What would it take to get you on a bike in Shanghai? How about 800 rental stands outside Metro station exits and 2,700 more in residential areas in the next two years? Shanghai’s state-owned bicycle company, Forever, is working together with the government on a ¥400 million quest to make it happen as part of an Expo-oriented initiative.

The first rental systems went up in 2008 outside the Zhangjiang High Technology Park, and the system has now successfully expanded to city suburbs Minhang and Baoshan, and around Zhongshan Park. By the beginning of May, another 40 rental spots should be up and running in central Xuhui.

The bikes are available to both locals and expats. According to Sky Cai, a manager in Forever’s advertising department, all you’ll need is a ¥200 deposit and a valid government-issued ID (or passport) to get a swipe-able debit card. The first half hour is completely free and, even after that, Xuhui bikers will only be charged between ¥1-¥3 per hour on a progressive system that’s designed to promote short-term rentals and quick bike turnover.

Cai hopes that the bikes will help commuters with the “last three kilometers” problem: the bikes are meant to be a new transit alternative for people who might normally take a taxi or bus to get from their metro station to their final destination. “Forever Bikes can’t replace standard public transportation,” says Cai, “but the rentals have done a great job of supporting and improving the system.”

Expat opinion is split over how effective rentals would be. Jing’an resident Claire Pyne isn’t sold on the idea. “What happens if the bike is stolen? Will insurance be included in the rental? And [I think] there are no cycle lanes here. If they do this, they need to have ‘rules of the road’ or add dedicated bike routes.”

On the other hand, Vancouver-born investment analyst Patrick Postrehovsky thinks that the program will quickly gain popularity, and not just for commuting. In his view, “It’s perfect for Shanghai residents who want the option of being able to cycle around the city but don’t want to invest in owning and maintaining bike.”

■ Sophie Friedman, with reporting contributed by Kiki Gao