Bike sharing apps: what they’re for and how to develop one

Sharing apps have revolutionised mobility. They are used in many contexts, such as bike sharing, car sharing and vehicle sharing in general.
They are the interface that lets users take a shared vehicle, for example an e-bike or an e-kick scooter. But from the point of view of the operator running a sharing or rental business, too, a sharing app is a tool that can make work much more efficient and streamlined.

In this article we explain how to build a sharing app and introduce a turnkey solution that can be customised in a few days, which you can also adopt in your own business. But first, let’s look at the basic features of a sharing app.

How the main sharing apps work

Broadly speaking, all sharing apps have a similar set-up. The main difference lies in the number and type of extra features, which are what give an app its added value.

The basic features of these apps are:

• registration: users must sign up to the app by providing their personal details, including payment details;
• location: the sharing app uses the phone’s GPS to locate users and the vehicles available nearby;
• vehicle selection: users select the type of vehicle they need (e.g. e-bike, e-moped, e-kick scooter) and see the available vehicles on the map;
• booking: once they have found the vehicle they want, users can book it through the app. Some apps also let you book in advance;
• unlocking and use: once the vehicle is booked, the user can unlock it through the app using a digital key or a QR code;
• use and payment: users use the vehicle for the agreed period. At the end of the trip, the cost of the service is calculated automatically based on duration and distance travelled, and charged to the registered payment method.

For operators, sharing apps also make it possible to improve fleet management. Sharing businesses that use an app with advanced features can plan vehicle maintenance and repairs better, as well as distributing vehicles according to demand and availability.

How to develop a sharing app

If you run an e-bike or e-scooter sharing business and want to develop an app from scratch, you need to plan every stage of this complex, multi-step process.

Market, user experience and goals

First of all, you need to understand the needs of users and operators in order to define the app’s requirements and goals. Ideally, you should involve a UX designer in the team to create a smoother, more engaging user experience and develop a sharing app that is easy to use and in tune with users’ needs.

Back end and third-party services

The development of the back end must then meet all these parameters, follow the business logic and enable secure user authentication and connection to the database, payment services and other crucial features. You also need to develop the apps for both iOS and Android.

Sharing apps often integrate external third-party services, such as payment systems, map APIs and authentication services. Another key aspect you absolutely must pay attention to is security, to protect user data and financial transactions.

Launching the app

Once development is complete, we suggest running thorough tests to identify and fix any bugs (or errors) and make sure the app works as intended.
Only after testing is complete can you release your sharing app on platforms such as the App Store and Google Play.

Monitoring and improvement

The work doesn’t end there, however: it continues, above all, with monitoring and updates. As the app is downloaded by new users, it is vital to monitor performance, gather feedback and release regular updates to continuously improve security and the user experience.

For a bike sharing and electric vehicle sharing business, then, developing your own app can be a long, expensive process with hidden pitfalls. Fortunately, there is another solution.

Customise the BikeBoom app for your sharing or rental business

The BikeBoom sharing app is a solution suitable for all electric vehicle sharing and rental businesses (not just BikeBoom Sharing Points, BikeBoom Rent Points or BikeBoom Points).

In fact, you can customise the software in a few days and quickly get an app that gives you full control of your vehicle fleet and is extremely easy for users.
On top of the basic features of standard sharing apps, our solution adds a whole range of advanced features that will make a real difference in helping you run your business and stand out from the competition.

Lots of advanced features to set you apart from the competition

Among these, we must certainly mention the features for marketing and advertising, including: push notifications to send your users news and keep them engaged; features for managing dedicated promotions and discounts; and customisable advertising banners.

When it comes to fleet and vehicle management, too, the BikeBoom sharing app is a particularly efficient solution. You can set different operating areas, such as slow zones and no-go zones, require photo verification when the vehicle is left, or offer Premium Parking services for an extra fee.

Our sharing app is safe and reliable, includes advanced ID verification systems and allows risk-free payments. You can also offer your customers faster, more responsive support.

In short, the BikeBoom sharing app helps you improve your business and engage users, encouraging them to choose the vehicles in your fleet.

Discover the BikeBoom sharing app and customise it for your business

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