Brief: Mobike rolls into Malaysia

Photo credit: Mobike.

The news:

• China’s smart bike-sharing company Mobike announced today the launch of its dockless bike-sharing service in Shah Alam, the capital of Malaysia’s Selangor state.
• To celebrate its launch in Malaysia, Mobike is providing one free month of services in September. Following the promotional period, Mobike riders can use the service for US$0.35 per half hour.
• The company claims to work closely with local businesses and governments to tailor a unique model for each market. In Malaysia, Mobike has partnered with Malaysian real estate developer S P Setia.

Why it matters:

• Malaysia is the third Southeast Asian country that Mobike has launched in. The company rolled out its service in Singapore in March, and it announced its entrance into Thailand late last month.
• Mobike’s key Chinese rival Ofo has also expanded to Malaysia and Thailand in the past few months. Singapore-based competitor Obike entered both countries earlier this year.
• Bike-sharing companies have been struggling to keep their operations viable in Asia. In June, Chinese bike-sharing startup Wukong Bike shut down, just five months after launching, when 90 percent of its bikes went missing.

Converted from Malaysian ringgit. Rate: US$1 = MYR 4.24.