Bixi System - Digital Age Bike Sharing

Third generation public bike systems are automated systems, capable of accepting payments from credit cards or swipe cards, and whose activities can be monitored from a distance. However, most third generation systems, like Vélib' in Paris, require considerable excavation, permanently altering the urban landscape, inconveniencing residents during construction and creating pollution -- exactly what public bike systems are trying to combat.

BIXI is a "fourth generation" system, in the sense that it:

Is completely portable and doesn't require the excavation and consequent damage to the urban environment (not to mention substantial costs to the community in terms of preparatory work) that are typical of most systems currently in use, for example, the Vélib' in Paris. This also dramatically reduces the time required to get a BIXI system up and running.

Is solar-powered, to avoid creating any emissions and the use of non-renewable energy sources and to eliminate the need of hooking up to the community's energy grid, thus reducing associated costs and excavation requirements as well as installation time.

Uses wireless communication to avoid the need of hooking up to the community's telecommunications grid, thus reducing associated costs and excavation requirements, as well as installation time.

Has been designed from a clean sheet, specifically for heavy urban use as a public bike system, not put together from components from other systems, which is very advantageous in terms of reliability, durability and optimal functioning.

Is run by a time-tested software system that has proven to be extremely reliable.

Was created to be sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of virtually any climate in the world.

Was designed to be an enhancement to the urban landscape, not an impediment to enjoying it. To blend into its surroundings, not overpower them.