PROS & CONS

THE PROS

Convenient: Leave when you want, any time of the day or night.

Worry-free: Lock your own bike in town and you may or may not see it again.

Flexible: If you run out of steam or it starts to rain, just lock it and catch a bus/train/taxi.

Sights: For the tourist, you get a better appreciation of the streets and landmarks by cycling than in a train or stuck on a bus route.

Healthy: With all that excercise you can treat yourself to dessert with your meal without feeling guilty.

Price: Maximum charge per ride is $5.

THE CONS

Not in working order: Quite a few bicycles I saw had damage or needed maintenance. Buckled wheels, missing helmets, missing hand grips etc. The bike I used had a broken tail light and the basket had had a few dings. It would pay to give the bike a quick check before unlocking it.

Also some offered disc brakes rather drum brakes.

Shopping: Limited carrying capacity means if you do a lot of shopping you’ll be taking a taxi or bus back. Battery life: Running the app with bluetooth may drain your phone, especially if you are using Google maps to navigate around. Carry a spare battery bank.

Angry locals: I have heard about share bikes being discarded in rivers and parked inconsiderately. Local council states: “Bikes shouldn’t be placed on footpaths that are too narrow or busy, or where they could pose a safety hazard. They should be placed kerbside away from the building. Shared bikes can be placed near public bike racks, but rack space should be left free for regular bicycles that need to be locked to a fixed point.” Availability: Ofo bicycles did not seem to be as abundant as their competitors in the market. That may mean they don’t have as many bicycles, or they are more popular to use.