Urgent Update: 3,000 Fines Issued for Rogue Moby Bikes in Dublin

UPDATE: Dublin’s electric bike share scheme, Moby, faces a surge in fines as 3,000 users have been penalized for abandoning or improperly parking bikes this year. This alarming trend emerges amid a rapid increase in new users, with 60,000 new sign-ups reported in just five months, according to Moby’s CEO, Thomas O’Connell.

The situation escalated as Moby confirmed that four to five times as many warnings were issued to users, with about 70% of fined individuals receiving refunds as part of a deterrent strategy. However, only 15% of users actually end up paying the fines. The Dublin City Council is actively collaborating with Moby to address the improper parking issues plaguing the city.

Moby’s rapid growth has introduced a wave of new users, many of whom are unfamiliar with the rules of the bike-sharing system. O’Connell emphasized the need for user education, especially with tourists flocking to the service during the summer months. He stated, “We’ve had 2,000 new users a week at times, making it challenging to manage compliance with parking guidelines.”

Users are required to park bikes at designated stands and upload a photo of the parked bike via the Moby app. Yet, many riders continue to leave bikes improperly parked, sometimes against lamp-posts or in less populated areas, leading to an increase in abandoned bikes across Dublin. The city has been engaged in discussions with Moby regarding these issues, with officials highlighting the need for immediate solutions.

In May 2025, Dublin City Council was compelled to intervene, asking Moby to retrieve a bike found in the Dodder River after local complaints. The issue underscores the urgency of maintaining proper bike management, as environmental concerns regarding battery leaks into the river have been raised.

Local residents have taken to social media platforms to voice their frustrations over the unsightly presence of abandoned Moby bikes. Complaints have emerged regarding public bike racks being filled to capacity with shared bikes, limiting options for cyclists. The council reiterated its commitment to addressing these concerns, stating, “Sheffield stands are provided for use by all cyclists, whether using a bike service or personal bikes.”

O’Connell acknowledged the challenges shared bike schemes face, noting, “If the bike is abandoned, it’s a problem, and if it’s parked properly, it’s a problem.” He added that the implementation of additional bike stands could alleviate some of these issues.

To combat the rising tide of improper parking, Moby is exploring new technology that leverages artificial intelligence to verify whether bikes are locked to designated stands. O’Connell expressed optimism that this innovation could help mitigate the problem in real-time.

Dublin City Council has successfully maintained order in its bike-sharing landscape, avoiding the chaos seen in other European cities known for scattered e-scooters. Green Party councillor Feljin Jose emphasized the importance of adhering to the established rules, saying, “We don’t want to head towards a situation you have in some European cities with e-scooters strewn around the place.”

As Moby continues to grow, the focus remains on educating new users and refining operational protocols to ensure the sustainability of Dublin’s bike-sharing program. Residents and city officials are calling for immediate action to prevent the situation from worsening, emphasizing the need for community involvement and regulatory adherence.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as Moby and Dublin City Council work together to restore order to the bike-sharing initiative.