Smart bikes on city skyline

Smart Bikes, Smarter Cities: How IoT is Revolutionizing Urban Transportation

Nico Varela in Tech & Innovation September 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unlocking the Potential of Public Bike Sharing Services through the Internet of Things"

In recent years, the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) has sparked a wave of innovation in public services. IoT technologies offer unique solutions by connecting physical objects to the internet, allowing for data collection, automation, and enhanced user experiences. One of the most visible and widespread applications of IoT in urban areas is the smart public bike sharing (PBS) system.

Smart PBS schemes have emerged as a popular and sustainable transportation option, offering numerous benefits to cities and their residents. These systems not only improve mobility and reduce congestion but also contribute to a city's image as modern and eco-friendly. With IoT, bike sharing programs have evolved from simple rental services to sophisticated networks that provide real-time information, seamless access, and data-driven insights.

However, the success and evolution of smart PBS schemes are not solely dependent on technology. The unique characteristics of each city, including its culture, infrastructure, and governance, play a crucial role in shaping how these systems are implemented and utilized. This article explores the contextual dynamics that influence the development of smart PBS services, drawing on case studies from Gothenburg, Sweden, and Hangzhou, China, to illustrate how local factors can drive innovation and create tailored transportation solutions.

How Contextual Dynamics Shape Smart Bike Sharing Services

While IoT technologies offer a consistent set of capabilities globally, the way these technologies are adopted and evolve can vary significantly from place to place. To understand these variations, it’s important to consider the contextual dynamics that shape the implementation of smart PBS schemes. These dynamics can be broadly categorized into public motives, user preferences, and governance.

Public motives reflect the specific reasons why a city chooses to implement a smart PBS system. These motives can range from reducing traffic congestion and promoting sustainability to enhancing tourism and improving public health. Understanding these motives is crucial because they influence the design and priorities of the PBS scheme.

Gothenburg's Approach: In Gothenburg, the primary motive was to optimize travel time in the city center by providing a complementary mode of public transportation. The city already had a well-established public transportation system, but gaps remained in providing convenient, point-to-point service.
Hangzhou's Solution: In Hangzhou, the main driver was to manage public transport demand and alleviate traffic congestion. The city had experienced rapid urbanization and a surge in car usage, leading to increased pressure on its transportation infrastructure.

User preferences also play a significant role in shaping smart PBS systems. Factors such as payment methods, safety concerns, and the desire for personalized services can influence how a system is designed and operated. By understanding user needs and preferences, cities can create PBS schemes that are more attractive and convenient for residents and visitors.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Smart Bike Sharing

As cities continue to grow and face increasing transportation challenges, smart PBS schemes will play an increasingly important role in creating sustainable and livable urban environments. By understanding the contextual dynamics that shape these systems and adapting to the unique needs of their communities, cities can unlock the full potential of IoT and create transportation solutions that are both innovative and effective. The key is to recognize that technology is just one piece of the puzzle, and that the human element – the needs, preferences, and values of the people who use these services – is equally important.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1142/s2345748117500099, Alternate LINK

Title: The Contextual Dynamics Of Internet Of Things Applications In Smart Public Bike Sharing Services

Subject: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Journal: Chinese Journal of Urban and Environmental Studies

Publisher: World Scientific Pub Co Pte Lt

Authors: Xiangxuan Xu

Published: 2017-06-01

Everything You Need To Know

How is the Internet of Things (IoT) revolutionizing public bike sharing (PBS) systems?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming public bike sharing (PBS) systems by connecting physical objects, such as bikes and docking stations, to the internet. This connectivity allows for data collection, automation, and enhanced user experiences. Smart PBS schemes utilize IoT to provide real-time information, seamless access, and data-driven insights, evolving from simple rental services into sophisticated networks that improve urban mobility and contribute to more sustainable cities.

What are the main benefits of implementing smart public bike sharing (PBS) systems?

Smart PBS schemes offer numerous benefits to cities and their residents. Primarily, they improve mobility and reduce traffic congestion. They also contribute to a city's image as modern and eco-friendly. Through the use of IoT, these systems provide real-time information, seamless access, and data-driven insights. Moreover, they provide a sustainable transportation option.

How do 'public motives' influence the design of smart PBS systems, and what were the key motives in Gothenburg and Hangzhou?

Public motives significantly influence the design and priorities of smart PBS schemes. These motives, which can range from reducing traffic congestion and promoting sustainability to enhancing tourism and improving public health, shape the specific goals and features of the PBS system. In Gothenburg, the primary motive was to optimize travel time in the city center by providing a complementary mode of public transportation, addressing gaps in point-to-point service. In Hangzhou, the main driver was to manage public transport demand and alleviate traffic congestion due to rapid urbanization and increased car usage.

Besides technology, what other factors are crucial for the success of smart PBS schemes?

The success of smart PBS schemes is not solely dependent on technology. The unique characteristics of each city, including its culture, infrastructure, and governance, play a crucial role. Contextual dynamics such as public motives and user preferences significantly shape how these systems are implemented and utilized. Understanding these local factors is essential for creating tailored transportation solutions that meet the specific needs of the community.

How do user preferences impact the design and operation of smart PBS systems, and what are some examples of these preferences?

User preferences play a significant role in shaping smart PBS systems, influencing how a system is designed and operated. Factors such as payment methods, safety concerns, and the desire for personalized services affect the user experience. Cities can create PBS schemes that are more attractive and convenient by understanding and catering to these needs and preferences. Examples include offering various payment options, ensuring user safety through well-maintained equipment and strategically located stations, and providing personalized service through user-friendly apps and data-driven insights.