People use public bikes in HCM City
Ho Chi Minh City’s bicycle service, launched by Tri Nam Group in late 2021, has seen a steady decline in users despite its initial popularity.
The project initially consisted of 43 stations and approximately 400 bicycles, before expanding to 52 stations and over 500 bikes. Each bike is equipped with a smart lock and a GPS tracker and can be unlocked via a mobile app. Rental costs are VND 5,000 (approximately USD 0.20) for 30 minutes and VND 10,000 (approximately USD 0.40) for one hour.
Data from the operator shows a consistent decline in usage. In 2022, nearly 320,000 rides were recorded, dropping to just over 164,000 in 2023 and around 80,400 in 2024, a fourfold decrease from the first year. In the first half of 2025 alone, there were only about 37,000 rides.
According to Tri Nam Group Chairman Do Ba Dan, the decline was anticipated. “After the initial phase, when many users tried the service out of curiosity, we've now entered a stable period focused on regular users with practical travel needs,” he said.
The most frequent users currently take short trips or combine cycling with buses and metro lines. Tourists and young people remain key customers at weekends, using the bikes for sightseeing and exercise.
To enhance convenience, the company plans to introduce 500 electric bicycles for trial operation in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi within the next one to two months. The e-bikes will run alongside regular bicycles, targeting commuters who need to travel faster or cover longer distances.
“Bicycles remain a long-term solution to diversify urban transport and strengthen connections with public transport systems,” Dan added.
New cycling lanes planned to encourage riders
The city is preparing to open a nearly six-kilometre-long dedicated cycling lane along Mai Chi Tho Boulevard, as part of efforts to promote safe and sustainable mobility.
Le Trung Tinh, Chairman of the HCMC Passenger and Tourism Transport Association, said the new lanes are essential. “One major reason public bicycles haven't developed as expected is the lack of safe, consistent infrastructure,” he noted.
He added that bicycles are not only a practical option for residents and tourists travelling short distances but also play a key role in supporting public transport, especially as the Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line has begun operation and more lines are being developed.
“People will use bicycles more often if they have safe, continuous lanes and conveniently located stations,” Tinh said.