Chinese bike-sharing major Mobike said on Tuesday that it will launch services in the United Kingdom in Manchester and Salford at the end of this month as it ramps up efforts to compete with rivals such as ofo in overseas markets.

Mobike, backed by internet giant Tencent Holdings Ltd, said it will roll out 1,000 bikes at the end of June. After the scheme is up and running, the company will consider future expansion.

The move is part of Mobike's ambitious plan to expand its presence in the European continent. The company said it will launch services to a series of European cities over the next few months.