The "overengineered" Mobikes and oBikes (a competitor with very similar bikes - solar panels for the electronics, GPS lock, etc.) are all that is left in our streets.
The "overengineered" Mobikes and oBikes (a competitor with very similar bikes - solar panels for the electronics, GPS lock, etc.) are all that is left in our streets.
oBike is for now the best UX in Singapore. Clean app, mostly works, and they've really started to get a grip on the broken bike problem. A recent Straits Times article claimed that of about 100 bikes reported parked incorrectly by the authorities, the oBike team removed 67 before the half day grace period ended (and got fined for the rest), so they seem to be on top of the illegal parking problem as well.
The main issue with all of them is the spottiness of geolocation in built up areas. To an extent this is no longer a problem as you can find the things everywhere, but back when they were relatively rare it could mean a good 10-15 minutes of walking around looking for the mystery yellow pin. These days I even get a choice of model (my favourite has the shiny mudguards, the 3rd generation? they seem to have the least friction; but the massive 1st gen ones are very comfortable so long as you don't encounter any hills).
The bike is pretty solid and alright for commuting, but what would be the point? You get the first 5 minutes free, the first 2 rides of the day free for 15 minutes each, the entire weekend free, and you couldn't commute with your stolen bike since locking it anywhere visible would get it reported and removed almost immediately. Might as well put your card into the system and occasionally pay a dollar or two.