‘Stable network for smart cities: LoRaWAN technology is supporting bike sharing.’
Improved network coverage, reliable infrastructure and an optimal user experience: PubliBike Velospot is leveraging smart technology to grow its bike sharing business.
Individually optimised LoRaWAN for PubliBike Velospot 4 min
- More than 1'000 stations throughout Switzerland
- Bicycles available 24/7
- Founded in 2011
- Expansion of service coverage thanks to a nationwide LoRaWAN
- Individual analysis of existing rental stations to optimise Plug&Play LPN gateways
- 360° monitoring of the low power network by Swisscom
Bike sharing is changing the way people move around in Swiss cities. Bicycles offer optimum flexibility, especially for short distances, and are the ideal complement to public and private transport. PubliBike Velospot is supporting this development with bike sharing services in many cities throughout Switzerland. The bicycles are rented via an app on the user’s smartphone. A straightforward process that relies on a complex IT infrastructure and reflects PubliBike’s smart and future-oriented approach to mobility.
In 2023, PubliBike Velospot was looking to further develop its infrastructure while continuing to maintain the highest standards of security. A seamless connection between PubliBike Velospot and its bicycles is essential for the company to integrate new IoT solutions. This is guaranteed with the Swisscom LoRaWAN, says Markus Bacher, PubliBike Velospot CEO: “The service is reliable, flexible and highly available – just like our bicycles.”
Scan, click, go
PubliBike Velospot worked with Swisscom to optimise its existing bicycle locks for nationwide use. To unlock a bicycle, the user simply scans the QR code with the app. They then repeat the process at the end of the ride to re-lock it. Communication over Swisscom’s stable network makes the bicycle rental process as straightforward as possible for PubliBike users. A positive user experience is not the only advantage of PubliBike’s connectivity: strategically placed LoRaWAN gateways further improve network coverage and ensure that the bicycles can be tracked outside of the regular service zones.
The PubliBike Velospot smart lock enables users to rent bicycles swiftly.
Efficient connectivity for a reliable ride
The energy-efficient technology of the low power network significantly extends the battery life of the connected devices. Not only does this result in less waste, but it also reduces resource consumption.
By connecting to the Swisscom LoRaWAN, PubliBike Velospot is strengthening its digital infrastructure for the long term. Since 2023, the company has improved process efficiency and data security and created a stable basis for further growth and innovation in the bike sharing industry. As Markus Bacher points out, optimised connectivity also opens up new possibilities for the future – for example, cross-border operations in Basel’s border triangle. Custom solutions ensure that all systems are fully aligned with the company’s operational requirements. PubliBike thus offers a future-oriented mobility solution that combines efficiency and sustainability with intelligent connectivity.
Tenants use the bikes in urban environments, but can also move outside the cities and thus cover longer distances.