Want to buy Melbourne Bike Share? Bikes in near-mint condition (they've been little used), with secure parking at prime inner city locations. And now with courtesy helmets.

The state government wants a private company to take over Melbourne's blue bike share scheme from mid-2014 and develop it into an integral part of the public transport network.

Roads Minister Terry Mulder said the government was seeking an operator that could shape the scheme to become as internationally renowned as similar ventures in Europe.

"After three years of operation, the future of Melbourne Bike Share is unlimited. Our vision is to see it further expanded into other municipalities so that it becomes an extension of the public transport system,” Mr Mulder said.