Cycling Visionaries Awards - Project Details

BikeEmotion, a New Bikeshare System

Our vision is to create a bikesharing system that improves current management processes. It’s a smart system that learns from use, adapts to user’s needs and adjusts to the city. We envision a bikesharing that no longer needs docking stations. It always has a pick up and drop off point nearby and it allows the interaction with other users and with the city. Get to know BikeEmotion, enjoy freedom!

BikEmotion is a new bikesharing product and a managerial system based on a device with GPS recognition attached to a bicycle that shuns the need for docking stations. The device can be unblocked, upon registration, by smart card or mobile phone, allowing bicycles locking and unlocking in identified places.
BikeEmotion belongs to the 4th generation of “demand responsive multimodal systems”. It displays highly efficient, flexible, clean stations with a better redistribution system - being able to adapt to usage patterns and demand.
While creating BikeEmotion, we got inspired by successful solutions and proved systems that have already been designed to respond to cyclists, municipalities, systems managers, implementers and advertisers needs.
Currently, the 3rd generation of Bikesharing systems with fixed stations displays the following problems:
1) Demands high investment in the implementation of fixed station and kiosks;
2) Need of significant public space for the infrastructure;
3) Impossibility of parking or renting bikes when the stations are totally full or empty. Need to handle customer complaints.
In order to respond to the demands and to relive redistribution problems, BikeEmotion goes beyond turning mobile all stations and kiosks - it totally eliminates stations, replacing them with wireless communication and locking systems built-in the bicycle itself.
Virtual docking stations help you to:
1) Reduce investment costs;
2) Overcome the immovability of fixed stations in large public spaces;
3) Solve redistribution problems.
We are currently incorporating of all the advantages of 3rd generation successful systems, such as:
1) Easy and fast access through an automated process for rental and return;
2) Clear recognition of renting zones;
3) Guarantees on availability;
4) User identification and accountability;
5) One-way capability;
6) High network density
BikeEmotion is being developed in cooperation with the Aveiro University and 3 Portuguese companies: Ponto C, Ubiwhere and Microlo. BikeEmotion is a part of TICE mobility project and it is financed by NSRF under the COMPETE program. Successful bikesharing systems have proved to increase overall cycling habits. This modal shift leads to value creation by bringing several benefits to the overall citizens: reduction of pollution and combustibles consumption allows an efficient time and space management and promotes the sustainable development.
BikeEmotion improves the quality of life and raises territorial attractiveness, thereby boosting up the regional competitiveness.