Users take bicycles home, officials trace them via GPS

On February 28, a day after the launch, a user took the bicycle to Koyambedu Wholesale Market and failed to return it to the designated station. We located the cycle using GPS and retrieved it. 

However, the wires connecting dynamos were tampered with in an attempt to disconnect the GPS device,” NV Ram, General Manager (Operation), SmartBike, said, adding that an increase in the awareness level would stop such misuse. One cycle costs Rs 50,000 and they are from Germany.

In another incident on the same day, a user took the cycle to his house in Nerkundram. Two bicycles were also retrieved from residences near ICF.

“One person, who took the cycle home said that he had taken it as it is meant for public use. However, after informing him of the fine levied against those failing to return it to the stations, he gave it back,” Ram said. 

On Sunday at 3 am, unidentified people tried to steal three bicycles from a station on Marina. The incident, according to Ram, occurred when the security guard went to the restroom. The SmartBike control room immediately received e-mail alerts. “We informed the guard and thwarted the attempt.”

The service provider also tracks SmartBike bicycles to check whether they are returned to the dockless stations every night.

The civic body, along with SmartBike, opened dockless stations in Anna Nagar and Marina Beach with more than 120 cycles. “We asked residents near the dockless stations to turn CCTV cameras on to cover stations. 

Within a week, we got calls from residents of Adyar, Mylapore and Besant Nagar seeking cycle stations in their localities. If the awareness level increases and vandalism is stopped, we will provide 24/7 service,” Ram said.

Now, cycles are available at Anna Nagar and Marina Beach from 8 am to 8 pm. Commuters with SmartBike Mobility application to use the facility.