REVERE — It got a little easier to get around Revere this week when a Beijing-based startup launched a bike sharing program.
The eight-week pilot program by Ofo deployed 200 bright yellow bicycles citywide available for $1 an hour. If it’s a success, the bikes will be back next spring.
“It’s designed to give residents more options for commuting and leisure,” said Mayor Brian Arrigo, in a statement. “This bike-sharing program can provide a low-cost way to connect residents to work, school, the MBTA, the Northern Strand Community Trail, or Revere Beach.”
To rent a bike, users must download the Ofo app. Once installed, cyclists can find a nearby bike, scan the QR code on the lock at the rear of the bike, unlock it, and start their ride. Once the ride is complete, locking the bike ends the trip and the user will receive a digital receipt. Payments can be made by credit card inside the app.
At the end of their ride, users may park the bicycle anywhere that it is legal to do so.
“It’s affordable and flexible and is very popular overseas,” said Joseph Gravellese, a city spokesman. “We are the third U.S. city to partner with ofo after Seattle and Worcester. The best part is there’s no cost to taxpayers. That’s the beauty of this model.”
Unlike Hubway, a competitor which rents bikes with 1,800 bikes at more than 185 locations in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, and Somerville, Ofo does not have stations. Instead bikes can be found parked in the city’s high demand areas such as at City Hall, at the beach, at the library, and the Beachmont neighborhood.
Hubway launched in 2011 with 600 bicycles and 60 stations in Boston. Today, Hubway said they continue to expand, and expect to have 275 stations over the next 18 months. They charge $8 a day, $20 a month or $99 annually.
Founded in 2014, Ofo calls itself the world’s largest station-free bicycle-sharing platform. To date, they have connected users to more than 10 million bikes in 180 cities across 13 countries, the firm said.
Gravellese said he tried an ofo bike himself this week and enjoyed the ride.
“I felt a little goofy because I was wearing a shirt and tie,” he said. “I rode three quarters of a mile to my apartment and it took me 10 minutes. Normally, I just walk, but the bike is a great option.”
