Using an e-scooter offers numerous benefits, making it an increasingly popular mode of transportation. They are environmentally friendly, producing zero emissions and helping to reduce urban air pollution. Additionally, they are cost-effective, with lower maintenance and operational costs than motorcycles.
E-scooters provide a convenient and efficient way to navigate congested city streets, often allowing riders to reach their destinations faster. Their compact size makes parking and storage easy, while contributing to reduced traffic congestion.
Many cities worldwide, including Paris, Los Angeles, Lisbon, Madrid, and Copenhagen, have integrated e-scooters in their public transportation systems.
This blog will explain the benefits of using NFC technology in e-scooters, both for personal use and shared systems. It will also show how Silicon Craft’s RE31 (NFC Reader IC) enables NFC functionality in e-scooter dashboard through the NFC-capable reader/writer demonstration unit.
Fig. 1: A person unlocking an e-scooter with an NFC-enabled smartphone
NFC Technology and E-Scooter
NFC technology is being added to e-scooter dashboards, offering benefits such as enhanced security, streamlined payment systems, improved fleet management, and data collection. As cities continue to embrace e-scooters as a key component of urban mobility, NFC technology integration will likely become an essential part of the next generation of e-scooter systems, further improving the user experience and operational efficiency.
- User Authentication & Scooter Unlocking
One of the primary uses of NFC technology in e-scooter dashboards is enabling easy unlocking and user authentication. Instead of relying on Bluetooth or QR codes to unlock a scooter, users can tap their NFC-enabled smartphone or NFC card against the scooter’s dashboard for quick, secure authentication. This process ensures a faster start, enhancing the overall user experience.
In scooter-sharing systems, where users may not own the e-scooter, but instead rent it, NFC technology adds a layer of convenience and security. The scooter can be linked to a user’s account, and by tapping their phone or card, the scooter is instantly unlocked for use.
- Payment and Billing Integration
NFC technology can streamline the payment and billing process, reducing user friction and increasing operational efficiency. In scooter-sharing systems, the fare can be automatically deducted from a prepaid card when the scooter is locked, ensuring a seamless transaction.
- Data Collection
For scooter-sharing fleets, fleet managers can track each scooter’s real-time usage. Each time a user taps their smartphone or card, the system logs the start and end times, ride duration, and distance traveled. This data allows operators to optimize operations, monitor scooter availability, and predict maintenance needs. It also offers opportunities for personalized experiences, such as linking preferences (e.g., speed limits, lighting settings) or providing loyalty rewards.
Fig. 2: Unlocking and activating the e-scooter dashboard using an NFC card with the RE31 Reader IC
Silicon Craft’s NFC-Capable Reader/Writer Demonstration Unit for E-Scooter Dashboards
The NFC-capable reader/writer demonstration unit is an advanced tool designed to showcase the capabilities of the RE31 reader IC in e-scooter dashboards. This unit integrates seamlessly with e-scooter systems, providing a practical example of how NFC technology can enhance user experience and operational efficiency. Its main features include:
- Supporting NFC-enabled Phones as a Key
Without a physical key, users can unlock and start e-scooters by tapping an NFC key card or NFC-enabled smartphone near the NFC reading area. This eliminates the need to carry physical keys, creating a seamless experience with devices users already carry.
- User Authentication, Unlocking, and Starting the E-Scooter
Tapping an NFC key card or smartphone near the reading area conveniently unlocks and starts the scooter. This method is convenient and secure, ensuring that only authorized users can operate it.
- Digital Key Sharing
NFC enables digital key sharing, allowing the e-scooter owner to authorize access to another user’s key card or smartphone. The shared key is limited by a timeout set by the owner, ensuring temporary and secure access.
Fig. 3: Unlocking and activating the e-scooter dashboard using an NFC-enabled smartphone with the RE31 Reader IC
Conclusion
The NFC-capable reader/writer demonstration unit illustrates that integrating Silicon Craft’s RE31 reader IC to enable NFC functionality in e-scooters offers many significant advantages. RE31 supports all NFC tags, especially tag type 4A (based on ISO14443A protocol), which is widely used in micropayments and transportation. Additionally, the RE31 boasts low power consumption, drawing just 6 μA in Power Down mode, ensuring that NFC integration has minimal impact on battery life.
By enabling seamless unlocking and starting with a smartphone or NFC key card tap, the RE31 improves user convenience and security, eliminating the need for physical keys. Additionally, NFC allows key sharing, giving users the flexibility to share access within a limited time frame.
Adopting the RE31 for NFC capabilities is a forward-thinking towards modernizing e-scooter operations and enhancing user satisfaction.
