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Dock free bike sharing system in development (USA)

In June 2011 SoBi (Social Bicycles) announced they are developing a streamlined, dock-free bike sharing system. Their design could eliminate the need for docking stations and integrate tracking and security directly into the bicycles, in the process cutting up-front costs by as much as 75%.

SoBi is working to build the world’s first bicycle with an on-board computer, mobile communications, and an integrated GPS-enabled lock. This disruptive product and the supporting mobile and web applications will create a flexible, scalable, and affordable bike sharing system.

Subscribers will locate bikes using their mobile phones. Once a bike is located, it can be unlocked by entering a PIN on the bike’s combination keypad/lockbox. When the trip is complete and the lock is re-inserted, the bike notifies the system that it’s available for the next user.

SoBi is currently raising funds at KickStarter to build their pilot fleet.

Social Bicycles Demo from Social Bicycles on Vimeo.

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