Ho Chi Minh City launches public e-bike service with free trial rides

The electric bikes will operate in parallel with the public bicycle network introduced in late 2021 in cooperation with Tri Nam Group as part of efforts to expand public transport and improve connections between transit modes.

The current system includes 500 bicycles at 52 stations in the city's central area.

The center said the addition of electric bikes is intended to diversify transport options, encourage the use of environmentally friendly vehicles, and support a shift from private vehicles to public transport.

From Sunday to March 31, residents and visitors can try the electric bicycles for free for up to 15 minutes at a public bike station near the former Saigon Tax Trade Center site on Nguyen Hue Street.

Users can access the service by registering on the TNGo-HCM application and redeeming a promotional code for the trial ride.

After the trial period, the operator plans to charge VND10,000 (US$0.38) for 15 minutes, VND20,000 ($0.76) for 30 minutes, VND35,000 ($1.33) for 60 minutes, VND60,000 ($2.28) for 120 minutes, and VND110,000 ($4.18) for 240 minutes.