Melbourne’s dockless bikes could cost $200 for 30 minutes in extreme cases

CONCERNS have been raised over the pricing model for a new dockless bike system, which could result in users paying $200 for 30 minutes use in extreme cases.

Josh Robinson from the Gold Coast goes for a ride. Picture: Ian Currie

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A NEW bike system operating in Melbourne will reward good behaviour but inconsiderate riders will be forced to pay up to $200 for their journeys.

The arrival of oBike has led to hundreds of ‘dockless’ yellow bikes dotted around the city.

Customers use a smartphone app to locate, unlock, and pay for the bike, which they can then leave at their destination.

The bikes are priced at $1.99 for 30 minutes use compared to $3 for 24-hour access with Melbourne Bike Share.

Josh Robinson tries out the new dockless bikes in Melbourne. Picture: Ian Currie

Dr Elliot Fishman, Director Transport Innovation at the Institute for Sensible Transport, said he had concerns over oBike’s pricing.

“They use a points system and when your points drop below a certain number, the cost for using their bikes jumps to $20 per 30 minutes — which is more expensive than a taxi — and can cost nearly $200 for 30 minutes in extreme cases,” Dr Fishman said.

“We feel this might catch some people unaware.

“As the app has the riders credit card details stored, the money will simply be drawn from their account with little recourse.”

oBike uses a credit system to encourage responsible behaviour.

New users start with 100 credits with good behaviour rewarded with extra points and bad behaviour penalised by deducting points.

Scan to ride Melbourne’s new dockless bikes. Picture: Ian Currie

Bad behaviour includes parking at non-designated bike parking areas, forgetting to lock a bike, and violation of traffic rules.

The lower a user’s credit rating, the higher the cost of the ride with riders scored under 60 charged $199 for 30 minutes use.

Morgana Robinson, who was visiting Melbourne from the Gold Coast with her family, said she was impressed with the new bikes.

“We just walked down from our apartment and saw them so it was easy,” she said.

“The bikes are easy to scan and use — we could literally end up anywhere.”

A spokeswoman for oBike said it did not charge, or deduct any moneys from users without their knowledge.

“In extreme cases, such as a user forgetting to lock the bike and the bill coming up to a huge amount, he or she can communicate with our customer service staff and we are open for negotiation,” she said.

oBike’s benefits and privileges for high rating users will be announced soon.

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@AndyJeffo