Zug, Switzerland, is at the forefront of smart city innovation, providing residents with access to e-bikes using blockchain-based digital IDs. This system, based on cutting-edge blockchain development services, combines privacy, security, and seamless mobility, reflecting the global trend toward decentralized, citizen-focused urban services.
On November 20, 2018, the bike-sharing service AirBie (a funny name given its resemblance to the well-known home-sharing service), using uPort, launched the first-ever e-bike sharing service based on decentralized identity. AirBie was originally founded by Philipp Zollinger and Christian Rämy, who envisioned implementing the Internet of Things (IoT) using blockchain technology. The process involves three steps, described below.
Step 1:
First, users must download the dedicated AirBie app. To log in, users log in to uPort and provide their “Digitalid” credentials, verified by the city administration.
Step 2:
After completing verification, Zug residents register on the map to find the nearest bike for their commute.
Step 3:
Upon arrival, the user parks the bike and locks it using the app to complete their ride.
Discover the future of smart mobility – invest in solutions like the digital identification system for e-bikes in Zug to provide safe, efficient, and citizen-focused city services.
In 2025, Zug, Switzerland, became a global leader in smart city innovation, leveraging blockchain development services to revolutionize urban mobility. Through a partnership with AirBie and uPort, the Zug government issued nearly 300 blockchain-based digital ID cards, allowing residents to securely access e-bikes throughout the city. This digital ID, built on the Ethereum blockchain, acts as a verifiable identity and digital wallet, allowing users to unlock e-bikes and pay with cryptocurrency.
More than 1,600 e-bike rides were logged, with approximately 90 unique users receiving up to 20 hours of free rides each. Blockchain development services provide secure identity verification, transparent transaction records, and user-controlled data sharing. Compared to traditional bike sharing, Zug’s decentralized system eliminates the need for physical cards or centralized databases, enhancing privacy and security. This project demonstrates how blockchain development services can implement secure, user-centric solutions in government services, setting the standard for future smart city initiatives around the world.
“As software development experts, we see the e-bike project in Zug as a significant milestone in the development of urban mobility. By integrating blockchain-based digital IDs, the city is demonstrating how blockchain development services can provide secure, transparent, and convenient solutions, paving the way for smarter, more connected communities.”
Elinext Software Development Expert
The system is elegantly simple. Instead of juggling multiple apps, credit cards, or transit passes, residents simply use their digital ID on their smartphone to unlock their e-bike. The transaction is recorded in a distributed ledger, providing transparent and tamper-proof verification of identity and payment. For example, a user can approach a bike, scan a QR code using their city e-ID app, and hit the road in seconds. This process not only improves ease of use but also significantly enhances security, as the cryptographic nature of the digital ID minimizes the risk of fraud and identity theft.
This project is a prime example of the tangible benefits of expert blockchain development services. These services are the architects of such integrated ecosystems, creating secure protocols, smart contracts, and user-friendly interfaces necessary to connect digital IDs with physical services. As cities become smarter, the demand for these specialized skills is rapidly growing. Zug’s system analytics can provide city planners with valuable anonymized data on traffic patterns, peak hours, and popular routes, enabling data-driven infrastructure improvements without compromising citizens’ privacy.
Looking ahead, the trend is clear. Forecasts indicate that the global market for blockchain-based digital identification solutions will exceed $5 billion by 2025, driven primarily by smart city applications such as mobility-as-a-service. Zug’s e-bike initiative is more than just a convenience; it’s a blueprint for the future of urban life. It demonstrates how secure digital identification can become a universal key to accessing a wide range of city services, from public transportation and libraries to voting and local government. By leveraging cutting-edge blockchain development, cities like Zug aren’t simply embracing new technologies; they’re laying the foundation for trust and efficiency in a decentralized future, creating a true blockchain paradise for their residents.
Conclusion
Zug’s e-bike initiative, based on blockchain-based digital IDs, demonstrates the transformative impact of blockchain development services. By providing secure, decentralized access to mobility, Zug not only enhances user convenience but also sets a new standard for privacy and transparency. Residents can unlock e-bikes with their digital ID, enjoying a comfortable ride while maintaining control of their data. This project is a model for cities seeking to modernize public services and build trust in digital technologies.
FAQ
What is the digital ID offered in Zug?
The Zug eID is a government-issued, blockchain-based electronic ID registered on the Ethereum network. Residents can use this eID to securely access city services, such as borrowing books from the library or unlocking e-bikes, while maintaining full control of their personal data.
How is the digital ID being used for e-bikes in Zug?
Residents register their digital IDs through the uPort platform, linking them to a smart contract on the Ethereum platform. A user unlocks an e-bike by verifying their identity with their eID, enabling secure access and payment recorded on the blockchain—without the need for physical cards or cash.
What are the benefits claimed by the project?
The project promises improved security, privacy, and user control. Residents manage their data and access multiple services with a single digital ID. Blockchain provides transparent, tamper-proof records, making urban mobility more secure and convenient.
What are the limitations or challenges?
Implementation is limited—only about 300 digital IDs in a city of 30,000 people. There are technical barriers, as users must understand the basics of blockchain. Less tech-savvy residents may have difficulty using the system, and scaling to more services requires further development.
How does this differ from traditional bike-sharing / mobility services?
Unlike traditional bike-sharing, Zug’s system uses a decentralized blockchain for identification and payment. Users unlock bikes using a digital ID rather than a physical card, and transactions are recorded on the blockchain, enhancing privacy, security, and transparency.
