One of the new oFo bikes has been left vandalised outside St Margarets Station.

The bike, which should be the iconic bright-yellow of the brand, had been shoddily spray-painted white.

It's just one month into the Richmond trial, launched on April 30.

St Margarets resident Martin McHugh, 60, said he was "disappointed" to see the vandalism.

"These schemes have been a success all over the world, except in the UK where they have been stolen, defaced and kept indoors for personal use. Shaming," he said.

He added: "I think lots of people are baffled by these plans I don't think people understand what these bikes are for.

"Give it a chance. It only takes a handful of people to wreck everything."

Sometimes bikes are painted white in memorial of cyclists killed on the road and are known as 'ghost bikes', but these are painted entirely white and chained nearby, often with a plaque attached.

The Richmond trial of oFo - the name apparently looks like a person on a bike - involved 200 bikes.

Mr McHugh said: "It is fantastic that a number of companies have invested their money to provide high quality bicycles for people to use.

"The 'Boris bikes' are heavy and branded, whereas oFo is aesthetically pleasing.

"What a shame that someone has taken the time and expense to paint one of these attractive bikes badly with cheap spray paint.

"I only wish someone had caught them at it. I would love to see them try and wash it off."

Cyclists can rent the bikes for 50p per half hour, with a maximum daily cap of £5.

The dockless bikes can be located and unlocked using a smartphone, and payment is with a debit card.