The Ultimate Guide to Power Bank Rental App Development

In a world where a low battery can be a real nightmare for a traveler or one who is always busy in meetings, a power bank rental can be a real lifesaver. Thus, the demand for mobile charging station apps is increasing and offering the best services to people. So, going for the development of a power bank-sharing business is profitable. It includes power bank stations, power banks, partnerships with different locations, and a mobile app. 

This business model can also be run on two concepts. Go for the one that is more suitable for your enterprise. To know more, continue reading.

Understanding the Need for Portable Charging Solutions

Low battery, and having to head out but do not have any option, it’s urgent. Don’t worry; in the same scenario, the power-sharing business comes into action. Anywhere from the closest location can rent a power bank to charge the phone on the go and do not have to think of managing the low battery or miss important calls and meetings. This is one of the main reasons it is popular among most people across the globe. 

The Rise of Power Bank Rental Services (Market Stats)

• The Global power bank rental services market was valued at USD 7.1 billion in the year 2021.

• By the year 2030, it is expected to reach USD 15.9 billion with a CAGR of 13.5% during 2021-2030. 

• China held the largest power rental market share in 2021 and is projected to grow at 52.7% from 2022 to 2030.  

What Is the Purpose of Making a Power Bank Rental App? 

The main purpose of the power bank sharing business is to allow customers to rent the power bank easily at the time of need quickly and affordable price. 

Here are several reasons for becoming popular- 

• It’s relatively easy to build and launch a power bank business.
• There is a high demand for power rentals in big cities and especially in most tourist destinations. 
• These services are cheap and beneficial at the time of the need for an individual.
• The market is far from saturated, and power bank sharing is a great opportunity right now. 

A Transformative Business Model for Nearby Mobile Charging Stations

So here are two concepts you can go for the development of the app for both or for one of them. But both are equally gaining importance in the market and can be useful. 

Concept 1: Juice Up Anywhere: On-Demand Power Bank Charging

Talking about the first concept, most of the users are not familiar with it. This concept is based on the charging station that can be found with the help of the power bank charging apps with slightly different concepts. You can reach the nearby stations in the malls, hospitals, and other public places when your battery is dying; just unlock the particular box, place your phone there, and lock it with the unique code, and you can come around for shopping or for work and come back and get your phone by scanning QR code or by entering the code. 

Concept 2: Charge On-The-Go: Mobile Power Bank Rental Stations

This is the concept most users are aware of and is present worldwide. You can enjoy the freedom of charging your phone anywhere while traveling or working without waiting for the phone to charge. Locate the nearest station and scan the QR code. The charger socket will pop out. You can pick up a fully charged power bank on a rental basis. After charging your device, you can return the power bank to the nearby station. 

Nearby Power Bank Rental App Workflow (Scan, Pay, Plug & Charge)

Step-by-Step Working of Concept 1 – Nearby Mobile Charging Station with Phone Locking Feature

• Hardware Placement

The first step is the placement of the hardware, and for that, you have to seek the locations and do proper market research. The places that are more likely to have crowds will be more profitable. Hospitals, airports, bus stands, and railway stations are some of the most populated areas after analyzing install the power bank stations at strategic locations in an area. After that, ensure each station has sufficient power banks and charging ports.

• Mobile App Development

Now, it’s time for the development of a mobile app that will allow users to find the nearby charging stations on a map with other important required features. Integrate a secure payment gateway to facilitate payments through the app. Also, include a QR code scanner feature in the app to enable easy device authentication. Implement a phone locking feature that activates once the device is connected to the power bank.

• User Registration

Now, when the user panel steps are completed now, the time for the user’s panel steps first users must download the mobile app and create an account. After that, the first step they have to register their smartphones on the apps to proceed to the next step to use the charging service. 

• Finding Nearby Stations

After opening the app whenever required for use, you have to allow the location access to find the nearby charging stations. The app will start showing the map with the locations of the available stations nearby and the charging port availability. 

• Charging Process

The process of charging your phone is very easy; the user can scan the QR code generated by selecting the option of power bank when required on the station using the app. The app authenticates the user’s device and displays the available power banks. After that, the user selects an available power bank and makes a payment through the app.

• Charging Devices

After successfully making the payments, the user can plug their phone into the selected power bank and lock the device with the passcode or the QR scanner. 

• Charging Completion and Return

Once the phone is fully charged, the app notifies the user through the app, the user can come and unlock the device and get back the phone, and the power bank is left at the station and is auto lock in the compartment. 

