The sharing economy has experienced tremendous growth as a result of rapid advances in information technology and user demand. Through a case study analysis of bike-sharing service providers in one of the largest cities in China, this paper examines the phases of regulation of the sharing economy from problem discovery, enacting regulation, and the aftermath of regulation. The public interest theory is used as a way of understanding the evolution of regulation of the sharing economy. Our analysis of the case study showed that the government took on three roles as protector, coordinator, and regulator that demonstrate working within the public interest theory. The results of this case study show the evolution of regulatory roles in a new and emerging industry within China and the lessons learned for public administrators.
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