Brakes put on three of six bike-sharing companies

One has returned licence, another yet to put out bikes, LTA threatens to suspend the third

Ofo has yet to surrender its licence, but reports have emerged on the closure of its overseas business units. PHOTO: ST FILE
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

Three of the six operators licensed to run dockless bike-sharing operations since last October have failed to take off, as questions swirl over the industry's long-term viability.

Chinese bike-sharing giant ofo's future is now hanging by a thread. It has breached multiple regulatory requirements, and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has threatened to suspend its licence. Ofo has yet to surrender its licence, but reports have emerged on the closure of its overseas business units.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 04, 2019, with the headline Brakes put on three of six bike-sharing companies. Subscribe