Bike Rental Mobile App Development Cost & Key Features

Last Updated on September 7, 2022

Want to avoid the traffic and reach any place in time? The best possible way to help you get in place in time is with the help of motorbikes. There will be lesser chances of you getting stuck in traffic and you are more likely to want to get to the destination with the help of a bike. The myriad vehicles on the roads have made it very difficult for the daily commuters to get to their destination on time. Even in the case of the people who book a taxi for themselves, it becomes hectic for them to get stuck in the traffic and staying there for hours.

So, bikes are the only solution that can come to the rescue here and help people reach their destination on time. Companies have started launching bike rental mobile apps as it is a great relief to the eco-system from vehicle pollution and the daily honking. Secondly, there will be considerably lesser cars seen on the roads, hence, less traffic.

Also, how many of you would want to purchase a bike and ride it just for leisure or maybe just for recreation? Why would anyone spend their hard-earned money on purchasing a bike when there is a solution to getting one on rent? It is the easiest way of getting a bike on rent and riding it in your city. You can also plan a vacation and rent a bike from one of the apps. This had offered scope for new apps to come into being as more people are nowadays opting for it.

What Are Bike Rental Mobile Apps?

The functioning of the bike rental apps is quite simple and similar to the taxi booking app. All a user has to do is look for the most suitable app for them on the Play Store or the App Store and install it from there.

Once the app is saved, they have to make their individual accounts by registering themselves with the application and saving their personal details. This helps the user save information like their location and the payment details. After they are done entering all their details, they can check the bikes available in proximity and select one according to their preferences. All the information entered o the app helps them get an estimate of the amount they would have to spend on a rental bike.

Further, they can either select it and go ahead with their bike ride or look for other options available in the mobile app.

Benefits Of A Bike Rental Mobile App

These applications are not only benefitting the users and the customers who are availing the services but are also of extreme importance to the bike owners. Let’s take a look at them individually.

For Customers

• Users can make easy bookings through the app in just a few clicks.
• A bike can be rented at a low cost. Since they have to option of looking up and comparing the prices, they get the benefit of choosing the bike according to their budget.
• The bikers can avoid the traffic and reach their destination on time with the help of the rented bike.
• These apps are GPS enabled which allows the users to look for the bike easily.
• Customers can avail of the promotions offered by the app as a result of their loyalty towards the app.
• Billings and payments are made easy with the help of the app as these have integrated payment methods like digital wallets, credit-debit card payment among others.

For Bike Owners

• They can use their bikes to the full capacity by putting them up for renting on one of the bike renting apps.
• All the maintenance costs of the bike will be covered by some part of the revenue earned through it.
• The bike owners can manage their bookings with the help of the dashboard available on the app. This gives them insight into the real-time analytics of their performance.
• It can easily be put up for rent and it is easy money earned for the bike owners.
• The bike owners can lure their users by putting up discounted and promotional prices.

How Do The Bike Rental Apps Work?

There are two important models of bike rental apps – the aggregator model and the self-owned. Take a look at these two in detail:

1. Aggregator model

This one provides a platform for all single bike owners and the private bike companies who need an online platform for putting up their bikes on rent. The two parties enter an agreement, wherein, the bike owners or the owners of rental shops agree to pay some amount to the app owners in exchange for showing their cycle on the site.

2. Self-owned fleet

Under this model, a single person or the owner of a bike fleet has to invest a large sum of money and get an app made for putting up his inventory on rent. This is usually set up by a person who has a fleet of bikes and would like to rent it out to people on an hourly basis in exchange for money. Startups might consider this option as they have to incur a limited budget on getting the app developed and the business is easily manageable. This happens because the bike owners have complete control over the bikes and the app bookings.

Also Read: How To Develop A Car Rental Mobile App?

Why Should One Invest In A Motorbike Rental App?

In the coming years, the scope of gaining more prominence in the bike rental business is going to be very positive. The gradual shift of the people towards a more economical and convenient way of commuting has made the people not only smart but also willing to take up rented bikes. And the best way to book one is with the help of these apps since we are all highly dependent on apps and everything is easily available with the help of few clicks.

Global Bike-Sharing Market Size Between 2006 and 2021 in Billion Euros

It is estimated that the market for rented bikes will significantly increase by 2021. According to a report of the Global Motorcycle rental market, the industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.74 percent from 2017-2021. There has been an unprecedented rise in tourism over the years and soon things are going to get back to normal and people are going to rely upon this medium of commuting.

Monetization Opportunities in Bike Rental Apps

Making money through an app is the ultimate goal of all apps, however, how well the app will perform totally depends upon the likeability of the users. Well, there are several ways the app owners can earn through an app. These can either be direct ways of making money or indirect revenue. Take a look at the monetization opportunities for app owners of bike rental applications.

1. Advertisements

This is one of the easiest and common ways of earning revenue. It allows third parties to come in contact with the app owners and buy space on their app for promoting their brand and products. To thrive in the competition and make free-flowing money, it is very essential to take up third party promotions. It is important to have collaborations with various brands and products and promote them on your platform in exchange for money. The app owners can charge the third parties for the amount of time their ad is displayed on the app or the other way of charging them money is through the cost-per-click or cost-per-mile method.

