Explaining the delay, the department said that the service investors, the Tri Nam Group, proposed to operate 1,000 bikes including 500 electric bikes.
"This is the first time such bikes have been used in Vietnam so we need more time to pay for them and receive the vehicles," the department explained. "We've asked the investor to get the first 100 vehicles to operate in central areas this July."
Hanoi has approved a year-long bike rental pilot in Hoan Kiem, Tay Ho, Dong Da, Ba Dinh, Hai Ba Trung, and Thanh Xuan districts.
During the pilot, 1,000 bicycles, half of which are electric, would be put into operation at 94 rental spots. The project would cost an estimated VND30.2 billion (USD1.21 million).
The fee for each 30-minute use is VND5,000 (USD0.20) for a regular bicycle and VND10,000 (USD0.40) for an electric bike.
The fee for the whole day will be VND60,000 (USD2.40) and VND120,000 (USD4.80), respectively.
Monthly and yearly tickets will be available. Rentals can be paid through bank transfers or e-wallet.
The public bicycle-sharing service has been piloted in HCM City, Vung Tau and Quy Nhon cities, and the northern province of Hai Duong. The model, which is an attempt to curb the use of private vehicles, ease traffic congestion and protect the environment, has been warmly welcomed by both locals and tourists.
