In our #PartnerSpotlight series, we wish to share what we have learnt so far about our partners and how they see their solutions solving today’s transportation challenges. This month we explore eBike sharing. With the current boom in biking across cities globally and with micromobility gaining traction as a viable and sustainable transportation alternative for private and public applications we feel this is quite the need of the hour. BYKKO works in bringing the eBike shared micromobility model to life.
If you want to learn more about movmi’s partners, check out our other Partner Spotlight blog posts here.
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: BYKKO
WHAT’S ON OFFER WITH BYKKO? WHAT DOES THE WORLD OF EBIKE SHARING NEED TODAY?
BYKKO is a multi-award-winning Australian shared mobility platform for e-bikes and micro-mobility. What is unique about BYKKO is our extensive experience in both technology development and daily operations, as well as network planning and urban cycling expertise. Our built-in telematics, versatile API capabilities, and robust security make BYKKO the ultimate choice for station-based e-bike sharing and e-mobility. Using data analysis, global comparisons and proprietary cartographic methods, we provide quantitative appraisals of cities and precincts. Planning for bicycle urbanism requires new modes of thinking with a clear understanding of the unique characteristics of cycling. We have partnered with government and councils for public e-bike share schemes, helped plan and implement programs for residential developments as well as providing solutions for private operators and corporate fleets.
HOW DOES YOUR SOLUTION HELP IN OPERATIONS AND IN IMPROVING FINANCIALS?
We have developed an end-to-end solution with a single point of contact providing service and support to partners, across technology deployment, user experience and fleet management. With BYKKO station-based systems, an e-bike is charged while docked, without any intervention from the operator or the user. This reduces operational costs and rebalancing efforts and reduces the risk of revenue loss due to low battery issues or bike unavailability. We provide e-bikes that are securely fixed to an immovable structure which reduces fleet misuse so the lifespan of the e-bikes is considerably longer than other models.
What we have learned is that there is not a one-size-fits-all solution and we have the expertise to develop the best possible solution – from supplying top quality e-bikes and stations, to customising the IT platform with every need to manage performance, to advising on creating positive user journey experiences and meeting COVID-19 obligations.
HOW DOES BYKKO’S SOLUTION HELP SOLVE END-USER (RIDER) AND CITY (REGULATORY) PAIN POINTS?
Our integrated approach to e-bike share network planning has helped us identify the cycle space an inexperienced rider needs to safely navigate their city. Stations are in high-demand areas, where customers can transition seamlessly from one mode of transport to another but also, they act as origin/destination points. With tech embedded in both the e-bike and docks, customers know where to find a station and how many e-bikes are available. They can also be confident the e-bike is charged, clean, serviced and ready to go. Blocking sidewalk access, poorly parked bikes and misuse are some of the common regulatory issues. BYKKO systems encourage people to return the bikes to their dock, so we give the responsible agency the control of where the bicycles will be located. We believe in connecting communities, which means our systems are designed to enable convenience and safety not just for riders but for pedestrians and other active transportation users in a city.
HOW DOES BYKKO HELP IN DEPLOYING RESIDENTIAL/CORPORATE EBIKE SHARING? WHY SHOULD THESE DEVELOPMENTS EVEN CONSIDER SUCH SHARED MOBILITY SERVICES?
Cities across the world are transforming with governments and organisations focusing on creating people-centred communities that encourage health and wellbeing and reduce our impact on the environment. Incorporating BYKKO e-bike docking stations into new developments is a great way to create vibrant communities by putting people at the centre of public spaces and streets not cars. BYKKO is experienced in planning and delivery of a range of e-bike share schemes including for the residential and corporate sectors. These sectors are continually looking for the next unique selling point and including shared mobility options like e-bikes is the next logical step for these developments. The footprint of a 10-bike station is equivalent to that required for just one car parking space in a structured garage so more of the development envelope becomes available for extra dwelling units or commercial space. The station could be powered from the grid/renewable energy sources or from solar panels when installed outdoors.
In the next decade, we expect shared mobility to be as common as pools, gyms, tennis courts and other similar amenities in residential developments or corporate fitness programs and fleet vehicles in a corporate setting. Developments are already moving towards that mindset. eBike share schemes complement and contribute to meeting triple bottom line targets for environmental, social and economic initiatives most cities and organisations set including:
- UN sustainability goals including 3 – Good health and well-being, 9 – Industry, innovation and infrastructure, 11 – Sustainable cities and communities, 12 – Responsible consumption and production.
