Cybercom is developing a new version of Smartbike, a concept that will be used by Clear Channel in France. Clear Channel in Norway owns the system and commissioned Cybercom to develop a new server and software for bicycle stalls. The system manages rentals at the stalls. Via the encrypted general packet radio service (GPRS), data are transmitted from the stalls to a server that processes information on, for example, current users and service/repair needs. The system also processes credit card transactions. Cybercom Norway entered a partnership agreement with Ecotron AS, which manufactures hardware and physical systems.
The Smartbike concept works like this: users buy smart cards, and then they get to use the bicycles as often as they want – but only for three hours at a time. When they insert their smart cards into machines, the system checks on the users and then unlocks the bicycles. If bicycles are misused/abused, then those users may not use more bicycles. The system can also send service vehicles to different stalls.
The concept exists in several countries but the Norwegian, smart-card solution is the most successful. Clear Channel’s operations in other countries are interested in the system.