• Power Bank Management

The app tracks the power bank’s location with the help of GPS technology. Secondly, if a user tries to do any kind of theft or damage to the power station alert can go to the admin, who can immediately react to the matter with the help of the user’s detail in the app. 

Step-by-Step Working of Concept 2 – Power Bank Rental Station

• Hardware Placement

So the first step in this concept is the same as the above one: Identify busy and convenient locations for power bank rental stations, such as shopping malls, coffee shops, and public transport hubs. And then, you have to install the stations, and here you also have to ensure that they have a sufficient number of power banks.

• Mobile App Development

Create a mobile app for the rental station’s locations and for operating all the things related to the power bank stations. Integrate a secure payment gateway for renting power banks.

• User Registration

The user has to download and register for further access to the app. They can link their payment methods to the app for easy rentals.

• Finding Nearby Stations

Open the app, enable location access, and find nearby rental stations on the map.

• Power Bank Rental

At the chosen station, the user scans the QR code using the app to unlock an available power bank. The app deducts the rental fee from the user’s linked payment method. Then the power bank is unlocked, and they can take the power bank with them. 

• Charging Devices

With the help of the device, the user can take the device to wherever they want to take it on the go. 

• Charging Completion and Return

Once charging is complete, the user returns the power bank to any nearby rental station. The app confirms the return and ends the rental transaction.

• Power Bank Management

The app tracks the power bank’s location through GPS. If a user fails to return the power bank within the specified rental duration, the app notifies them to return it promptly. Otherwise, they will charge the user as per the company policy. 

Overcoming Challenges in Nearby Mobile Charging Solutions

Multiple challenges come the way when opting for any of the mobile charging app solutions. Below we have mentioned the challenges for both concepts and how to overcome them. 

Challenges for Concept 1 – Nearby Mobile Charging Station:

• Power Bank Maintenance

Ensuring the power banks are regularly charged, maintained, and replaced when needed can be a logistical challenge. To do so, the app should have a feature that can notify the admin when facing any issue. 

• Security and Vandalism

Protecting the charging stations from theft, damage, and vandalism in public places can be a concern. Several technologies can be integrated that can enhance the security measure. 

• User Safety

Making sure that the charging stations are electrically safe and free from potential hazards is crucial for user safety. As it can cause a huge hazard to human life if faced with an issue.

• Connectivity

The mobile app relies on internet connectivity to function properly, so network issues could affect the user experience. So make sure to have a proper network in the area where you are setting all the things. 

• Competition

As the concept gains popularity, competition from other similar charging services may arise. Go for a unique and different approach toward the users. Make a bond with the customer with your service. That can help in maintaining trust and choosing you over others. 

• Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Meeting local regulations, obtaining necessary permits, and complying with safety standards can be complex. Do it in the beginning, to avoid any issue at the time of installation or after the process is completed that can cause a greater loss. 

• Pricing and Revenue Model

Finding the right balance between pricing the service competitively and ensuring a sustainable revenue model can be tricky. Can do research on the highest and lowest pricing ranges in the market and, according to that, confirm the pricing. 

Challenges for Concept 2 – Power Bank Rental Station:

• Power Bank Inventory Management

Managing and tracking a large number of power banks across different rental stations can be challenging. So make sure to implement a proper system in it to make it more easy to track. 

• Rental Return Compliance

Ensuring users return the power banks on time and in good condition may require robust monitoring and reminders. 

• Maintenance and Hygiene

Keeping the power banks clean and in optimal working condition is essential for user satisfaction and safety.

• User Awareness and Adoption

Educating potential users about the service and its benefits may be necessary to increase adoption.

• App Engagement

Encouraging users to download, register, and actively use the app can be challenging, especially in a competitive app market.

• Battery Life and Performance

Maintaining the battery life and performance of power banks over time is crucial for user satisfaction.

• Location Selection

Choosing the right locations for rental stations with sufficient footfall can impact the service’s success.

• Pricing and Affordability

Setting rental fees that attract users while covering costs and generating profit can be a delicate balance. 

How Can Near-By Mobile Charging Station App Development Be a Profitable Business Idea?

On average, the mobile phone’s battery can last up to 4 to 5 hours when using it continuously and can be in need emergency times. This led to an increase in the power bank rental app business resulting in more business owners focusing on developing one. But they often lag in making a profit from this idea; let’s discuss some points that can help you get a profit from the business. 

