‘Zoom Rides’ to be launched in Kathmandu Valley with 200 electric bicycles, how does it work?

 ‘Zoom Rides’ to be launched in Kathmandu Valley with 200 electric bicycles, how does it work?

Amidst the busy roads of the capital and increasing traffic, a new tech startup ‘Zoom Rides Pvt. Ltd.’ is preparing to give a new twist to the city’s transportation system. This team, which has been engaged in research and technology development for the past two and a half years, is bringing 200 smart electric bicycles to Kathmandu within the next few weeks.

The company has stated that this platform, named ‘Zoom, Let’s Go’, is not only about ‘bicycle rental’ but is completely based on ‘smart technology’. A company representative says, “We have not only developed this technology to show off, but have developed it from scratch by understanding the real needs of Kathmandu. Our main software and AI system are ‘in-house’ development.”

This platform has adopted a unique approach to pricing. Since there is a rule in Nepal that only vehicles with black number plates can charge a fare based on kilometers, this company has introduced the concept of ‘time’ and ‘token’.

The company representative says, “We cannot sell the service by the kilometer, so we are selling hours or time.” For this, the company will use tokens as an internal currency, where the price of one token is fixed at Rs 100.

Currently available within the Ring Road from 5 am to 10 pm, various rates have been fixed for the convenience of the users. The hourly rate for 1 hour is Rs 155, for 2 hours 30 minutes Rs 350 and for 5 hours Rs 670 for 2 hours. Similarly, those who want to use it for the whole day can take a ‘one-day full pass’ for Rs 795.

For regular users, the monthly plan includes ‘Basic’ (25 hours and 1 token) for Rs 2,995, ‘Pro’ (40 hours and 3 tokens) for Rs 3,995 and ‘Ultra’ (55 hours and 6 tokens) packages for Rs 4,995.

There is a facility to transfer the unused time remaining in the monthly package to the next month. But for that, the company has stated that the subscription must be continuous. Users can cancel the subscription at any time; when canceling in this way, the remaining time automatically converts to 'pay as you go' and that time is valid for only 28 days.

The company claims that this service will be about three times cheaper than other ride sharing apps currently in the market.

The company has used 'smart station' and 'geofencing' technology for the security and management of bicycles. Currently, this service will be limited to within the ring road. If any user tries to cross the ring road boundary, the power of the bicycle will be automatically cut off and the user will be charged an additional token as a fine.

"We do not lock in a way that will cause people to fall or be at risk, but we cut off the power and the bicycle will sound a warning sound," the company representative further clarified about the technology.

According to the company, when ending the ride, the user has to place the bicycle on the dock of the designated station and scan the QR code at the station's checkout booth. This will be verified immediately by AI and the staff in the control room. Within 30 seconds, the user will receive information that their ride was successful.

The company has also made special preparations in terms of safety and accidents. The company has provided an ‘SOS’ button in the app. However, since automatic accident detection technology is not always 100% successful, the company has prioritized manual reporting and immediate rescue.

A company representative says, “In the event of an accident, we have created a separate portal for the police and insurance companies. Both the rider and the bicycle are insured, but we must first look at the safety of the person.” The company claims to encrypt and secure the data according to European standards (GDPR) for user data security. However, it has also admitted that it is its responsibility to cooperate with government agencies if legally required.

The operator argues that this project will be very ambitious from an environmental perspective. The company plans to plant a tree for every 1,000 kilometers of cycling with the aim of reducing fuel consumption and encouraging green energy. “The bicycle weighs only 30-35 kg, which can easily carry a person weighing 70-80 kg. It consumes much less energy than a taxi or car,” the representative says. According to them, this service will facilitate especially short-distance travel, where people can reach shops or offices without worrying about parking.

Despite this preparation, the government policy and regulatory aspects are still challenging. The legal problems faced by some ride-sharing platforms in the past could also be a headache for this startup. “The biggest challenge for us is whether the government will allow us to operate or not. We are all ready to comply, but we need a working environment and clear regulations,” the founders agree.

The company’s long-term goal is to gradually increase the service, which is currently starting with 200 bicycles, to 5,000 bicycles and reduce traffic congestion in Kathmandu to some extent. As the bicycles are expected to arrive in Kathmandu in the next few weeks, this ‘smart’ journey is expected to be open to the public soon.

How does it work?

In the initial phase, the company will set up various stations in various places around the ring road, especially hotels, malls, etc. where bicycles will be parked and stored. Android users can download the app by clicking here and iOS users by clicking here You have to download. After downloading the app, a login section appears. You have to tap the ‘Register New Account’ option.

Then, you have to agree to the terms and conditions by entering your name, number, email address, and password. And, you have to tap the register button. After doing this, a confirmation link will come to your email. After clicking on that link, you can create an account.

After creating an account and opening the app, information such as balance, token, bicycle information, distance, average speed, average time are displayed. However, all of them are blank. You have to verify your KYC to load the balance.

“We are entrusting such an ‘expensive’ bicycle to someone. We need to know who is riding it. That is why we verify KYC,” says a company representative.

To verify KYC, personal identification documents such as citizenship, national identity card, and driver’s license can be used. In addition, a live photo must also be uploaded. After providing all the details in this way, the company's employees verify manually. And, after verification, the amount can be loaded. Or, you can also verify by going to the website of this platform and tapping on Quick KYC and scanning the QR code from the Nagarik app.

Then, after going to the station where the bicycle will be (although currently 50 bicycle companies are in Dillibazar for testing), you have to scan the QR code on the back of the bicycle. As soon as the code is scanned, the bicycle is unlocked. Then the entire details of the bicycle are visible in the app. After the bicycle is unlocked, the time starts adding up. Then, whether you ride it or not, the time continues to add up. If the bicycle breaks down while riding, you can contact the company. After the ride is completed, you have to find a station and park the bicycle. And, after scanning the QR at the station, the ride ends.

The company representative says, “You can end the ride by parking the bicycle in a secure parking lot outside the station and paying 1 token. For this, you need to take a clear photo of the parking lot when ending the ride. If the bicycle is parked in the right place, we will ‘approve’ it within 30 seconds. If the parking lot is not suitable, it will be ‘rejected’ and your token will not be deducted.

What is the bicycle like, what are its features?

According to the company, this bicycle has a digital display on the front that shows information such as speed, battery status (indicator).

According to the company, this completely waterproof bicycle has various features for safety and convenience. It has an LED headlight with four lamps, an electric horn, dual disc brakes, and a basket for storing luggage on the front.

Similarly, cruise mode and pedal assist feature are also available for easy travel. This bicycle uses an easily replaceable battery, which charges itself when placed in a parking station. (Auto charging). In addition, the user can lock and unlock the bicycle through the mobile app.

This bicycle can run at a maximum speed of 25 kilometers per hour. If you pedal, the speed can be increased to 30 kilometers per hour. The cruise control feature in the bicycle can be used while covering a distance of up to 15 kilometers continuously. This helps the bicycle run at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour without pressing the accelerator.