2. Commissions

Each booking made under the aggregator model helps in generating a certain amount of revenue for the app owners. This is a free-flowing income that comes in with the help of the bike owners that allow the app owners to charge a fixed percentage of each ride to the bike owners. The users or call them the customers, are also supposed to pay a service fee to the app owners for using their services. This is a hidden cost, which is normally covered in the final amount displayed on the screens of the users. Also, there is a cancelation fee that is charged from the users who make a booking and cancel it before availing the service.

Top Motorbike Rental Mobile Apps Across The Globe

1. Spinlister

It is one of a kind apps that allows the owner of a bike to connect with the app users who want to rent the bike. It is a premium app that connects the owners to global users, helping them rent a bike easily. The app can be installed on both the Android and iOS devices. It offers a variety of features for the users to explore.

2. Gotcha Mobility

This one is again available on iOS and Android. There are a plethora of electronic bikes that one can choose from. It is one of the easiest apps to use as the users can scan a code at one of the bike stops and start using the bike as soon as they are done scanning it.

3. Lime

Available in almost 100 cities across the globe, this bike renting service is easy to use after its installation. The users have to install the app and look for the nearest bike stops. They can then pick the bike from the stop and start the ride be entering it in the app. A rider has to follow some guidelines, that are mentioned in the app so as to adhere to the road rules and guidelines laid down by the authorities of that country. It can be downloaded on iOS and Android.

4. Donkey Republic

In the case of this app and bike rental service, the user or the rider does not have to go near the bike stand, instead, the bike comes to their location. Based in Copenhagen, the app and services are available across countries. Users who have advanced features available do not have to carry their ID proofs, dock at stations, and do not have to make any cash deposits as all of it is done on the app itself. Like all other apps mentioned above, this one too is compatible with both iOS and Android.

5. Smart Bike

This app does half your work as it helps you locate the bikes nearest to you so that you don’t have to go out looking for them all over. The app is available on Android and iOS devices and allows the users to select the bike according to their preference.

6. Citi Bike

This is one of the most common apps used by the Americans in the U.S. when it comes to renting bikes for a certain amount of time. The app has over 13,000 bikes altogether in over 350 stations across the country. A quick installation of the app in your device gives you the benefit of locating the nearest bike and starting the ride on the app as soon as you rent it and ending it upon finishing. The users are charged accordingly. This one too is compatible with both Android and iOS.

Attributes Of A Successful Bike Rental Mobile App

A bike rental app can only perform well if it has been integrated with special attributes that help users make better and faster decisions. Now, we are going to throw light upon some of these attributes required in such apps:

1. Self-intuitive user Interface

A bike rental app should have a user-friendly interface, which is easy to understand and operate. Users should be able to comprehend it easily and be able to use it without any help or assistance. This will enhance the experience and make the app more likable.

2. Compatible prices

These apps are very reasonable as they don’t charge the extra amount from the users. All it earns is through commissions and advertisements and do not charge anything extra form the users.

3. Provides a wide range to hire

It is more likely to hire several people for various roles, hence, giving a boost the employment.

4. Live chat & call support

The app offers a customer support system in the form of online calls and chat. Users can easily get in touch with the support team without having to make calls and dialing numbers on their cell phones.

5. Bike owner and customer authentication

Each user has to provide some sort of his photo identity proof to the app so that that person’s profile appears to be authentic. Similarly, the bike owners have to do the same to build trust in the app and work as a team.

6. Bike insurance management

If at any point any damage happens to the bike, it should be covered under insurance, so that the claim can be made immediately.

7. On-time bike repair management

Another attribute that helps in making these apps success is the complete management of its repair on the time when needed.

8. Friendly cancellation and refund policy

Why would someone like to rent a bike which does not allow the users to cancel the ride if an emergency situation arises? Well, that would irk anyone. Therefore, an attribute that contributes to the success of these apps is that it should allow the users to cancel their rides at any time by informing the bike owners prior to cancelling it and the refund should immediately be processed.

General Features in A Motorbike Rental App

For End-Users

• Signup/login via email and social profiles
• Browse and select bike type
• Compare bike features
• Book bikes for a ride
• Schedule advanced bike bookings
• View estimated fare for a route
• Choose pick-up and drop-off point
• Access to premium bike models
• Payment via multiple methods
• Get bike delivery for ride at home
• In-App call and video call
• Push Notifications
• View/add reviews and ratings

For Bike Owners

• Add/manage bike listings
• Accept/reject bike bookings
• Accept payments
• Promote bike listing

For Admin

• Manage users
• Manage prices and surge charges
• Manage CRM
• Manage CMS
• Manage bike owners

Advance Features Of Bike Rental mobile app

1. Social Login/Sign up

One of the most important features for any app is to have a simple and quick registration process. Therefore, the app should be integrated with the social media accounts like Facebook or Gmail, so that the users can directly sign up with their information in any one of these accounts. This helps them refrain from entering all their details again and again. Also, it is very important for all users to have a separate account for themselves on their devices so that the GPS can be enabled and can be used in the app.

