If you’re lucky enough to live in a city that has jumped on the bike share trend, there is a lot to love. The ability to quickly rent a bike and cruise around the city is a great option to have. For Spinlister though, it can be better. Imagine a bike share that you could find anywhere, not just specific hubs around the city? Now take that same bike share and when you’ve reached your destination simply lock it up and leave it where you stop. No need to return it to another location. Now envision that same bike share personally making you money every time it’s rented out, and it’s all controlled through an app on your smartphone.
Does that sound like the bike share of the future? That’s what Spinlister is hoping to establish with the new Spinlister Smart Bike…
Working with Dutch bicycle manufacturer VanMoof, Spinlister has designed a bike share bicycle “that people actually want to own and ride.” Starting with an aluminum frame and fork with a sloping top tube for generous standover, the bikes are meant to be stylish but at the same time as simple as possible for durability as a rental. Available with either a Shimano Alfine 8 speed IGH or Sturmey Archer 2 speed kick back hub, the Spinlister bikes roll on fat 700c tires and wide double wall aluminum rims with standard V-brakes. Anti-theft bolts are positioned throughout the bike to keep your parts safe (the inclusion of a bolt on the seat post may make seat post height changes for rentals tricky though). Each bike is equipped with a front rack that includes a cup holder and small basket, and a rear carrier plus fenders are optional.
The real secret sauce for the bikes is the internal electronics which not only allow for integrated lights but the Bluetooth enabled smart lock and tracking system. Powered by a 3w 6v front dynamo hub, the 40 lux headlight and lumiring tail light automatically sense when it is dark and come to life. The power from the front hub is also diverted to a USB charging port while riding so you can be sure that your smartphone has enough juice to finish the transaction when you meet your destination. Or Strava. On the top tube you’ll also find a built in bike computer with speed and trip distance..
In order to check out a bike, simply use the Spinlister mobile app to find one that is close, pay the rental fee, and the 6mm hardened steel chain lock will automatically unlock through the Bluetooth connectivity. Ride it to your heart’s delight, then lock it up where you see fit. The built in tracking allows the owner of the bike to monitor the location so it can either be left for the next renter, or the owner could pick it up if they’re nearby. The Spinlister app will even provide bicycle condition updates before you pay to rent the bike so you konw what you’re getting into.
Note that the video does not show the production Spinlister Smart Bike.
Spinlister plans to sell the smart bikes to individuals who would want the bike for themselves, but also who would like additional revenue from sharing their bike. In addition to purchasing the bike outright, Spinlister will offer the chance to finance the bikes through future rental revenue. To be first available in Portland, Oregon, the Spinlister Smart Bike program will be in addition to their current sharing model for bikes, skis, snowboards, and SUP/surfboards.
Follow the link below to be notified when the Spinlister Smart Bike launches in your city.
