Public bicycle service in Hanoi goes into operation

Public bicycle rental service is deployed in Hanoi with 79 stations about one kilometer apart, near tourist attractions, bus stations, and skytrains.

On the morning of August 24, the Hanoi People's Committee coordinated with a business to launch a public bicycle rental service with 1,000 bicycles, including 500 electric bicycles. The service is part of the city's Urban Bicycle Project, scheduled to be implemented at the end of 2022, but was postponed because the investor wanted to develop more electric bicycles with throttles.

In early August, the first bicycles were delivered to 79 rental points in densely populated areas, scenic spots, bus and elevated railway connection locations in 6 inner-city districts.

Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen (white shirt) test-rides an electric bicycle on the morning of August 24. Photo: Ngoc Thanh — Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen (white shirt) test-rides an electric bicycle on the morning of August 24. Photo: *Ngoc Thanh*

To use the service, customers install the app on their phone and top up 10,000 VND to rent an electric bicycle for 30 minutes, or 5,000 VND for a mechanical bicycle. If the amount of money spent exceeds the amount of money charged, the renter can top up the next time. The stations are unattended, and renters can return the bike at any station.

Mr. Dao Viet Long, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Transport, said that the bicycle rental service helps people have more options for public transport, changing their travel habits to contribute to environmental protection. In addition to bicycles, Hanoi has deployed electric buses, electric taxis, and electric motorbikes.

"The city aims to have 30-35% public transport. After 12 months of piloting, the Department will evaluate the quality and effectiveness of this model," said Mr. Long.

Bicycle rental point located next to the Opera House. Photo: Ngoc Thanh — Bicycle rental point located next to the Opera House. Photo: *Ngoc Thanh*

According to the investor representative, during the 7-day trial period in Hanoi (August 16-22), more than 16,000 new accounts were opened. Customers made more than 7,000 trips, over 46,000 km, averaging 6.3 km per trip.

The bicycle rental service was previously deployed in Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, and Da Nang, with more than 2,500 vehicles in operation and more than 2.6 million kilometers traveled.