Rendering of two Bikeep smart bike parking docks, one dark and one light
Insight· 2 min read

Hardware and software both decide a smart bike parking system

Smart bike parking is two products in one. There is a physical station that keeps bikes safe, and a connected platform that runs it.

We asked Kirsten Corson, CEO of Locky Dock, what Bikeep gives her business that other infrastructure doesn't. She named both.

What should the hardware do?

First, it has to stop theft. Kirsten puts it plainly.

"It's a really well engineered product, which is obviously fantastic because it stops the Kiwi thieves from stealing, and that's obviously part of the unique proposition." Kirsten Corson, CEO, Locky Dock

Four things are worth checking on any station.

  • Locking method. Does it secure the frame, not just a wheel?
  • Build quality. Materials and design should resist cutting, prying and weather for years.
  • Charging. Look for integrated e-bike and scooter charging with safe power management. See e-bike charging stations.
  • Track record. How many stations are in the field, and for how long?

What should the platform do?

Kirsten rates the software as highly as the steel.

"The IoT platform that you provide is outstanding, and we're very grateful to have that software sitting behind a really well engineered product." Kirsten Corson, CEO, Locky Dock

The platform is what lets a small operator run stations across many cities. Look for five things.

  1. Connectivity. Every dock online and reporting its status in real time.
  2. Rider access. App and card options, so nobody is excluded.
  3. Operator console. Remote monitoring, alerts and control.
  4. Usage data. Sessions per station, occupancy and trends, for reports to councils and advertisers.
  5. Open API. So you can integrate with city apps, transit cards or your own brand.

Why does one platform across product lines matter?

Networks grow. You may start with bike parking and add e-bike charging, scooter parking or enclosed shelters.

One app and one console across all of them saves riders and operators from starting over. The Bikeep platform covers the full range.

What should you ask the supplier?

Ask how updates, spare parts and support work. Ask how fast the supplier responds when something breaks.

The station is a ten-year asset, and the relationship should last as long.

What does Bikeep's platform handle today?

Bikeep platform data shows more than 1.5 million parking sessions between January 2022 and August 2026. Riders gave an average rating of 4.89 out of 5 across more than 55,000 ratings in the same period.

In New Zealand alone, the platform connected 101 live locations as of August 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What is a smart bike parking system?

A secure station for bikes, often with e-bike charging, connected to a software platform. The platform handles rider access, monitoring and usage data.

Why does the IoT platform matter?

It lets an operator see every dock's status, control stations remotely and report usage. Without it, running stations across several cities means site visits for every question.

Can riders use a card instead of an app?

On the Bikeep platform, yes. App and card access are both supported, so riders without a smartphone are not excluded.