An overview of docking station providers for rental fleets and personally owned electric scooters.
As electric scooters fleets become more ubiquitous, cities and private operators are demanding more secure and robust solutions in keeping their electric scooters and bikes organized and safe.
Apart from the benefits of security, a proper docking station can help automate the charging process and provide a more seamless experience for renting scooters. Many docking stations also support multiple types of vehicles, including not just popular rental fleet scooters, but individually owned electric scooters like the Levy and Levy Plus.
We are going to review the 5 best electric scooter docking stations below, along with an in-depth comparison of the features supported by each.
Kuhmute
Highlights: Supports widest range of vehicles, Quick charge compatible, Made in America
Kuhmute’s hubs are built for ease of use. Their one step platform bundles charging and locking scooters, and ending rental trips all together. Unlike other charging stations, Kuhmute is the only company that boasts a made in America product. Similar to their competitors, they support a wide array of compatible scooters, including the Ninebot max and the Acton M Pro. Their adapters (which cost $100) used for both charging and locking scooters to their hubs can take anywhere from 20 minutes to a few hours to install, but once everything is set up, the rest is “click” and go.
Adapters are also compatible with a wide range of other electric vehicles including bikes and skateboards. Their platform is open to both renters and owners of electric vehicles - a useful tool for anyone looking to integrate their fleets into the wider community of e-riders. They offer several options beyond their standard 1 year warranty to aid with maintenance and installation. Kuhmute also has an app available for users or fleet providers who are not already using another platform to manage their vehicles.
Overview:
Vehicles supported: Acton M Pro, Okai ES400, Segway Max 2.0, at least 10 other non-scooter vehicle types
Charger Specs: Internal wiring allows adapter to be primary point of charging; quick charge also available.
Lock: Included as part of charging adapter
Software Integration: Kuhmute’s docks are able to communicate with software, like Levy Fleets, to automatically verify that a trip is ended upon the scooter being returned to the hub.
KNOT
Highlight: Least Expensive
With over 30 thousand trips supported using their stations, Knot has a great deal of experience operating in the electric scooter market. Knot uses adapters or “sleeves'' that fit around the scooters’ stem and allow for an easy lock and charge mechanism with their docking stations. Knot’s docking stations support a wide array of compatible scooters including all Segway, Acton, and Xiaomi models, among others.
Their platform is open to both renters and owners of electric vehicles. KNOT’s platform is built with scooters in mind. From their locking and charging mechanism to the available software integrations, KNOT has focused their product on supporting electric scooters to create a more friendly environment for their growing use.
Overview:
Vehicles supported: Segway Max 2.0, Okai, Xioami, etc.
Charger Specs: Internal wiring allows adapter to be primary point of charging
Lock: Included as part of charging adapter
Software Integration: KNOT’s docks are able to communicate with software, like Levy Fleets, to automatically verify that a trip is ended upon the scooter being returned to the hub.
DUCKT
Highlight: Quickest turn-around time, Most software integrations
DUCKT is one of the largest operating docking solution providers on the market. They offer the widest range of docking configurations (available from 1 to 30 ports) and currently have “A1” adapters ready to go for all major rental scooter brands. The A1 adapter combines charging and locking scooters, and ending rental trips all in one step and can take as little as 10 minutes to install. Adapters are also compatible for several different types of electric bikes.
DUCKT’s platform has integrations pre-build for most major software providers and is constantly working on creating more integrations to expand their reach.
Overview:
Vehicles supported: Acton M Pro, Okai ES400, Segway Max 2.0
Charger Specs: Internal wiring allows adapter to be primary point of charging.
Lock: Included as part of charging adapter
Software Integration: DUCKTS’s stations are able to communicate with software, like Levy Fleets, to automatically verify that a trip is ended upon the scooter being returned to the hub.
Swiftmile
Highlight: Full cost can covered through advertising model; Offers universal charger cord and adapter charger sleeve for some scooter models
Swiftmile’s docking solution is one of the most accessible, requiring the least set up and in some cases no money down. Their use of a universal charging cord removes the need for wiring adapters or sleeves into scooters. The built-in universal charging cords can be used for a wide range of electric scooters and bikes. Swiftmile stations do not have a built-in mechanism to lock scooters to their dock, but external locks can be used to secure scooters while charging.
By allowing Swiftmile to advertise on the screens of Swiftmile stations, operators can have the cost of their stations reduced - in some cases down to zero. Swiftmile’s platform does not currently have integrations that allow a rental trip to be ended when the scooter is plugged into the docking station.
Overview:
Vehicles supported: Acton M Pro, Okai ES400, Segway Max 2.0, etc.
Charger Specs: Universal charger on dock plugs into scooter charging port.
Lock: External locks can be attached to secure scooters into dock
Software Integration: Swiftmile’s docks are not currently able to communicate with software, like Levy Fleets, to automatically verify that a trip is ended upon the scooter being returned to the hub.
Bikeep
Highlight: Universal Locking with no adapter/sleeve needed; Geared towards personal use vehicles
Bikeep’s docking stations are designed to be a universal lock for e-scooters. There are no adapters required and outlets are provided so scooters can be charged while they are locked into the station.
Bikeep’s platform does not have integrations pre-built for software providers. Their stations are geared towards use of personally owned electric scooters and bikes.
Overview:
Vehicles supported: Supports all e-scooters, as users can bring their own charger and plug into Bikeep's outlets.
Charger Specs: Outlet on dock for personal chargers to be plugged in.
Lock: Built-in lever locks scooter into station around the stem while in use.
Software Integration: Bikeep’s docks are not compatible with rental software, like Levy Fleets
