The Mosa Ultra-Affordable Bicycle Sharing Scheme was designed to provide a low-cost, scalable, and sustainable micromobility solution for non-tier-1 cities and underserved towns. The project aimed to tackle the barriers to widespread bike-sharing adoption by developing a retrofit smart dock system that significantly reduces infrastructure costs while supporting the UK’s decarbonisation goals.

Funded by TRIG 2023, this initiative allowed Mosa to collaborate with UCL’s MUSA Lab, conduct extensive market research, and execute a live prototype trial. Without TRIG’s support, testing such an innovation in a real-world setting would have been a major financial risk.The trial focused on validating feasibility, engaging stakeholders, and refining operational elements to pave the way for larger-scale deployments in the UK and beyond.

Phase 1: Research & Stakeholder Engagement

• Market Research with UCL MUSA Lab:
• 9 interviews conducted with 7 local authorities and 2 major campuses.
• Insights shaped the system design and identified key adoption barriers (e.g., security concerns, demand generation, infrastructure limitations).
• Local Authority & Campus Engagement:
• Focused on non-tier-1 cities to ensure an inclusive micromobility approach.
• Identified potential pilot locations based on demand, infrastructure feasibility, and willingness to invest in sustainable transport.

Phase 2: Prototype Development & Trial Execution

• System Deployment:
• 5 bikes & 10 docking stations installed across WGC and Whittlesford Parkway Train Station.
• Smart docks retrofitted onto existing infrastructure to minimise deployment costs.
• User Recruitment & Testing:
• 30 users participated, testing the system over one month.
• Real-world data collected to assess feasibility, usability, and impact.

Phase 3: Addressing Challenges & Refinements

• Connectivity Limitations:
• Poor internet reception at WGC led to the need for offline key encryption mechanisms.
• Increased customer support measures to mitigate technical issues.
  
• Scaling Considerations:
  While the trial validated the system’s feasibility, further trials at larger scales are required to assess financial sustainability and operational scalability.

Key Pilot Metrics:

• 30 users tested the system over a one-month period.
• Successfully deployed smart docks at two key locations.
• Validated feasibility & operational effectiveness for small-scale deployments.
• 70% infrastructure cost savings compared to traditional bike-sharing systems.
• Stakeholder engagement secured for future trials (e.g., Cambridgeshire County Council interest in expansion).

Key Findings:

• Affordability & Accessibility: The retrofit smart dock model reduces implementation costs for local authorities.
• Trust & Usability: Users and operators emphasized the importance of security over additional features like gamification.
• Infrastructure Challenges: Connectivity issues at docking stations need to be resolved before large-scale deployment.
• Scalability Potential: The scheme has strong potential for deployment in small towns, campuses, and private developments.

Environmental & Societal Impact:

• Encouraging Active Travel: Providing an affordable and accessible option for local authorities to promote cycling.
• Reducing Carbon Emissions: Supports the UK’s net-zero targets by shifting users away from car dependency.Expanding Sustainable Transport Options: Addresses the lack of shared micromobility infrastructure in smaller cities and towns.

Mosa is now focusing on scaling and commercialising the Ultra-Affordable Docked Bicycle Sharing System.

We are in the planning phase with Wellcome Genome Campus to transition the successful pilot bicycle-sharing scheme into a permanent deployment, scaling it up to meet the growing demand from commuters and visitors.

Following validation, we are now expanding the scheme to hotels, smaller cities, and towns—not just in the UK but worldwide. As a company driven by impact rather than profit, Mosa prioritises underserved communities where traditional, profit-driven bike-sharing companies do not operate. By focusing on these areas, we aim to enable active travel for all and provide sustainable transport solutions where they are needed most.