In Germany the Deutsche Bahn (railways) has bought the provider of such rental bikes. Not sure if they actually make money or if it is just a prestige project. But they have existed for several years now.
The bicycles look so special that stealing them is probably not very tempting. Vandalism might still be a problem, though.
The bicycles look so special that stealing them is probably not very tempting. Vandalism might still be a problem, though.