Bike rides are one of the most exciting trips. Wherever you are living, you have noticed the growing concept of bike-sharing, as it has taken a curve in just years. One of the crucial reasons for the growth of e-bike sharing app is pollution. The honks of cars, the pollution they emit, and the gases have caused vast disruption to the environment, but are we moving back to the golden times? After the Uber for car sharing, it is time for the bike-sharing apps as its demand continues to rise.
These platforms are gaining attention from the crowd because of the ease and convenience it offers to users. And fortunately, with the usage of smartphones and mobile applications, there is advancement in bike technology and platforms.
If you are looking forward to creating your bike-sharing app platform for your business, then the article offers you all the details in depth that would help in various aspects. Let's begin.
Why invest in Bike Sharing App Development?
The benefits offered by the e-sharing bike applications are many, and therefore the numbers of these apps continue to touch billions.
- The e-bike sharing app platform will reach $41.98 billion by 2030.
- In 2018, only 5 million eclectic scooters were sold and, the number reached around 50 million in 2020.
- By 2028, around 129 million units of e-scooters and motorbikes will be seen on the roads.
Why are the Bike-sharing apps gaining momentum?
1. Decrease in Traffic Congestion
In urban areas, traffic congestion has disturbed the lifestyle of people. The ultimate goal of these applications is to reduce traffic congestion and help people lead to normal life.
2. Environment Friendly
Cars and other vehicles create a lot of pollution and other greenhouse gases. But with the bike-sharing platforms have a deep and positive impact on the environment, as the bikes do not produce any harmful emissions and therefore contribute to reduce air pollution.
3. Rise in Fuel Price
The price of fuel continues to increase and is becoming a crucial problem for the people. It is tough to cope with these rising prices, but the cost-effective feature of the bike-sharing platform contributes to the success of these services. It helps people to commute at a cost-efficient price.
4. Convenience & Ease
Bike-sharing applications are highly convenient and are much easier to use. Whether you are out for fun or going to your office, the bikes help you reach much faster, eradicating the problem of traffic jams.
How do Bike Sharing platforms work?
Bike-sharing app platforms are different from the Car sharing app platforms, and therefore the platform works differently. Here is the process of bike-sharing app development we follow:
1. Find a Bike Nearby: It allows the users to find the bikes nearby so not have to go to other stations and find the bike. The app points the customers to the nearest parking station, and they can easily pick up their bikes.
2. Unlock the Bike: This is one of the most important parts of app development. You can unlock the bikes with QR codes. There are many other ways as well- generate an unlock code when you enter the bike number.
3. Payment: The app has an integrated payment method. It allows the users to pay as soon as they complete their trip.
The exact fare is displayed on the user screen to pay the right and actual amount. The users can avail many coupons and discount codes that help them enjoy their rides at a much reasonable price.
4. Locking the Bike
As unlocking is an essential factor, locking too plays a crucial role. Once the user completes their ride, it has to be locked.
After making the payment, the user can park the bike in a parking spot and properly locking it.
Some basic rules for bike Sharing Business
Here are some of the basic rules and regulations the Bike Sharing platform must abide by:
- They cannot exceed a speed of 20mph on the ground level.
- If the bike does not function, it should be in the user's knowledge at least 2 hours before.
- The apps can not be operating after 10 pm.
- The government might ask the app owners to share the details, data, and usage.
- The contact information should be display on all the bikes.
Categories of Bike Sharing System
The bike-sharing system continues to evolve and develop with the technology change. There are different categories of Bike Sharing systems that are mention below:
1. Short-term checkout These are also known as bike rentals. Here, the bike can be rented from a particular station, and you have to return it to the same location. These are most suitable for tourists.
2. Long-term checkout
As the name says, it is for the long-term users who keep the bike for months and can lock between the uses.
It has a lower usage frequency. But in the long-term, the rider is much familiar with the bicycle, and there is readiness.
3. Coin deposit stations
The bikes are known as second-generation bikes. They are designed with rubber tires and wheels with a slot where they put the coin. When you insert the coin, the bike is unlocked.
4. Automated stations
It is also known as the bike of the third generation. It consists of bicycles hired or rented from a computerized station.
The bikes have a computerized system, and therefore they can be left at any station.
Essential Features to Be Included In e-Bike Sharing Mobile App
You can hire mobile app developers that should involve all the features of your application.
Here are the most significant features that make your bike-sharing app successful.
1. Quick App Access
It is one of the helpful features that must be implemented on the applications so that the users do not face any issues. GPS integration helps them find the location easily.
2. QR Code Scanner
QR code scanner is the essential feature that helps to unlock the bike.
The users need to scan the QR code of the bike, and it will unlock, and the admin knows who has it.
3. Advance Booking Method
The bike-sharing app platform helps people to book their rides to reach their destination on time. With the advanced booking, they can ride without having to wait for bike riders.
4. Multiple Payment Modes
The payment method is online. By using a debit or credit card and integrating many online payment apps like PayPal, Stripe, etc., the user will make their payment online easily.
5. Bike Ride Details
The user can get an overview of the trip by viewing the map to track their trip easily.
6. Locking Bike:
When the user reaches their destination, need to ensure that the bike they have parker is safe. Therefore, this is the essential feature that helps to lock the bike once used.
7. Customer Support:
Customer support is the key to a successful business. So, for quick and proper customer support, you need to focus on supporting your customers and keeping them satisfied.
8. Notifications and Review:
It is another essential feature. Notification and review sections are separately available, so that new updates can be notified to the user easily. And the user will give feedback about the app and their app user experience.
How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Bike Sharing App?
The development cost of bike-sharing applications is dependent on various factors, such as:
1. Complexity and App Design
The app design is the first thing users look for, and it should give the best impression. It is not only about the looks of the app, but the app functionality to matter. You should have a systematic plan and easy accessibility. It is one of the crucial features that impact the app cost.
2. Payment Integration
For the ease of payment within the app, the app owner integrates different payment options include Credit/Debit cards, Net banking, and more.
Integrating these payment models allows you to pay a certain amount. And it is the significant factor that determines the development cost.
3. Development Platform
Once you choose app development, the next challenge is about choosing the development platform. Based on the platform you choose, the price will vary. Based on the platform you choose, the price will vary.
4. Application Quality
A qualitative app comparatively demands a higher price. An app with qualitative features but the poor quality is bound to fail in the market. Hence, even if you have to pay a bit extra for quality, do not worry about it!
These are the main factors that affect the cost of developing a platform. If you want to create an e-bike sharing app with primary features and functionalities, the app cost would be around $25,000, while the app with advanced features would cost proximately $50,000.
Ready to Launch Your Bike Sharing Startup
The blog says that the bike-sharing apps are here to stay. However, many users and the growth potential are the biggest drivers of this boom.
Are you ready to launch your application? ToXSL Technologies is a leading development company where we build robust, scalable technology solutions that make an impact in all spheres of life. Our team holds expertise in web and mobile app development and avail advanced technologies. To discuss your project details, contact us now!
