The investment needed for such a rapid global rollout must have been very high. Was the company right to do this, rather than doing more market research in different countries fi rst?

The Mobike App requires customers to register using their mobile number and some form of identification.
They must open an account and make a pre-paid, refundable deposit against deliberate damage. The software automatically disqualifies users under the age of 14 and tracks not only where customers go but also how they behave, giving them a Mobike score, which penalizes behaviour such as forgetting to lock the bike after use and affects future charges and the use of the system. Once the fee has been paid, the App allows customers to locate the nearest bike not in use. Customers then unlock the bike by scanning the matrix bar code.
They can then use the bike and leave it where they choose. The distance travelled, time spent, energy used and cost of using the bike is then displayed on the bike, which will be deducted from customer’s account.
Mobikes are distinctive, with a bright orange livery and a fashionable, modern design. They are built for durability and low maintenance. The classic bike has a shiny aluminium V-shaped chassis, with puncture-proof tyres and a shaft transmission system. The wheels have fi ve sets of double metal, bright orange spokes. The ‘lite’ version has wire spokes and a conventional chain drive. An electric version was launched in 2018.