Mobike to adopt new fees standard on Monday

Shared bike firm Mobike will apply a new charging standard for users in Shanghai from Monday, the company said in a statement on its app.

Users will be charged 1 yuan (14 US cents) for the first 15 minutes and 0.5 yuan for every 15 minutes after that — 2.5 yuan for the first hour. This is an increase from 1 yuan per 30 minutes.

For those who bought a monthly or season pass, riding a Mobike is free within two hours. After that, they will be charged for 0.5 yuan every 15 minutes as well.

In April, Mobike first adjusted its charging standard in Beijing.

Many users of Mobike said they do not mind the price hike.

Fang Le, who rides Mobike on a daily basis, told Shanghai Daily he paid 18 yuan every month for the monthly pass.

“I can’t imagine me riding a bike for more than 2 hours, so the new rule is irrelevant to me,” Fang said.

Chen Guangzhen, an accountant, said the rise of 0.5 yuan is no problem.

“Previously you ride 30 minutes with 1 yuan, now 15 minutes with the same price,” he said. “Come to think of it, I finish most of my trips within 10 minutes, so it won’t really bother me.”

There are currently three shared-bike firms in Shanghai. Hellobike charges 1.5 yuan for every 30 minutes. Ofo is the cheapest — 1 yuan per hour.