Bike and e-scooter charging station at Kalemegdan in Belgrade

In spring 2021 Belgrade got its first smart station for parking and charging bikes and e-scooters. It stood at Kalemegdan, the city's best-known park and fortress, in the Mali Kalemegdan section between the stairs and Constantinople Road. It was free for all citizens. Bikeep's Belgrade-based partner Park 011 brought it to the city.

A first for Belgrade

Serbian daily Blic covered the opening as a step in the city's smart city plans. Residents and tourists visiting the fortress could lock and charge an e-bike or e-scooter in one place, without coins, cards or an attendant.

"The Smart city type station that combines secure parking and charging of electric 'wheels' is available in the part of the park Mali Kalemegdan on the location between the stairs and the Constantinople Road, completely free of charge for all citizens." Blic

How it worked

• Bikes and e-scooters. The station took both, so people on either could park in the same place.
• Locked and charged. A locking bar held the vehicle, and riders plugged into the dock to charge while they explored the park.
• App control. Riders found a free dock, parked and unlocked with the Bikeep app.
• Free of charge. There was no fee for parking or charging.

Why it mattered

Kalemegdan draws locals and visitors all year. A station that both locks and charges an e-bike or e-scooter gave them a reason to arrive by bike or scooter, and a set place to leave it while they explored the fortress.

Where it led

Kalemegdan was the start of a partnership. Park 011 has gone on to run Bikeep stations at shopping centres, business centres and markets across Belgrade. More on how cities use Bikeep and on e-scooter parking and charging.

Read the original Blic article in Serbian.