What is smart bike parking and how does it work?

What makes a bike parking system “smart”? And how does smart bike parking actually work? Let’s break it down.

What is smart bike parking?

Smart bicycle parking is a system that uses technology to make bike parking easier to use and manage. Cyclists typically use an app to open a bike locker or garage, and they can also use the app to find and reserve their spot. This makes bike parking easier and quicker. In addition, a smart bike parking system allows operators to manage their parking digitally through one dashboard. They can for instance see which spots are in use, manage access and prices, and offer remote support.

How does smart bike parking work?

A smart parking system consists of several hardware and software components that work together. Here’s how it works when a cyclist opens a bike locker:

1. The cyclist tries to open the locker using the app.
2. Their phone communicates with the lock via Bluetooth® or an internet connection.
3. The hardware module in the locker checks the request with the backend system.
4. If authorised, the lock will open.

At the same time, user data is communicated to the Admin dashboard so operators can keep track. All interactions between the app, hardware, and dashboard thus occur securely over one system.

Types of smart bike parking

There are several types of smart bike parking, with the most common being smart lockers, garages, and shelters:

• Smart bike lockers are individual units that store one bike each. Lockers are often grouped together under a single hardware module that controls all of them. For example, with a 3G hardware module from ParkMyBike, one module can manage up to eight lockers.
• Smart bike garages, also called bike hangars, typically hold four to six bikes behind a single door and lock. One hardware module controls this lock, providing digital access to all bikes inside.
• Smart bike shelters are larger-scale versions of bike garages and can accommodate many bikes in one location. They are again secured by a single door or lock, which is controlled by a hardware module.

Why upgrade to smart bike parking?

Traditional bike parking often comes with common challenges: lost keys, limited control, and high maintenance. Cyclists often don’t know if parking is available and can misplace keys, staff spend significant time on administration and on-site support, and operators have little insight into how the parking is being used.

Smart bike parking adresses these issues. Cyclists can reserve and access bike lockers or garages via the app, eliminating the need for physical keys. With the dashboard, operators can view real-time occupancy of their lockers and handle payments automatically. And staff can use either the dashboard or maintenance app to handle support remotely.

Interested? ParkMyBike has it all.

ParkMyBike provides a complete smart bike parking solution that combines hardware, software, and management tools.

You can book a demo with our founder Tom or learn more here: parkmybike.app.