“Due to the pandemic, the number of persons using cycle sharing has come down. As of now, only 50 rides per day are being taken, much lesser than the pre-pandemic average ride per day of 600,” said an official.

The civic body had also reduced the number of cycles available at the dock-less stations. Presently, only around 30 cycle stations are functioning, with each having only 5 cycles instead of allotted 10. The Corporation is implementing the cycle sharing system with SmartBike, a private firm.

When asked about the reason for introducing long-term rental scheme, the official explained that several residents who were using them only for exercise had expressed fear of contracting infection, despite the civic body sanitising the cycles periodically.

“They requested us to allow them to use the cycles for a longer period. Based on this, we introduced the new scheme from Monday. They can keep the cycle for the rental period. By joining the long-term rental plan, they can use the cycles as per their wish without any restrictions,” he added.

“If any fault occurs during the rental period, we will visit the user’s house and rectify the fault,” he said.

As per the new rental plan, cycles can be rented for seven days by paying Rs 299 or for 15 days for a rent of Rs 599. The monthly plan (30 days) would entail a rent of Rs 999. Those interested can contact 044 26644440 for hiring the bicycles and for more details, he added. Earlier, the cycles were rented only on hourly basis, that too only from morning to night.

The civic body has decided to introduce electric bicycles and next-generation (chain-less cycles) bicycles before the end of the year.