CCS issues warning letter to HelloRide for trying to propose price discussions with Anywheel

The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCS) has issued a warning letter to HelloRide, the operator of the bike-sharing service HelloRide, for attempting to engage in price discussions with its competitor Anywheel in 2025. HelloRide made two attempts to discuss pricing with Anywheel's representatives in July and October of that year.

As the sole licensed operators of shared bicycle services in Singapore, both companies provide short-term bicycle rentals via mobile apps. CCS's Chief Executive, Alvin Koh, emphasized that businesses must act independently when determining their conduct on the market. The CCS investigation into possible breaches of the Competition Act was prompted by complaints from Anywheel, which revealed that a representative of HelloRide contacted an Anywheel representative twice to propose pricing discussions.

However, no actual price discussions took place as Anywheel declined engagement and reported the communications to CCS. CCS stated that HelloRide's conduct did not violate section 34 of the Competition Act due to the lack of commercially sensitive information disclosure. Koh commended Anywheel for its responsible market participation and encouraged other businesses to come forward if they encounter similar situations.

HelloRide defended its outreach, stating that it was aimed at discussing the broader public transportation landscape and pricing environment in Singapore, not shared bicycle pricing between the two operators. The CCS warned businesses approached to participate in anti-competitive information exchanges or receive commercially sensitive information from their competitors to immediately decline participation, publicly distance themselves from such discussions, and report the matter to CCS.

Businesses can also take advantage of the CCS's leniency program if they are currently involved in such conduct, which offers a full waiver or substantial reduction in financial penalties for coming forward with information about anti-competitive agreements.