As of the end of Q2 2017, according to Trustdata's mobile big data monitoring platform, the top ten shared bikes included Mobike, ofo, Coolqi, Xiaolan, Yonganxing, Haro, Xiaoming, Youbai, Jiqi, and Riding a Donkey. Shared bicycles have become a hot topic in the media, with numerous reports focusing on their technological aspects, particularly the smart locks. But how crucial is this feature?
In the fierce competition among various bike-sharing companies, Mobike stands out by equipping its bikes with smart locks that incorporate both GPRS unlocking and GPS positioning. This approach is costly in terms of development and manufacturing, while ofo opts for a simpler mechanical lock paired with a strategy of rapid expansion. While this might seem economical, it presents operational challenges. Without smart locks, the disadvantages of using mechanical locks become apparent, ranging from poor user experience to higher maintenance costs.
Mobike’s smart lock integrates GPS and an independent SIM card, allowing for better user convenience and facilitating dynamic vehicle demand analysis. Moreover, these smart locks play a vital role in collecting valuable short-distance mobility data, which is essential for optimizing distribution and quantity planning.
Let’s examine some leading examples of shared bike lock technologies:
**Mobike**
- **Model 1:** Equipped with a 2G network, SIMCOM 800L module, ST’s main control MCU, Ublox 7020 single GPS chip, custom module, and TI’s BQ25895 charging chip. This model supports up to 5A fast charging and can handle high-voltage inputs from power generation hubs.
- **Unlock Principle:** Users scan a QR code to send vehicle information and unlock requests to the server via SIM cards. The server then sends an unlock command to the specific bike. Currently, telecom modules use CDMA1, while mobile and China Unicom use GSM and GPRS. There’s an intention to switch to NB-IoT in upcoming orders, given that 2G networks may phase out in the future.
- **Models 2/3:** These models utilize Bluetooth smart locks featuring ST17H30 QFN20pin BLE4.0 chips. These locks integrate GPS, GSM communication, and Bluetooth unlocking capabilities, improving anti-theft measures and durability against harsh conditions.
**ofo**
- **Car Lock Program:** oFo relies on mechanical code locks, a traditional method with no advanced tech. Each bike has a fixed password, making it vulnerable to misuse if someone memorizes it. The cost of these locks remains under 15 RMB.
**Hellobike**
- **Lock Solution:** The lock includes GPS modules, SIM cards, and a six-axis gyroscope. The unlocking mechanism involves Bluetooth operations, with the network performing a secondary check.
**Bluegogo**
- **Lock Program:** Utilizes MTK2503 programs, a primary 2G material networking solution from 2016, with Beidou+GPS integration, and supports Bluetooth 3.0. It lacks Wi-Fi due to cost-saving measures.
**Coolqi**
- **Lock Solution:** Features Bluetooth smart locks embedded with GPS modules, SIM cards, and gyroscopes. The entire process involves mobile phone-to-lock connectivity and server interaction, with Bluetooth acting as the intermediary.
**Xiaoming Bike**
- **Lock Solution:** Employs a simple Bluetooth smart lock, without network or GPS. Data transmission and positioning rely on the user's mobile network and GPS. The lock operates on battery power, ensuring low power consumption and prolonged usage.
The evolution of shared bike smart locks has progressed from SMS-based unlocking to GPRS and now to narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) unlocking. NB-IoT offers advantages such as wide coverage, multiple connections, low power consumption, and lower costs, making it ideal for shared bikes.
While smart locks are essential, the backend cloud platform managing operations is equally critical. For instance, Mobike and ofo have focused heavily on developing robust cloud platforms to manage their fleets efficiently. Entrepreneurs looking to enter this space can easily procure smart locks from suppliers, but building a reliable backend system remains challenging. This requires expertise in server management, data analytics, and user interface design, making it the true soul of shared biking.
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