Blue-bike has been making shared biking simple and accessible across Belgium since 2011. What started as a convenient solution for the "last mile" has grown into a nationwide service. Today, Blue-bike is shifting gears. With a renewed pricing model, e-bike rentals, and a full move to digital locks, they’re rethinking how people access and enjoy shared bikes. And we’re proud to support them on that journey.
Challenge
Our work with Blue-bike was quite diverse. Our experienced designers built the user interface and user experience, while skilled developers handled the technical part. Our hard work resulted in the development of two different apps from the same codebase, each made for specific use.
- A customer app created with the user's experience in mind.
- A service app designed to streamline Blue-bike's operational level.
The solution
Our work with Blue-bike was quite diverse. Our experienced designers built the user interface and user experience, while skilled developers handled the technical part. Our hard work resulted in the development of two different apps from the same codebase, each made for specific use.
- A customer app created with the user's experience in mind.
- A service app designed to streamline Blue-bike's operational level.
The project kick-off
To kick off the project with clarity and focus, Blue-bike gathered all key stakeholders around a table. This approach set the stage for a seamless start. As the project progressed, our team took a hands-on approach by visiting Antwerp's central station. This allowed us to understand the challenges faced by Blue-bike users directly. By pinpointing their primary concerns, we identified avenues for enhancement, equipping us with invaluable insights to elevate the Blue-bike user experience.
The approach
We supported this transformation on multiple levels:
1. A flexible, future-ready pricing model
The business model got a major update. Users can now pay per ride, subscribe to tailored plans, or use vouchers, including those for e-bikes. To make the experience seamless, we integrated modern payment methods like Bancontact, Payconiq, and credit card processing via the Adyen platform.
Therefore we revamped the onboarding flow to match this shift, making account creation faster and more intuitive.
2. A backend built for scale and speed
Behind the scenes, we completely rebuilt Blue-bike’s backend, designed to handle heavier user loads and allow for faster feature updates. A major challenge was integrating the new pricing logic without touching the existing legacy systems.
We achieved backwards compatibility through a smart service architecture that bridges modern and legacy components without compromise.
3. Two apps, one seamless experience
We developed two interconnected apps from a single codebase:
Customer app – Designed for a frictionless user experience, the app makes renting a bike as simple as a few taps. Its intuitive flow reflects everything we learned during on-site research at Antwerp Central Station.
Service app – This app is built for Blue-bike staff to manage operations, maintenance, and logistics. Its solid technical foundation allows for rapid scaling and feature growth.
4. Smarter tools for teams and businesses
Blue-bike’s back-office system, used daily by their team, received a full revamp. We added new features like real-time e-bike battery monitoring, flexible subscription management, and finance tools.
We also upgraded the ‘My Blue-bike’ business portal, used by companies to manage their mobility budgets and employee accounts. The new version supports more complex account structures with subaccounts and multiple admin levels.
Bridging the digital with the physical
One of the unique aspects of this project is how tightly the digital tools are linked to real-world outcomes. When a user unlocks a bike in the app, a physical action happens, a tangible connection between software and mobility. That’s what made this challenge so rewarding: building tech that genuinely moves people.Overcoming technical hurdles
Overcoming technical hurdles
Integrating the AXA BLE ERL2 smart lock system was only one piece of the puzzle. The broader payment flow, and the way Blue-bike envisioned the entire experience, added a layer of complexity that went far beyond Bluetooth alone. Differences in how Android devices handle Bluetooth posed additional challenges. Our developers worked to ensure a stable, cross-device connection and a seamless, secure payment process.
That effort paid off, resulting in a smooth and reliable user experience, even when working with sensitive hardware integrations.
A true partnership between Blue-bike and icapps
Our partnership with Blue-bike went beyond straightforward business dealings. It was a very personal collaboration characterized by both parties' dedication to the project's success and a shared vision for the future!
A Modernization Strategy for a Mobile Future
Blue-bike trusted us to redesign their apps, revamp their backend, and create a seamless user experience for thousands of riders across Belgium. If you’re ready to modernize your digital product, just like Blue-bike did, get in touch and let’s start building your next chapter!