Anger mounts as users struggle to get refunds from ‘bankrupt’ Bluegogo

Photo credit: Bluegogo.

With China’s third-biggest bike-share startup on the verge of collapse amid unpaid wages and its CEO gone AWOL, users are struggling to get their deposits refunded.

Many Bluegogo users – an estimated 15 million are registered with the year-old service – are now taking to social media to vent their frustration.

This guy applied for the refund on his RMB 99 – that’s US$15 – Bluegogo deposit on November 3, yet the app says it’s still being processed:

Screenshot from Weibo.

Another customer, who paid the higher RMB 199 (US$30) fee on November 5, requested its return two days later – but that’s also still being dealt with.

Screenshot from Weibo.

One individual took to Weibo yesterday, tagging several media outlets as well as the Beijing12345 consumer complaints hotline in the missive.

Screenshot from Weibo.

On the Twitter-esque Weibo, where many companies interact with customers, Bluegogo’s account has been silent since November 10.

Bluegogo’s terms of service do not specify how long the refund process takes. The dockless bikes charge riders based on usage time, with their deposit a safeguard against theft or damage. According to Bluegogo’s terms, they keep users’ payment details on file and can charge more on top of the deposit – “determined by us on our sole discretion” – if significant damage is detected.

Refund regrets

Watch: The two drivers behind China’s ride-hailing giant