2. Push Notifications

This feature helps the admin and the app owners in informing the users regarding any new product launch. This can also be used to update them on any changes within the app. One can also send out notifications if they are introducing any offers or discounts on the services.

3. Behavior Tracking

One of the most essential features that help the bike owners to make the decision of giving their bikes for rent to the users. The app tracks the behavior of the riders and records them for future purposes. Therefore, it makes it simple for the bike owners to identify a user’s behavior before lending it out to them.

4. In-app Document Scanning and Uploading

Since these apps offer the users to take the bikes on their own once they rent it from the app, it is essential for the app or the bike owners to have their identity proof or residential proof, so that they can rely upon the user. This one feature enables the users to directly upload their documents on the app, also it provides them a scanner, in case an app asks them to upload their scanned documents.

5. In-app Camera

The inbuilt camera is a feature that doesn’t restrict the users in clicking any pictures. One can simply click a picture of their documents with the help of the inbuilt camera and scan it with the help of the scanner in the app.

6. Chat with Owner

This feature helps in bridging the gap between the person who wants to rent a bike and the owner of that bike. The app allows them to get in touch with the help of this feature.

7. Smart Search

One can simply type the name of the bike they want to rent and the dropdown will give them the best possible options, closest to your search words, and show the best options. This will save time for the users.

8. Real-Time Analytics

This one is for the admin as they can keep control over the functioning of the app and the business. The real-time analytics helps them get an insight into how the business is flourishing and how many bikes are on a move and the areas in which they have been segregated.

9. Manage Insurance and Repairing

This feature is again for the admin as they get the insurance covered and any sort of repairing to the bike can be done by making a claim on the same.

10. CMS Integration

This is a system to store information and retrieve it at any point of time.

11. Effective CRM system

This is an essential feature that requires no introduction. Like all other apps, this one too needs an integrated customer relationship management. It is beneficial for the users as they can turn up to the customer support in case they get stuck while using the app.

12. Marketing and Promotional Tool

To get your app to the public and help them know about it, you must have integrated promotional tools. This will help you reach the masses and get a better output of your app.

Team Structure Required In Developing A Bike Rental App

The core of any app development process is the team that works behind it. They are the ones to put in their hard work, efficiency, and brain into it, therefore, it is of utmost importance to get the most efficient team on board and getting the work done by them. If you are planning to launch a bike rental app, you should consider approaching the app development companies, who can assist you in the best way to get the best team on board.

Now, take a look at the personnel required in building a bike rental mobile application:

• Project manager
• iOS developers
• UI/UX designer
• Android developer
• Back end developer
• Quality analyst professionals

Best Tech Stack Required To Develop A Bike Rental App

Apart from hiring the best team, it is also to have a reliable tech stack so that the app performs well and is glitch-free. Take a look at the tech stack required for developing bike renting app:

• Push notifications: Twilio and Push.io
• Cloud environment: AWS, Google, and Azure
• Database: MongoDB, Cassandra, Postgress, and Mail Chimp Integration
• Mobile platforms: Android and iOS
• Real-time analytics: Cisco, Spark, Hadoop, IBM, and Big Data
• Voice, SMS, and phone verification: Nexmo and Twilio
• Payments: PayPal, Braintree, e-Wallets

How Much Does It Cost To Develop A Bike Rental Mobile App?

One of the most basic and important questions if you are planning to develop a mobile app for bike rentals, this helps you decide the budget for your app development. Since there are a lot of factors that contribute to the estimating of the amount spent on the development of the app, it is necessary to consider all of them. To tell you the truth, it is next to impossible to give you the exact figures for this, however, we will mention about the factors that contribute to the price of a bike rent mobile application, going forward.

1. Location

The app developers charge a different amount depending upon their geographical location. While the ones in North and South America can charge the app owners a bomb, the ones in Europe will considerably be reasonable and the Asian developers will charge very little for the same work and time. Take a look at their rates according to their locations:

• U.S.: USD 150 – USD 250 per hour
• U.K.: USD 150 – USD 180 per hour
• Asia: USD 60 – USD 120 per hour

2. Features

The more features you add to the app, the higher the price will go. An MVP will cost much less than a complex app that has too many features in it.

3. Platform

An app will not have the same development procedure across platforms. While the apps developed for Android have a different methodology than that of the ones developed from iOS, the ones that are compatible with all platforms will have an entirely different process, and hence the price difference.

4. Design

The layout and design of the app also contribute to the price of the app. A simple design will cost less than a complex one.

To know more you should check out our article on app cost estimation.

Conclusion

If you are planning to develop a bike rental mobile app for your business, you must try to look for the best app development agency that will lead you throughout the development process and give you the best result. There should be no compromises on the quality and the functioning of the app, even if you are planning to launch an MVP. The demand for these automotive apps has been on a rise and there are better future prospects of the bike renting mobile apps in the coming years as seen in the reports of some of the most notable researches.