An e-scooter and bicycle rental scheme at Singapore Science Park 1 is the latest in a string of such launches islandwide.

The six-month trial - a collaboration between Ascendas-Singbridge, the developer of Singapore Science Park 1, and start-up Neuron Mobility - will see 50 e-scooters and 20 bicycles available across six parking zones within the area.

Both the e-scooters and bicycles, available at a rate of 50 cents for every 15 minutes, can be located and unlocked using a mobile app.

The 29ha Singapore Science Park 1 is currently served by shuttle buses and public transport services.

Neuron Mobility chief executive Zachary Wang said his firm would analyse transport patterns during the trial to help Ascendas improve last-mile connectivity in the area.

Since last May, Neuron Mobility has been using a software platform - developed by Esri Singapore, a subsidiary of engineering firm Boustead - to analyse commuter behaviour, so as to optimise usage of its bicycles and e-scooters.

Neuron will also receive technology support and services worth $250,000 for three years from Esri, as part of a new programme aimed at benefiting start-ups.It is aimed at helping emerging businesses develop "sustainable smart nation solutions" to address real-world challenges, said Esri.

Ms Maryam Azh, 30, who works in the area, found the rental scheme "pretty cool".

She said it would be useful when she has to rush to fetch her daughter from a childcare centre nearby.

Neuron joins another start-up, Telepod, which recently launched a shared e-scooter scheme.

It began offering 10 of the devices as part of a four-month trial at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre last week.

Telepod expects to have 100 more available across the Nanyang Technological University and neighbouring CleanTech Park by October.

Mr Wang is not worried about similar offerings from other firms.

"I think having competition is good, " he said, adding that it would motivate Neuron to "work harder".

Mr Wang declined to reveal the cost of the trial, but expects costs to go down as production ramps up.

He said his firm was in "quite a lot of discussions" to introduce similar schemes elsewhere.

Ascendas-Singbridge hopes to continue the scheme beyond the six-month trial; it plans to extend it to Singapore Science Park 2 as well as its other properties in Singapore and the region.

WATCH THE VIDEO: How to unlock a shared e-scooter for rental. str.sg/4b8w