- 15-minute city principles of providing all the essentials people within 15 minutes walking or cycling
- Carbon/greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.
HOW DOES BYKKO HELP IN SETTING UP THE SERVICE FROM SCRATCH?
From equipment deployment to marketing and program launch, BYKKO expert team does support our partners every step of the way. Creating meaningful connection is the foundation of thriving communities. With any new system we start by having early discussions with all major stakeholders such as the local council, existing public transport providers, cycling enthusiasts as well as the broader community. We then map the city and we design the bike share network based on our extensive transport planning expertise, our discussions with key stakeholders and from community feedback. We map our cities through the cyclist eye, not the driver eye when we start planning a new program so we can identify the safe space where a risk-averse cyclist would be happy to ride. This front-end work is critical to gaining the buy-in needed to launch a successful program, small or large. From our hardware to our proprietary software, everything has been built with the end user in mind.
Technology wise, we use the best e-bike systems available, team it with cutting edge technology and a great user experience to get people moving, smarter and easier than they have before. Our system is highly automated requiring minimal operational and labour support. We will launch this year the 3rd generation of e-bikes purpose built for sharing with real-time battery, motor, brakes, and motion monitoring but also with some new innovative features. We are able to help our clients in planning a logical network, finding the right locations for docking stations, installing the stations and e-bikes through our operational project experience. We work with our partners to develop a bespoke e-bike share network building a durable financial model that aligns investment decisions with the economics of bike share.
CASE STUDY #1: GREENFIELD MIX-USE DEVELOPMENT – GINNINDERRY, AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Problem Statement: Integrating sustainable transport options into a new suburban development and underpinning Ginninderry’s position as the only ‘6 Star Green Star – Communities’ rated development in the region.
Solution: BYKKO has partnered with Ginninderry to meet the growing expectations of new residents by providing electric bike sharing as an innovative and environmentally-friendly form of transportation. The installation of e-bike sharing is part of an integrated active travel strategy that includes a network of dedicated cycle lanes. Initial deployment of a station at the information centre with access to employees and visitors to be rolled out across multiple suburbs as the development program proceeds.
Operating model: Outright purchase with ongoing service and maintenance, customer support and reporting by BYKKO. Available for Ginninderry Staff – free trips. Visitors – free 2 hours then $10 per hour.
Testimonials:
“We’re proud to be pioneering the use of e-bikes in the context of a suburban development. E-bikes make cycling accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels and we’re confident that we’ll see residents making full use of the service while reducing their dependency on cars.” — Jessica Stewart (Ginninderry Sustainability Manager)
CASE STUDY #2: PUBLIC EBIKE SHARE PROGRAM – NEWCASTLE, NSW
Problem Statement: The On Demand Transport program was launched in November 2016 to identify and pilot creative new ways for people to reach their destinations quickly, safely, easily, efficiently, at a time that suits them. Following the competitive market process, one of the 11 contracts was awarded to BYKKO to deliver the On Demand E-Bike Share pilot in Newcastle.
Solution: Australia’s first E Bike public bike sharing network initially in partnership with Transport NSW now operated commercially by BYKKO. Ongoing service and maintenance, customer support and reporting by BYKKO.
Operating model: 100 electric bikes. 19 stations. 156 intelligent docks. Pilot launched in May 2018, performance review every 6 months. Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) rates – $2/10 minutes. Daily Subscription – $10. Monthly subscription – $40 (50% discount for students, pensioners etc).
Testimonials: Stats (2018-2020): 180,000 KM cycled. 64,600 trips. 48,000 hrs of cycling. 45 tonnes avoided CO2 emissions. 15 billion calories burnt. 28% car substitution rate. 48% women participation rate. 85% highly satisfied users.
“This is one of my favourite things about living in Newy – so cool! For my partner’s birthday I organised a scavenger hunt and the bikes were a big part of getting all over town to complete tasks. So much fun. We’ve used them multiple times, but now that we don’t live in town anymore, we find reasons to use them. Great addition to Newcastle!” — Marnie (rider)
Want to know more about movmi’s partner network program? Check out our partner page here or get in touch with us at info@movmi.net
