Technical Overview of Shared Bicycle Communication and IoT Architecture

1. Intelligent Lock

Shared bicycles rely on a smart lock that integrates an embedded communication chip, a GPS module, and an IoT SIM card to control lock/unlock functions and report location and status to the cloud via 2G/3G/4G networks.

2. Chip Power Supply

The communication module is powered by a coil that generates electricity when the rider pedals, charging the battery through electromagnetic induction.

3. QR‑Code Unlocking

Each bike has a unique QR code. Users scan it with a mobile app, which connects via Bluetooth, sends the code to the cloud, and receives an unlock command that activates the electronic lock.

4. Payment System

The cloud platform calculates ride duration from lock/unlock timestamps, determines the fee, and integrates with WeChat or Alipay to complete the transaction.

5. Bluetooth Module

When cellular coverage is poor, the system falls back to Bluetooth: the server sends the unlock key to the user's phone, which pairs with the bike's lock, enabling fast, reliable unlocking without network dependence.

6. GPS Positioning

1. Meituan Bike App

The app shows the rider's phone location, not the bike's; the bike can be locked remotely if the phone is at the designated parking point.

If the phone is not at the parking point, the bike cannot be locked, and GPS inaccuracies in high‑rise areas may cause false violation fees.

2. Qingju Bike App

Unlocking works even when the rider is several meters away; locking similarly registers the end of the trip from a distance.

7. IoT Technologies

Shared‑bike IoT uses three main communication methods: 2G cellular modules, Bluetooth, and NB‑IoT. NB‑IoT offers broader coverage, lower power consumption, and is becoming the mainstream solution for bike fleets.

Sharp‑eye vehicle locator