Han Ximin

    ximhan@126.com

    APP-BASED operators need to consider the capabilities of regional facilities when putting app-based bikes on streets and share their information, such as number of users and vehicles, distribution, frequency of use and other operation data, with transport and traffic police authorities.

    They are required to set up a credit-rating system to regulate random parking by users, a special account for deposits and management teams to maintain and park the bikes in an orderly fashion, according to a regulation that was approved by the city government Thursday and will take effect April 20.

    They are also being encouraged to buy a certain amount of insurance for users.

    According to the guideline, the government will be responsible for the planning and construction of parking facilities. Shenzhen traffic police and the urban management authority can impose punishments on violators and add their information to the personal credit system.

    Bike operators can discuss and cooperate with property managements to designate parking places in nonpublic areas, such as housing estates and workplaces.

    App-based bike services started appearing in Shenzhen in October last year and have gained popularity over the past six months.

    Data from the Shenzhen transport commission shows that seven companies, including Mobike, ofo and Bluegogo, have put 520,000 bicycles onto the city’s streets as of the end of March.