The following questions are a template for providing info on a pedelec rental system.This should help you when thinking about an article/a story about a pedelec rental system in your municipality/your region. Furthermore, if you provide us with answers on your pedelec rental system we might present your municipality/your region at our next roadshow information days.
Pedelec models
Which pedelec types are used? Is it one single type or a mix?
On what basis was the choice for the products (pedelecs, evtl. charging stations) made? Is there a criteria catalogue available?
Cost, financing, income
Who bears the costs for the pedelec rental system? To what share is the cost covered by subsidies (e. g. the municipality), by the user (fees) or others?
Is the system implemented for direct profit, e.g. privately run, or is the profit achieved indirectly (e.g. via stimulated tourism)?
Target group
Who is the main target group of the system?
If the main target group are tourists, may the system also be useful for commuters? And the other way round?
Integration with existing (public) transport systems
Are there activities or thoughts on how to integrate the system into existing (public) transport systems? If so, which are the thoughts?
Data extraction from the system
Which statistical data on the pedelecs and on the rental stations may be extracted from the system? Is there data as well on individual pedelecs available?
Are there/will there be statistics available of the average kms run with each of the pedelecs in the system (degree of usage)?
Booking system/user interface/ access for users
What do people actually have to do to rent a pedelec? E.g. is there an identification requirement involved (you show your ID to somebody who then registers you as a user).
Warranty, damages, theft
What happens if a pedelec - or better: some part of it - breaks during usage, even if just a flat tyre?
How is theft protection organised? Is there any experience so far with theft as a problem?
How is it ensured people do not wreck up a pedelec? Is there some way to track a user who has returned a damaged pedelec?
System design, spatial distribution, densities
What is the recommended spatial density of stations (stations per km2)?
Or, since this probably depends much on their concrete setting such as population density, touristic activity etc.: How do you reach in a project a recommendation for the according suitable density of stations?
What is the recommended ratio of pedelecs overall available to the overall number of stations?
Logistics
How are pedelecs, once they have been driven by the user somewhere, brought back to the stations? Is there an according redistribution service (trucks which would carry loads of pedelecs) foreseen in order to balance the number of Pedelecs between stations?
Tariffs and modalities of payment by the user
How are tariffs designed by structure (hourly rate, flat rate)? (if depending on different situations please provide typical examples)
Is payment done in advance or after the use of the pedelec?
Is there any free grace period as in urban bike rental systems e.g. such as the first 30 min?
Is there a fixed fee which is independent from the actual usage of the pedelec (e.g. an annual member fee etc.)
Can the payment be done via credit card and in cash, a special member card? Any other means?
Charging station concept
Where are charging stations located in terms of structural points (hotels, main squares etc.)?
What is the look and size of the stations?
Who is the manufacturer/retailer?
Are any additional functions/services integrated into the charging station or vice-a-verse is the charging station integrated into any other conventional gadget (such as a parking meter)?
Which type of technology is used (conventional moist-proof 230V-plug, XLR-plug, inductive charging?)
Which requirements does the charging impose to the pedelec charging system? (which pedelecs can be charged at the charging station)
Is there payment and metering foreseen? If so, how is payment done?
Is there a list of all stations availble for the end user (e.g. online?)
Who maintains the charging stations?
Is charging only for pedelecs or can any electric vehicle have access?
What is the investment per charging station? There are quite some differences between systems in rural areas (investments tendencially lower, sometimes only seasonal usage) and in urban areas (investments may be higher)
Upgrading of the system, replacement of pedelecs
If the technology of pedelecs advances and models in usage get outdated { will you replace them? Is there any extra cost for the client involved?
May the client on his behalf ask for an according update?
Is it possible to integrate models from other companies into the system after the system has already been implemented without major changes to the whole structure? Are there any contractual passages foreseeing forbidding that?
Servicing concept
Is there servicing for the pedelecs foreseen on behalf of the operator of the rental system?
If yes, who is responsible/contracted for doing the service? One single partner for all pedelecs or many partners?
How is the payment of the service organised? A lump sum (annual fee), by pedelec?
Promotional activities
How is the promotion of system done so it becomes widely known and accepted?
Is there some financial incentive linked to the system? (e.g. a reduction in the annual card for public transport)
