BackTwo-wheeler mobility firms are betting big on social distancing
Founders believe that the use case will expand beyond just daily commuters and office goers, post-covidTwo-wheeler mobility firms now plan to introduce longer rental options and new pricing models for users
PremiumBENGALURU : Bike-sharing startups Bounce, Yulu, and VOGO are preparing for higher demand in a post-covid world, with experts and founders saying that self-driven two-wheelers pose lower risk of infection compared to shared cabs.
Mobility firms now plan to introduce longer rental options and new pricing models for users. Earlier, bike-sharing startups focused on daily commuters, including office goers and people covering short distances, such as from Metro and bus stations to home.
The demand for driverless solutions is expected to peak after the lockdown is lifted, said Vivekananda Hallekere, CEO of Bounce. “We will also see people moving from crowded public transport to self-ride scooters where the pricing is the same or lower than public transport," he said.
“We believe that the need for safe, affordable personal mobility cuts across segments. We expect to continue to serve office goers in large volumes. However, we also expect our customer base will reflect the larger populace in the diversity of commute needs we service and not just be limited to office trips post lockdown," said Anand Ayyadurai, CEO, VOGO.
Mobility firms are rushing to implement disinfectant measures for shared vehicles and new subscription options for commuters looking to use vehicles for longer periods.
Bounce has already started disinfecting and sanitizing bikes with antimicrobial solutions. VOGO and Yulu have also taken similar measures to dispel fears.
Bike-sharing platforms are also preparing to introduce daily, weekly, and monthly rental options. This is a departure from the earlier pricing models where users were charged for each trip.
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