Dozens of damaged oBikes taken from Melbourne’s streets for repair

THINK there are fewer oBikes around Melbourne lately? That’s because many have been removed — but don’t worry, they’ll be coming back.

FEWER oBikes are on the streets of Melbourne because many have been removed for repair.

Reports of dumped or vandalised bikes have dropped in the past month, while the operator repairs damaged bikes.

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The news comes as the city council continues to talk to three operators about starting up in central Melbourne.

The head of oBike Australia, CP Lim, confirmed the recall of the share bikes.

“We retrieved some of our bikes back for repairs and maintenance works, and will redeploy them back to the CBD as soon as possible,” Mr Lim said.

Reports of dumped or vandalised oBikes have dropped in the past month, while the operator repairs damaged bikes. Picture: Snap, Send, Solve

The Singapore-based oBike company has had the Melbourne market to itself since starting up seven months ago.

oBike signed an agreement with three councils — Melbourne, Port Phillip and Yarra — in October to better manage the bikes and ensure they did not obstruct walkways and roads. Melbourne city council has impounded 45 oBikes, with the company paying $2250 in release fees.

Rival companies, Ofo, Mobike and Reddy Go, which have set up in other Australian cities, are in talks with councils hoping to set up in Melbourne this year. Riders use a smartphone app to find and then unlock the bikes, at a cost of about $2 for 30 minutes.