Digital Bike Rental, Charging, and Secure Parking

Case Study in the Category of Cycling, Tourism, and Support Systems for Cycle Tourism

Title: Digital Bike Rental, Charging, and Secure Parking

Client Requirement: Creation of a Unified Bike Rental System with Charging and Secure Parking to Support Tourism

The Regional Tourism Organization of the Bratislava Region introduced a concept for establishing a global bike rental system covering the entire Bratislava region. The goal was to provide tourists with an additional recreational opportunity linked to cycle tourism without the necessity of bringing their own bikes.

The requirement was that each city and municipality participating in the project could be equipped with an intelligent bike stand. This stand would not only facilitate bike rentals via a mobile application but also offer secure parking (locking) for visitors during their stay at nearby tourist attractions.

Additionally, each stand had to include charging stations for e-bikes and be compatible with all types of bicycles, whether for parking or rental purposes.

A key requirement was a unified system—a single app and a single account allowing users to rent, park, and charge bikes at any location within the project. At the same time, each city or municipality needed the ability to independently manage these stands, including setting individual pricing policies.

Furthermore, each participating entity had to be able to utilize their existing payment gateway contracts. This provided high flexibility, ensuring the system appeared and functioned as a unified whole while allowing each segment to have its own management and settings.

Xmarton Optimization of the Initial Concept (Enhancing Stand Functionality in Unfavorable Conditions)

During the needs analysis of this project, we identified the necessity of incorporating a backup power system within the bike stand. This system enables the stand to operate for up to 24 hours in the event of a power outage, ensuring that bikes can still be returned.

Another essential aspect was maintaining stand connectivity even if there was a disruption in the data network. To address this, we utilized our European data network, which connects to transmitters from all Czech, Slovak, and nearly all European operators. This ensured that connectivity was not dependent on any single network provider.

Challenges We Faced – Preparing and Drafting All Contractual Documentation for EU Funding Support

One of the biggest challenges was preparing and ensuring all necessary legislative and contractual requirements so that the project could be executed with EU grant support. This significantly reduced financial strain on participating institutions and organizations.

Benefits of the Collaboration Between KOCR Bratislava Region and Xmarton

By launching the digital bike rental project along with additional features, the following objectives were achieved:

Quantitative Benefits:

• Cost savings by replacing traditional bike rentals managed by staff.

Qualitative Benefits:

• Increased tourist attraction to participating locations.

• Improved accessibility to bike rentals with 24/7 availability.

• Creation of a unified bike rental system across the entire region using a single app and account.

Xmarton Solutions Implemented for This Client:

• Xmarton Hardware: Xmarton Remote Control Unit

• Xmarton System: Sharing and Rental System, Fleet Management System

• Xmarton Solution: Bike Sharing and Rental, Reservations, and Online Payments

• Xmarton Technology: Digital Key System for Bikes

This case study demonstrates how effective solutions and innovative approaches can introduce new opportunities for tourism and travel support. In addition to providing the technological solution, Xmarton can also supply bicycles according to the client’s selection, along with insurance, servicing, and even leasing options if required.