Stations

This is where the user truly ‘meets’ SmartBike in its proper environment: on the streets of the city. The station consists of a vertical interactive and informative column where the user is identified and the ‘docking modules’ in which the bicycles can be found locked in place, ready for use. The station takes into account the immediate needs of the user and addresses the following elements:

Location

In order to offer the user a complete and effective means of public transportation, it is essential that the stations and the bikes are readily available throughout the city. The network of stations has to be dense, so as to accommodate the public, and are optimally placed no more than 300 meters from each other. They are strategically positioned close to public transport hubs such as train-, metro-, and bus stations and at central locations like office and shopping areas as well as tourist attractions, providing the ‘missing link’ that many of today’s’ city inhabitants experience.

The locations are carefully picked and the stations are illuminated to increase visibility and ensure safety.

User friendly

We focus on simplicity and the instructions at the stations are set up so that bike loaning is self-explanatory and easy. The column also provides information such as where to find nearby stations, a map of the area and call-centre contact details.

Quick access

Interaction at the station requires less than 10 seconds avoiding queues

Bike stock

The size of the stations is determined by the need in that particular location. The amount of slots and bikes at the station is always such that users will never be short of bikes or ‘bike parking spaces’.

Which format for the city?

Naturally SmartBike does not only take into account the needs of the users, but works closely together with the municipality in order to supply the city with the solution best fit for it.

SmartBike docking stations come in many different sizes and formats to be able to meet the needs of the city. Stations can accommodate fewer bicycles where the city does not have much public space or where the flow of people is low, and contain a higher amount of bicycles where there is ample space and there is an increases necessity for availability.

In order to disrupt the public space as little as possible, SmartBike stations have traditionally consisted of a vertical column and horizontal modules that each hold 3 to 6 bicycles (depending on a single- or double sided station). The modules are installed above the ground allowing easy extension and quick repairs while at the same time ensuring fast and easy installation causing minimum ground work and disruption of the ground surface. The modules can be connected to form large stations and have been made in such a way that they are also fit for inclined surfaces.

Alternatively, modules can be placed with a space in between them to allow people to move in between them, or placement in locations where there are existing obstacles such as trees, letter boxes or other street furniture. To accommodate the cities even further, SmartBike stations can also consist of single stands, smaller vertical poles that each holds one bicycle.