Bike sharing schemes play a crucial role in promoting sustainable transportation strategies by providing an affordable, healthy, and convenient alternative to traditional modes of transportation. They can help to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and encourage physical activity. Bike sharing schemes can also help to make cycling accessible to people who may not have their own bikes, and also encourages people to try cycling without the commitment of buying a bike.

Bike sharing schemes have the potential to create a more sustainable and equitable transportation system but the model is evolving. Discover how Fifteen, a company with 15 years of experience providing bike sharing schemes, envisions the future of bike sharing in this article.

The Potential of Publicly Funded Cycling Transportation

Investing in publicly funded bike sharing schemes is a crucial strategy for promoting sustainable transportation options. Governments worldwide are recognising the importance of providing affordable and accessible transportation to all citizens, and bike sharing schemes offer an effective solution.

Bike sharing schemes funded by the government have been proven to boost ridership in cities. For instance, Paris' Velib bike sharing program led to a threefold increase in the number of bicycle trips in the city. Many of the schemes that Fifteen supports can be integrated into existing public transportation systems, like in Marseille, where the local bike-sharing scheme saw a 300% surge in bike trips within 90 days following the installation of the new system from Fifteen.

By offering cost-effective transportation options, bike-sharing schemes can help to reduce economic and social inequalities. Particularly for low-income communities, publicly funded bike sharing schemes offer an accessible and sustainable transportation option that complements existing modes of transportation.

How 100% Electric Schemes are Transforming Mobility

It’s important to have a public bike-sharing scheme that encourages all types of people to cycle. From college students to retirees, transforming mobility only happens when a wide section of society is able to use sustainable transport options such as cycling. Bike-sharing schemes that are 100% electric address this well.

Electric bikes offer greater efficiency than traditional mechanical bikes, thanks to their electric assist, which enables riders to travel longer distances in less time. By simply pushing on the bike's pedal, even the most challenging city terrain can be easily navigated with less effort. 

The popularity of e-Bikes is growing steadily year by year, with several countries projected to sell more e-Bikes than traditional bikes by 2023. This trend is natural, as e-Bikes are especially attractive to bike sharing users, who often include more commuters than leisure riders.

Fifteen's Fusion bike is the perfect combination of style and functionality. While the frame has a sleek and stylish design, it also boasts impressive manoeuvrability with a low gravity centre and a well-distributed weight, thanks to the rear wheel drive. What really sets the Fusion bike apart is that it is gearless, a torque sensor automatically adjusts the power used by the drive based on the user's pedalling energy. Additionally, the saddle is incredibly comfortable, allowing for a smooth and relaxing ride. The bike's geometry is adapted to suit all users and ensures a comfortable and upright position while riding.

The Future of Bike Sharing is Augmented Bike Networks

The final trend shaping the future of bike sharing schemes is Augmented Bike Networks. Cities and regions can launch different kinds of bike rental services: Bike Sharing, Bike Leasing, and Bike + Train. Augmented Bike Networks combine all types Augmented Bike Networks combine all these types of bike rental services in one system to accelerate the modal shift from cars. This exciting development of the classic bike-sharing system will transform transportation as we know it.

Augmented Bike Networks are designed to provide a seamless and integrated transportation experience for everyone. From highly built-up to sparsely populated areas, this network enables people to rent an electric bike for a minute, an hour, a month or even a year. From small towns, to cities and along train lines, the Augmented Bike Network can adapt to all types of regions.

The ability to cover all types of bike rental with a single platform of electric bikes and stations will encourage more people to cycle more, and that makes operating much simpler and cheaper. There are still many aspects of the Augmented Bike Network which make it impressive, particularly when it comes to the data that can aid decision-makers in transforming their cities.

In conclusion

The future of bike-sharing schemes is already here. Augmented Bike Networks are being rolled out in all kinds of regions, providing an exciting glimpse into what's possible when technology and sustainability meet. These schemes are making it easier than ever for people to choose a sustainable, healthy, and affordable mode of transportation. Investing in these schemes creates a future where everyone has access to clean, efficient, and enjoyable ways to get around sustainably.