Struggling to improve the quality of life and help move Tehran towards a smart city, a local startup is providing dock-less bike-sharing services in two Tehran districts from Tuesday.
The first smart bike rental platform dubbed ‘BDOOD’ (pronounced ‘BEE-DUDE’, literally meaning ‘zero-emission’) was unveiled in July during the 24th edition of the Iran International Electronic, Computer, and E-Commerce International Exhibition, aka Elecomp 2018.
With 300 bikes and 26 stations, the startup started offering services in Tehran’s District 2 and 6 on Tuesday.
“Using eco-friendly and sustainable technology and aiming to enhance urban transport, BDOOD is an affordable service. We seek to promote a healthier means of transportation and contribute to curbing air pollution,” BDOOD manager, Reza Baqeri told the Peivast news website.
The services are offered through a smartphone application available for download for Android and iOS devices on local app stores Cafe Bazaar and Sibapp.
Baqeri said after the service was introduced, BDOOD’s application was downloaded over 13,000 times.
It is backed by local bike maker PaakCharkh Iranian. Saeed Babayousefi director of PaakCharkh says that the bicycles have been designed to withstand wear and tear. Using the Internet of Things technology, the bikes are equipped with a smart lock system.
How to Use
After installing the BDOOD app on their smartphones, users need to create an account with the startup. Cyclists of ages 15 years and above can register on the app to pick up a bike.
The nearest bike will be shown on the application’s mapping system, leading the user toward the place where it is docked. Then the user can scan the QR code inscribed on either the lock or the handlebars to unlock the bike or lock it upon the end of the trip.
Afterward, the users may cycle to their desired location, get off, lock the bike using the smart system, and choose the ‘end the trip’ option on the app. Customers will be charged a minimal fare in return for the trip which amounts to a short taxi ride in Tehran (under $1).
Information such as the borrowing duration, the distance travelled, calculation of the constrained carbon footprint, as well as the amount of the calories burnt while riding the bike, will be provided by the application.
If the bicycle breaks down on the way, BDOOD technicians will be sent to help. BDOOD has plans to add electric bikes to the fleet for difficult terrain.
