First, a disclaimer — in no way are we encouraging anyone to vandalize, steal or abuse oBike’s silver-and-yellow bicycles. That’s just criminal (and so is not returning our mandatory $49 deposits).
Amidst all the anger directed at the troubled bike-sharing firm, a Facebook page found it relevant to re-upload a tutorial video that was first published on YouTube by Australian user LastSilverFrame last October. A tutorial for what, you ask? A step-by-step video of how to dismantle the locking mechanism of oBike bicycles.
Again, we have to state that it is illegal (and unethical) to tamper with the locks. But we imagine that a lot of disgruntled users left hanging without their $49 deposits refunded could find it very tempting to embark on an illicit DIY project.
Perhaps it’s best to hold off any unlawful deeds. After days of complaints by former users of its service, oBike yesterday announced that they’re working on honoring all the refunds.
“oBike is also working closely with the relevant parties on a solution to refund the user deposits. The entire refund process will be announced once these details are finalized,” wrote the company in a statement, apologizing for the inconvenience caused.
It’s been a week since oBike abruptly made the decision to end its operations in Singapore, with the company admitting that it was unable to meet the requirements and guidelines implemented by the Land Transport Authority (LTA). While LTA confirmed that they’ll be assisting with the removal of the thousands of ditched oBike two-wheelers that have blighted these lands, the matter of getting the $49 deposits returned to users remained up in the air. Sure, the Consumers Association of Singapore could help to resolve the contention, but folks are finding that it’ll be too much of a hassle.
