Starting May 23, people who plan to use ofo bicycles will have to place a $39 deposit with the company. This according to ofo was to "encourage rider responsibility".

The company is also set to launch new ofo bicycles - ofo Aura 1.0 - with an updated brake box that contains a mechanical lock compatible with the integrated GPS system in the updated app, allowing app users to lock/unlock the bicycle under three seconds.

ofo also announced that it has partnered the Housing Development Board "to establish over 100 preferred parking zones within public housing estates."

For those unfamiliar with what ofo does, here's their marketing spiel:

"ofo has created a unique bicycle-sharing system that does not require “docking stations”. Using the ofo app, users simply enter the bicycle plate number to receive an unlock code and then begin riding. Users can also share their own bicycles through the platform in exchange for the unlimited use of any ofo bicycles, thereby sharing one and getting access to all."

The Chinese company stated that since its launch in Singapore 100 days ago, it captured 50 per cent of the bike-sharing market and has 100,000 users clocking in excess of 20,000 journeys daily.

Singaporeans' abusive relationship with bike-sharing

However, the appearance of bicycle-sharing companies have also resulted in anti-social behaviour by some of its users.

These behaviours include:

1. Chaining the bicycles, preventing others from using them

2. People painting the bicycles to pass off as their own

3. Just outright abuse of the bicycles

4. Leaving the bicycles parked haphazardly

Hopefully, with the new requirement of making a deposit, the instances of abuse will be reduced.

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