Shanghai firm cycles into Europe on shared bikes

Eazymov, a joint venture between a Shanghai hybrid bicycle company and an European technology service provider, announced that it has launched its hybrid bicycle service in Italy and Greece in a bid to explore the overseas market.

In Alba, a historical city in Italy, Eazymov has teamed up with a local bus operator to allow customers to swipe transportation card if they want to use the bike. Within the first three days, customer registration totaled more than 2,000 in number in Alba, accounting for 8 percent of local population there.

In Rethymno, Greece, rider's cards targeting tourists have been issued.

"The project signifies the good cooperation in innovation and economy between China and Greece, and will bring more investment to Greece and allows more people to appreciate its beautiful landscape," said Dimitrios Michas, economic and commercial consul at the Consulate General of Greece in Shanghai on Friday.

Italy and Greece are popular tourist destinations and the hybrid bicycles can provide electric stimulus when riders go uphill or accelerate, promising an easy cycling experience for travelers.

"Shared bikes are not commonly seen in Italy, and the project provides convenience to local residents and tourists in Alba, which is famous for its red wine, delicacies, splendid civilization and long history," said Maria Ludovica Murazzani, commercial consul of the Consulate General of Italy in Shanghai.

The joint venture is established between Xj Bike, a Shanghai-based hybrid bike developer and Ezymov Technologies Limited, a green and smart traffic solution technology provider based in Europe.

"In Europe, governments invest a lot in green transportation and shared bikes are welcomed," said Motty Presler, CEO of Ezymov Technologies Limited. "People can find shared bikes in city squares, neighborhoods, tourist attractions, universities and hospitals."

Eazymov will further launch another 2,000 shared bikes overseas in September and is expected to expand to more overseas destinations such as Cyprus and Austria.