Cast your mind back a few years. Do you remember the literal mountains of shared bikes cluttering Singapore’s pavements? It was a chaotic and visible sign of a promising idea that had spiralled out of control. This initial failure left many residents frustrated and deeply sceptical about whether bike-sharing could ever truly work. The chaos of the past, however, sets the stage for a compelling new chapter. Today, bike-sharing is not only back, but it’s bigger than ever.
The combined fleets have swelled to an impressive 55,000 bicycles, a significant increase from just 36,000 three years ago. This massive resurgence prompts a crucial question we aim to answer: Can the industry avoid its past pitfalls and build a truly sustainable and useful transport service for Singaporeans? This time, things feel different. The operators seem to have learned hard lessons from the first chaotic run. They are now navigating a landscape of ambitious goals, lingering public scepticism, and much stricter rules. It’s a delicate balance between rapid growth and responsible management.
The Ghost of Bikes Past: A Lesson in Failure for Bike-Sharing
Around 2018, Singapore experienced a dockless bike explosion. At its peak, an estimated 200,000 bicycles from seven different companies flooded the island, all vying for market dominance. With virtually no effective regulations governing parking or fleet numbers, the result was inevitable. The dream of convenient, green transport quickly devolved into a public nuisance. Piles of broken and abandoned bikes blocked footpaths and became a symbol of tech optimism gone wrong. Many of us remember having to step over discarded bicycles just to get by. The situation became so untenable that it forced the authorities to intervene.
The fallout was dramatic. The government introduced strict new laws and a rigorous licensing regime. Several operators, unable to cope with the new requirements or their own flawed business models, folded. Their exits were often messy, leaving behind unpaid staff and, damagingly, users who never saw their deposits returned. This history created a deep sense of mistrust, not just in the companies, but in the very concept of shared mobility. It’s a shadow that still lingers, making the current comeback both challenging and fascinating.
A Calculated Return: Rebuilding Trust, One Bike at a Time
So, what’s different now? The biggest change seems to be the mindset. The current operators understand that rebuilding public trust is their primary mission. Two major players now dominate the scene: local firm Anywheel, with a fleet of 35,000, and Chinese company Heliride, which recently expanded to 20,000 bikes. Both companies publicly acknowledge the fragility of consumer confidence. Their strategies reflect a newfound sense of caution and a focus on sustainable, long-term operations rather than reckless expansion. This marks a significant maturation for the industry.
This cautious approach translates directly into their business strategies. For instance, Anywheel, despite having the largest fleet, is currently focused on replacing older bikes to improve quality and user experience before applying to expand further. This sensible plan appears to be working, as the company has reportedly been profitable since 2023. Similarly, Heliride has grown its fleet in planned, gradual phases. They started with just 1,000 bikes in 2022 and expanded incrementally. Their management has learned a crucial lesson: scale without control is a recipe for collapse. This new focus is on operational efficiency, sustainable economics, and crucially, regulatory compliance.
How Regulation is Shaping a More Orderly Future for Bike-Sharing
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) now acts as a firm gatekeeper, preventing the uncontrolled growth that led to the previous disaster. Operators can no longer simply decide to double their fleet overnight. They must seek LTA approval for any expansion. The authority evaluates each company’s track record, particularly its ability to manage indiscriminate parking and educate users. The LTA continuously monitors the situation, ensuring operators are held accountable for any clutter or disamenities caused by their bikes. This tight regulatory oversight forces a much more disciplined and responsible approach from the operators.
This controlled environment is essential for making bike-sharing work in a dense city. However, it doesn’t solve all the economic challenges. The “last-mile” problem remains a significant hurdle. Placing bikes in residential areas to connect people to MRT stations is often not profitable. Bike usage tends to flow one way during peak hours, with bikes accumulating at transport hubs and sitting idle for much of the day. To counter this, operators are making strategic sacrifices. Anywheel, for example, persistently deployed bikes in car-heavy areas and found that after six months of consistency, ridership picked up. This shows a commitment to changing commuting habits, even at an initial cost.
The Road Ahead: Paving the Way with Paths and Power
Looking forward, the potential for success is bolstered by Singapore’s massive investment in cycling infrastructure. With over 730 kilometres of dedicated paths already built and a goal of 1,300 kilometres by 2030, the government is creating a solid foundation for a cycling-friendly city. This infrastructure actively encourages the adoption of cycling, and bike-share companies are perfectly positioned to capitalize on it. However, some hurdles remain. Experts point to potential confusion over new footpath riding rules, which could create uncertainty for riders. Finding a bike, especially during peak hours, can still be a hit-or-miss experience for residents.
The next major evolution for the industry appears to be the introduction of e-bikes. For Singapore’s hot and humid climate, electric bikes offer the tantalizing prospect of a sweat-free commute. This could be a game-changer, appealing to a much broader segment of the population who are currently put off by the physical exertion. Consultants envision e-bikes enabling not just the “last mile” but perhaps the “last five miles,” replacing short taxi or car journeys. Of course, e-bikes bring their own challenges, primarily concerning speed and pedestrian safety. Integrating them safely onto our paths will require careful planning and clear rules.
Ultimately, Singapore’s bike-sharing journey is a work in progress. The industry has moved from a cautionary tale of tech hubris to a more calculated and collaborative comeback. The path forward depends on balancing innovative technology with the slower, harder work of managing expectations, rebuilding trust, and working within a regulated framework. It’s a powerful lesson in what it truly takes for a good idea to find its place and thrive in a modern city.