The reply disclosed that 1,189 bicycles out of a total of 4,996 are damaged and not being used at this moment. Many old bicycles were sold and the company earned Rs 3.55 lakh from the sale in 2023. The total earned revenue is Rs 268.79 lakh.

The Chandigarh Smart City Ltd expressed its inability to provide figures on how many people downloaded the smartbike mobile application which is necessary for using the smart cycles.

The Smart Bike Tech Pvt Ltd in Chandigarh has been running a smart bike public sharing project under the Smart City project since 2021. The company has a contract with the Chandigarh Smart City Ltd till 2031.

“These are the facts. The company whose motive is to promote cycling among local residents has been earning through advertisements instead of earning through bicycles. The condition of bicycles is pathetic. Last month, I downloaded the Smartbike app, paid Rs 100. You will not believe, there were three bicycles at Sector 35 docking station and two of them were not functional. The first cycle I chose was without brakes which I realised once after opening it and Rs 12 was deducted on the spot. There was no air in the wheels of another cycle. Third one was also in bad condition but I used it because I did not have another option,” Budaniya told The Indian Express.

Cycle enthusiast Matinder Pal Sekhon said, “By only constructing docking stations and parking cycles, interest and craze for cycling will not be generated. The company representatives should start special schemes for school, college students. The location of docking stations is another point to keep in mind.”

In June 2021, for displaying advertisements of various brands, the Chandigarh Smart City has allotted 617 sites, with 72 square feet space each, across Chandigarh to The Smart Bike Tech. Of the allotted space, at least 24 square feet space at each site was reserved for depicting how to use a smart bike, how to lock it and where to drop it. The advertisements were displayed on two boards of size 6×4 feet.

N P Sharma, general manager, Chandigarh Smart City Ltd, said, “The company has received advertisements for around 110 to 112 sites out of 617. The sites for which advertisements are being received are on the main roads, near the markets and other places.”

A person should have at least Rs 100 at the time of downloading the mobile app in the app’s wallet.

When contacted, Sunil Dutt, official with The Smart Bike Tech Pvt Ltd, said, “We are committed to providing the best infrastructure to city residents. The problem of vandalism with smart cycles is very high. On the issue of generating revenue through cycle rent, advertisements etc, I will comment after discussing with senior company officials.”