Source: Charles Platiau/Reuters

Bike hire schemes are making a big impact around the world, and Hong Kong-based Gobee.bike was hoping to cash in on the two-wheel revolution when it opened for business in France .

But its distinctive green cycles have been withdrawn from cities across the country after a battle against vandals .

These antisocial elements have stolen over a thousand vehicles and smashed up more than three times that number.

After retreating from several French cities , plus the Belgium capital of Brussels, Gobee.bike decided to throw in the towel entirely, blaming the “ mass destruction ” of its fleet on “ underaged individuals .”

Luckily for French cyclists there are several other bike hire companies vying for business. Hopefully they’re made of tougher stuff .