Ofo, dockless bike share system, kicks off operations in Mesa

PHOENIX — A new bike share company is rolling into the Valley.

Ofo, a dockless bike share system, has officially begun operating in Mesa. The service is accessible fully through a mobile application, which allows riders to retrieve and return bicycles anywhere in the city.

Paul Vidal, a spokesman for Ofo, told KTAR News’ 92.3 FM that there are nearly 250 bikes placed along the Tempe-Mesa border that riders can use as they please.

Vidal said the bikes are placed in areas where they are allowed to be legally parked — such as in spots that do not obstruct roadways or sidewalks — so people can easily track them through the app.

Related: Phoenix-area cities running into problems with bike share programs

The app is able to track the bike because the bike itself has a GPS-enabled lock attached to it. Riders link their credit card within their account and use the app to scan a QR code on the bike to take it on a ride.

Vidal said the company is offering free rides in Mesa, Tempe and Scottsdale through the end of February, but said the normal cost will be $1 per hour.

KTAR News’ Ashley Flood and Griselda Zetino contributed to this report. 

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