Design the perfect "bike-sharing" system

[LockH]

Hehe... ES Bible "Search found 88 matches: +"bike sharing"".

So. It might occur to some that the world is having an "explosion" in bike sharing systems in urban spaces? From press reports there are now hundreds of these systems in operation already... mostly in China? And they've been having "growing pains"?

So. How would YOU design the "perfect" system?

My vote? For Bettery-Electric Traction (as in the "modern" "ebike").

Anything else? (Yah. I know... too many trick questions.)

My vote? (Yah. I get extra. Sorry.)

GPS Tracking installed... somewhere in the frame or seat. Where folks can send an "SOS" when a bike needs repairs.

My vote? Again... For a percentage of the "fleet" as TRICYCLES. (On the theory that some cyclists may not balance... "so good".)

Hehe... Guess I get LOTS of votes... For a kickstand (for the bikes... haven't found it necessary yet for tricycles. Surprise!)

Finally (this is all so far)... The fastest battery "recharge" I know of is to just swap packs. A "tired" pack for a "freshie". So locations where you can exchange packs by installing one pack to get a freshie back. Takes maybe a minute?

And remember... this assumes URBAN locations featuring slower speeds and shorter distances. NOT the MEGA pack featuring a gazillion watt-hours of capacity? Having said this the 21st-century urban electric bike/trike should have "excess" capacity storage to run stuff like recharging Yell Phones (TM)... heating/cooling drinks... a cigar lighter... lighting for lights... hauling loads (other than the "Other Half" I mean). Personally, I think this could be "handled" using TWO of the "standard-sized" rechargable LITHIUM battery.

OK. And by the way? Calling ANYTHING "perfect" is a trap. NOTHING is "perfect". :wink: So maybe allow for upgrades...

Anybuddy? Watt am I overlooking.

L

 

[docw009]

Where have all the shared bikes gone?
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-40351409

When will they ever learn?
http://shanghaiist.com/2017/07/04/bike-sharing-business-loses-bikes.php

Gotta have accountability (bike charged to your credit card if you lose it) and theft proof docking stations.

 

[LockH]

Where have all the shared bikes gone?
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-40351409

When will they ever learn?
http://shanghaiist.com/2017/07/04/bike-sharing-business-loses-bikes.php

Gotta have accountability (bike charged to your credit card if you lose it) and theft proof docking stations.

I vote for some "overhead" for the system? EG folks roving to track down (see ES thread re GPS tracking) and "rebalance" the system. (As seen in the SF East Bay share
https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=57933&start=2625#p1304023

Gotta employ all those unemployed pubic transit folks. :wink:

Agree 100+% re accountability. ... and "theft proof"? Just give EVerybuddy one (one pubic bike/trike). Then, if ya take... who're you going to sell to? (If EVerybuddy already has one.) :wink:

Hehe... "docking stations"... MY "docking station" has been any 120VAC electric outlet. You know... when I can't just swap packs. In MY "bike-share"? Plug-in/attach one used/empty/etc battery, get in return one new "freshie" battery. Empty-to-Full "recharge" in a minute. 8) But basically/overall I'm in favour of distributed vs concentrated. :wink:

 

[markz]

Interesting colors
http://shanghaiist.com/2017/06/27/hangzhou-shared-bike-graveyard.php

 

[spinningmagnets]

An umbrella sharing service was started in China for people who didn't think it was going to rain, and got stuck at work during a surprise storm.

The first round got funding and was a big success, until...the customers didn't bring the umbrellas back. For bike-share, you MUST have GPS tracking and the customer must swipe a car (bank card or credit card) to get the bike. That way they know they will be charged for every 6-minute time-block that they use it. (6 minutes is 1/10th of an hour). When its returned, the charges stop. Start with a low introductory price per hour.

If you take the bike home (without returning), your card will be charged a higher rate on the second day (unless you buy an extended-use plan online through the smart-phone app), until it reaches the full price of a new bike. Then...it's yours after that.

The bike should be configured so it can have a friction-drive attached to the front wheel. The customer owns the FD and the battery, no rentals for either.

https://www.electricbike.com/shareroller-a-great-750w-friction-drive/