Technical Overview of Shared Bike Smart Lock System

Shared bicycles rely on a smart lock that integrates an embedded communication chip, GPS module, and IoT SIM card to provide control and location functions.

The lock’s chip communicates over 2G/3G/4G networks, sending real‑time status and GPS data to a cloud platform.

Power for the communication module is generated by a coil driven by the rider’s pedal motion, which charges an internal battery.

Each bike carries a unique QR‑code; users scan it with a mobile app, which connects via Bluetooth to the lock, sends the unlock command to the cloud, and the lock’s control unit opens the mechanical lock.

The payment system records lock/unlock timestamps, calculates usage duration, and interfaces with mobile payment services such as WeChat Pay or Alipay to deduct fees.

When cellular coverage is poor, the system falls back to Bluetooth: the cloud sends an unlock key to the user’s phone, which pairs with the lock to execute the unlock locally, offering faster and more reliable access.

GPS positioning provides the bike’s location, though accuracy can suffer in dense urban areas, leading to potential mis‑reporting of parking zones.

IoT connectivity for shared bikes includes three main technologies: 2G communication modules, Bluetooth, and NB‑IoT, with NB‑IoT favored for its wide coverage, low power consumption, and ability to support massive device deployments.