands out with its eye-catching light green color. I will ask my friends and family to use these bikes for the weekend outings,” she added.

To unlock the bike, the user scans the QR code with his/ her smartphone.

Green electric bicycles are installed with Global Positioning System (GPS). Besides, the chassis is coated with anti-rust paint, the disc brakes are firmly installed, both to ensure safety for the user and for the bikes to be durable over time.

Different from ordinary bicycles, green bicycles use tires without an inflatable inner tube to help users avoid the inconvenience of a sudden flat tire.