Mobike launch electric bikes

Chinese bike sharing firm Mobike is the world’s most successful bike sharing company, serving over 200 million riders with over nine million bikes in cities as diverse as London, Tokyo and Milan.

Having enjoyed rapid expansion and success the company has now announced that it will be branching out by introducing electric bikes to the market.

Developed in partnership with Dutch based studio Springtime Design the new Mobikes boast a slick modern design and provide hybrid power and full electric drive options.

Designed with the comfort of the rider in mind the bikes feature adjustable seats similar to those on current models, but also have the addition of a secure phone holder to allow for easy navigation. Springtime Design say that the e-bike offers a 70km range and a top speed of 20km/h which should encourage them to be used on longer journeys.

Riders can either opt to pedal with the added help of electric power, or for what the companies describe as a ‘moped-like experience’, can use the full electric drive option.

Mobike founder and president Weiwei Hu said: "Electric vehicles offer both efficiency and environmental benefits, and the demand for e-bikes is growing both here in China and internationally.

"We believe that e-bikes will complement our original bikes and will further improve city life for both our users and cities themselves by reducing the reliance on cars.”

We certainly agree that the addition of electric dockless bikes to the bike sharing market is a fantastic idea to try and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The success of Mobike has already proven the demand from consumers for more environmentally friendly ways to travel and the attractive design of the new Mobike electric model is certain to be a hit.

The bikes are to be first launched in China but it is hoped that they will be rolled out internationally in the future.