Bike sharing or an electric bike subscription?

You want to get around by electric bike, but you are not sure which options are available to you?

We have already covered the advantages of a bike subscription compared with buying one. What about bike sharing?

How does bike sharing work in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, the bike sharing market mainly revolves around PubliBike, Velospot, Donkey Republic, Lime and Bird. Once you have installed the app of one (or several) of these providers on your phone and paid the basic subscription, you have access to a whole fleet of bikes, in different Swiss cities and around the world. You then pay a small amount depending on the length of each ride.

Available mainly in urban areas, shared bikes let you discover a city by bike and reach its most remote corners. At the end of your ride, you must leave the bike at a station defined by the provider. As a result, your range ends at the edge of the service area. On the other hand, you have no worries about theft, maintenance or parking. The provider makes sure its bikes are ready to ride.

Bike sharing is designed for short urban commutes. As a complement to public transport, it makes it easy to get to the station or to cover the last part of a trip, which effectively shortens travel time. Shared bikes are usually available at specific locations, close to business areas. Financially, it makes no sense to keep the bike without using it, since providers want their bikes to be ridden as much as possible. But the density of stations and the number of bikes in circulation mean you can quickly find another one whenever you need it. The app shows you where the nearest bike is.

Shared bikes started out as regular bikes (without electric assistance), built to withstand sometimes careless use. Their sturdy design lets them stay outdoors in all weather. Providers then added electric bikes to their offer, which are very handy in hilly cities. Tip: when you pick a bike, check that the battery has enough charge for the trip you have planned.

Designed to suit as many people as possible, a shared bike is medium-sized and unisex. Apart from the saddle height, you cannot adjust the bike to your body. That said, it is acceptable for a short trip, especially if the electric assistance makes up for it.

So why have a bike of your own?

If you ride every day, your bike will quickly become your main means of transport, because it is so practical for getting around town and beyond. A bike of your own can be adjusted to your body and personalised as you like: a basket, a vintage bell, a box to store your helmet, a hitch for a trailer or a child seat. These accessories add comfort and multiply the ways you can use your bike.

Financially, riding a lot does not pay off with bike sharing, because the cost adds up quickly. The availability of a bike and the charge of its battery also get in the way of spontaneous trips. In contrast, an electric bike subscription such as Torks.ch gives you a bike that is always available, guaranteed, for any destination and any kind of trip. You charge the battery yourself, so it always has enough charge for your needs. As with bike sharing, you do not have to worry about maintenance and repairs. And your bike is replaced free of charge if it is stolen.

Having your own bike does not stop you from using a shared bike from time to time. And vice versa. The uses are different, and even complementary. Enjoy the ride!

In short

• Shared bikes are perfect for short trips: sightseeing, quick urban journeys and a complement to public transport for the "last mile".
• They are easy to use thanks to the app: finding, renting and locking the bikes.
• Whether you ride a shared bike or a Torks.ch bike: no worries about maintenance or theft.
• Shared bikes are limited to a given area depending on the provider. But providers are often present in many cities around the world.
• A shared bike is not guaranteed to be available (where the bikes are, enough battery charge).
• For daily use, a personal bike is cheaper, can be adjusted to your body and can be personalised with accessories.
• Shared bikes and personal bikes complement each other.