In the Philippines, the usual riding-sharing platforms enable commuters to either rent a car or motorcycle. In Dubai however, this type of service is taken on the next level.
Dockless transportation is a ride-sharing method that allows commuters to rent scooters or bicycles for brief periods. The rented 2-wheeled vehicles will then be left at the commuter’s destination after use.
The technology utilizes GPS and cellular connectivity to track the rented bikes and commuters are charged by the minute. After the journey, the vehicle is immobilised, only to be unlocked by a code which the next user will receive via an app on their smartphone.
To date, some 18 million dockless hire bicycles are believed to be dispatched in 1,600 cities. Last week, Californian-based firm Qwikly launched its scooter rental scheme in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The firm, which also has plans to expand into the Philippines, Korea and Japan, is set to distribute 75 scooters at various locations in the two emirates over the coming days, including 25 on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche.
Some reality bites
The risks that dockless operators face are cities that have seen much vandalism and theft.
In Manchester, England, bike rental firm Mobike was left with no choice but to close shop due to losses after intentional mistreatment or anti-social use of rented bikes.
Qwikly owner Ammr Shaladi said, “People know they are expected to behave in a certain way in the UAE,” he said. “I’m confident there won’t be problems with that.”
