Let’s see if this initiative can take off in Singapore.
Bike-sharing, scooter-sharing are some of the sharing economy initiatives that are taking root in Singapore.
A new sharing initiative is seeking to make waves in Singapore by keeping Singaporeans dry.
Sharella – is the brainchild of four Republic Polytechnic students for their Design for User Experience course graduation project.
Several Sembawang grassroots organisations will be introducing the initiative next week.
How Does It Work?
Pedestrians can borrow umbrellas from a rack at the side of the road and return them on the other side when they have crossed. This to ensure the convenience for users in returning the umbrellas.
Success Of Initial Tests
During the trials that were conducted at Woodlands Square and Woodlands Avenue 6 near the polytechnic, all the umbrellas were returned.
This was surprising to the team as well, with an average of 200 commuters using the umbrellas in an hour.
Acknowledging Its Risks
The initiative has been acknowledged by Mr Ong to have its potential pitfalls, and he cited the examples of the dockless bikes.
As of now, they have made the umbrellas “ugly” to discourage people from bringing them home.
Singaporeans Take Charge
Education Minister (Higher Education and Skills) One Ye Kung cited this initiative as an example of Singaporeans taking charge of problems and formulating their own solutions to resolve issues.
The initiative was jointly developed with the Land Transport Authority to aid Singapore’s transition to a car-lite society.
Learning From Past Mistakes
China similarly launched a Sharing E Umbrella in April this year, which was rolled out in 11 mainland Chinese cities with a hefty investment of $1.9 million.
However, most of its 300,000 umbrellas have gone missing within months after its launch.
The initiative works by allowing people to rent umbrellas on the app for a deposit of 19 yuan ($3.85) and an additional 0.50 yuan ($0.10) fee for every extra 30 minutes of usage.
The initiative’s greatest downfall is perhaps the lack of penalty fee for unreturned umbrellas, which led to many keeping them.
Another pitfall is the strong competition that it faces – 14 other umbrella-sharing businesses.
Other Sharing Economies In Singapore
1. Grab and Uber
We are all too familiar with these two private hire car companies. Grab and Uber have also rolled out other features such as “GrabShare” and “GrabHitch” for Grab and “UberPool” for Uber.
These features enable their commuters to share a ride with other commuters who are taking similar routes to reduce the cost of their ride.
2. Airfrov
If you’re travelling overseas and have some extra space in your suitcase, Airfrov can turn that space into cash.
Simply help others purchase items that they want from that country and be paid for it!
3. Airbnb
Who hasn’t heard of Airbnb? This one gives a cheaper option for travellers on a budget or simply for those who a seeking a more refreshing option.
Airbnb hosts open their homes to guests to earn some cash while sharing more about the local culture – if you get a good host, that is.
4. Ofo, oBike and Mobike
These bike-sharing companies have seen its fair share of successes and pitfalls.
While it has definitely brought a great deal of convenience for many, it has similarly led to a lot of inconvenience for others.
Its inconsiderate users and lack of heavy penalties have led to many haphazardly parking the bikes and some have even stolen the bikes and painted them over.
Singapore was an early adopter of the sharing economy, and PricewaterhouseCoopers says the industry is worth US$15 billion today and will be worth as much as US$35 billion by 2025.
Issues The Sharing Economy Brings
However, with the growth of the sharing economy, it has also raised issues with regards to regulations.
The laws and legislations are trying to catch up with the proliferation of the sharing economy, with issues such as the disruption of the local taxi industry by private hire car companies.
Grab and Uber drivers now have to obtain their vocational license after it was raised that it was unfair that it is mandatory for taxi drivers to be licensed whereas Grab and Uber drivers did not have to be.
Will It Take Off In Singapore?
Although Sharella is currently limited to a point-to-point usage of its umbrellas, it is off to a promising start.
However, it may still be too early to tell if Singaporeans are truly ready for a sharing economy with the hits and misses that the sharing economy has faced in Singapore.