By Fachri Mirza
GOMBAK, 19 September 2017: Malaysia’s first dockless hire bike known as oBike was recently launched at the IIUM Gombak campus. oBike – using a phone app that let users to unlock designated bicycles called “oBikes” using their smart phones – successfully delivered hundreds of its two-wheeler to IIUM.
With the oBikes being distributed at bus stops and other convenient locations around the campus, it is expected to help students and non-students reach their destinations within IIUM.
New users must download the oBike application provided at the app store, register using their mobile number and then pay for the deposit. oBike users must pay a refundable deposit which costs RM1 for a 15 minutes ride. The payment method can be made by a credit card, debit card, or Wechat pay.
To start using oBike, users simply open the oBike app, scan the QR code on the back of the bike, and then the bike will be unlocked for your utility.
When you’ve reached your destination, users simply lock the bike manually and park it at any designated oBike parking zone, public bicycle or motorcycle parking space.
Many benefits have come for users of oBike where it helped in creating a green environment by lessening the pollution.
But with the good comes the bad.
“The app is really good and helpful, it helps people cycling around the campus and to do sports. However, there are still many students who don’t know how to use it,” said Nadia Hasna as one of IIUM’s oBike users.
Moreover, oBike may lead to disorganised parking if users can’t use and park the oBikes wisely.***