Onzo takes off in capital city

Wellington’s first bike-sharing scheme has taken off, with almost 6000 trips made in the first week.

Onzo’s dockless bikes, which people can access using a phone app, were launched in the capital on October 7. Since then, the 150 fixed-gear bikes have made 5828 trips around the city, with the app downloaded more than 6000 times.

Wellington resident Kate Spencer is one of the people who has made good use of the new initiative, saying it has saved her time and money.

‘‘The bike is more reliable than the bus service. It takes me to the places I need to go faster, and it keeps me fit,’’ she said.

‘‘It encourages a community feeling, I always smile and wave when I see other people on the bikes.’’

Spencer saved $10 on bus fares last week by using the bikes instead.

However, she said improvements could be made across the city to make riders feel safer.

‘‘I think the city needs better and more effective cycleways.’’

Law students Indiana Shewen and John Jackson used the bikes to get to university on Tuesday.

Shewen said the initiative was a good thing for students.

‘‘It’s a lot cheaper than getting an Uber, and the route is really nice to bike when the weather is good.’’

Jackson said the fact the bikes could be parked anywhere once riders had finished cycling made the system quite practical.

The bikes cost 25 cents to hire for 15 minutes, with no charge if they are used for less than that time.

Onzo chief growth officer Minkyu Jung said the company was pleased with the feedback it had received so far.

‘‘Wellington users are very kind with our bikes. We had more trouble and considerably less trips in our first week in Auckland.’’

Another 350 bikes will be added by December, including larger bikes for taller riders, Jung said. ‘‘Some customers are complaining they are too small, so we will bring in a new generation that is more comfortable and damage-resistant.

‘‘We hope the number continues to rise and people keep having fun.’’

However, not everything had run smoothly, with three bikes ‘‘kidnapped’’ or damaged since the launch, Jung said.

Kidnapped is the term used for bikes not left in a readily accessible public place for the next user.

One bike was found in a tree in Boulcott St, while another was found badly damaged in Cuba St.