As of the end of Q2 2017, the Trustdata mobile big data monitoring platform reported that the top ten shared bikes included Mobike, ofo, Coolqi, Xiao Lan, Yonganxing, Hellobike, Xiaoming Bike, YouBai, JiQi, and Riding a Donkey. The current buzz around shared bikes has captured the media's attention, leading to numerous articles discussing the role of smart locks in revolutionizing this sector. But is the hype justified?
Let’s start by addressing whether smart locks are truly essential for shared bikes. In the competitive market dominated by companies like Mobike and ofo, Mobike’s adoption of a smart lock with integrated GPRS unlocking and GPS positioning stands out due to its high development and production costs. Meanwhile, ofo opts for a simpler mechanical lock strategy, focusing instead on aggressive expansion. While mechanical locks may seem cost-effective initially, their limitations in user experience and maintenance costs have proven impractical in practice.
Mobike’s smart lock, however, offers several advantages. It integrates GPS and an independent SIM card, allowing for both user convenience and dynamic vehicle demand analysis. Perhaps most importantly, it enables the collection of valuable short-distance travel data, which is crucial for optimizing distribution and deployment strategies. Beyond just locking mechanisms, the real value lies in leveraging these data points for operational efficiency.
Now let’s examine some of the major players in the smart lock space. For instance, Mobike’s first-generation lock utilized a 2G network, with a SIMCOM 800L module, ST’s main control MCU, and Ublox 7020 GPS chip. Its innovative motor-driven unlocking mechanism demonstrated the potential for mass production. Later models incorporated Bluetooth smart locks, featuring BLE4.0 chips, and combined GPS, GSM communication, and Bluetooth functionalities, significantly enhancing usability and reliability.
In comparison, ofo relies on a basic mechanical code lock, which is inexpensive but highly vulnerable to misuse. Their approach prioritizes cost over security, leaving significant room for exploitation. Hellobike, another competitor, employs a Bluetooth-based smart lock with additional hardware like a six-axis gyroscope, offering enhanced functionality but still facing challenges in ensuring consistent connectivity.
Meanwhile, Xiao Ming Bike leverages Bluetooth for unlocking, relying on the user’s mobile network and GPS for data transmission. This setup reduces power consumption, allowing the lock to run on batteries for extended periods. Xiao Ming’s approach highlights how smart locks have evolved from SMS-based systems to advanced IoT solutions like Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT).
NB-IoT represents a breakthrough in the IoT domain, offering broad coverage, low power consumption, and affordability. This technology minimizes reliance on external power sources, making it ideal for shared bikes equipped with solar panels or self-charging batteries. Additionally, NB-IoT ensures reliable connectivity even in hard-to-reach areas like basements, reducing signal loss and improving overall performance.
Beyond smart locks, the cloud platforms managing these systems play a critical role. While sourcing smart locks might seem challenging for startups, acquiring them isn’t insurmountable thanks to readily available suppliers. However, developing robust backend servers and cloud platforms remains a complex task. These platforms serve as the backbone of shared bike ecosystems, ensuring seamless integration between users and vehicles while processing vast amounts of IoT data.
In conclusion, while smart locks represent a significant advancement in shared biking technology, they are merely the tip of the iceberg. The true innovation lies in the sophisticated cloud infrastructure powering these systems. Entrepreneurs looking to enter this space must focus not only on hardware but also on building scalable, efficient cloud solutions capable of handling future growth.
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