1. The Rental Income 

The main profit can be gained from rental income. A shared power bank, as a product charged by the hour, can be recycled and leased, and for agents, it can earn rent from users who scan the code. 

2. Buyout Income 

Most of the power bank businesses owner will set a deposit amount for renting process. Users have to pay an amount of around 20 or 30 dollars before renting a power bank, the same price as buying the new one. This help in when the user is unable to return the power bank. The deposit can be used to buy the new one. It can be a substantial income for the owner to sell the power banks to users who are unable to give one back. 

3. Ad Display Revenue 

There can be different types of ads that can affect the revenue of the power bank-sharing app. 

• Ads display on power bank station digital signage. 

Almost all the stations come with a display, no, matter if it is cardboard or signage. The merchant can put any information on it. 

• Inner app advertisements

Before using a shared power bank rental service, you need to download the app from a certain app store. There might be some kind of ads on the apps also that mostly benefit the business owner. 

• Power bank sticker ads

Sometimes the business merchant deal with other and put ads on the power banks. This can benefit both ends as the power banks keep on moving from one place to another person to person. 

• Large-screen display ads

If large machines are placed as a station, then they can give additional value by providing brand promotion advertisements. 

Steps to Develop Mobile Charging Station App

To start working on the power bank sharing app, you have to take care of some important steps for creating one. 

1. Choose a Software Development Company. 

The foremost step for creating the power bank rental app is to find a top software development company that has appropriate experience in creating a power bank sharing platform. You can get reviews from previous clients and communicate about your requirement, then decide the best out of all. 

2. Create Technical Requirements. 

Up to this time, you have to be sure about the idea of which concept you want to opt for, building a rental power bank app. So now you have to tell the business analyst of the team what the required features and business goals you want. After this, the analyst will tell you all the details of the estimate and how much it will be for the overall cost. 

3. Choose a Power-Sharing Station Supplier

There are a lot of suppliers of power bank stations, and it’s important to choose one before you begin app development. So as you have to work on the development of the app, choose the best station in the market from a reliable vendor that provides it at a fair price. And if you have your own power bank charging station machine that is like the cherry on the cake, you do not have to go anywhere and can start working on the app development. 

4. Develop and Launch an App. 

Now when all the things are set, it’s time for the development of your app. Developers will start setting up the environment and servers, create the architecture of your app, and develop your app according to the technical specifications. The assurance of quality usually happens simultaneously with the development process so that it’s easier to notice any flaws and fix them right away. It usually takes some months to a year to develop a power-sharing app depending on the features. Launch the app on the appropriate platform for which you have made the app. The app can be deployed on the Apple or Google Play store. 

5. Post Maintenance and Support  

The final step of the app development process, though the development process is completed and the app is also launched. Now the time comes for the post maintenance; the app should be up to date and have to be sure that it is giving updates regularly to increase the experience of the customer. Other than this, the support of the app is also always open so users can interact with the team at the time of any issue. 

Features Mobile Charging Station App Must Have

User Panel  

1. Splash Screen 

This is the foremost Screen that is shown on the user side. This contains the logo of the app. 

2. Sign Up 

In this process, the user will be able to register in the application by entering some details such as name, email, and password or can directly login through the contact details. After this, the OTP will be received by the customer to complete the registration successfully. 

3. Login

After registration, the app will ask for login in, by entering the details like email and password or contact details. If you forgot a password, then you just have to click on the forgot password where they will be asked for the email and can recover their password or generate a new password.

4. Link Card or Apple Pay account 

After login successfully into the app, users need to link their bank card details or Apple Pay account so that charges can be debited based on the usage of the power bank. 

5. Scan the QR code and charge the device 

Once the user reaches the station, they will be able to scan the QR code in order to eject the power bank. After that, the power bank comes out of the holder they can pull out the compatible charger cable from the side in order to charge the phone. Or else can take the power bank with them for on-go charging. 

6. Payments using Auto Debit Functionality 

Based on the power bank, the payment will be auto-detected from their bank accounts. It will also include the per-day charges of unreturned power packs.

7. Contact Us 

With the help of the contact us feature, the user can able to submit their inquiries to the admin by submitting a small form like name, contact details, query, and submit it.

8. CMS pages 

In this section, the user will be able to access pages like About Us and Faqs. 

Admin Panel

1. Login 

Admin will able to log in to the panel by entering the protected details like email and password.

2. Manage users 

With the help of this feature, the admin can manage the details of the users, like the registered date and month and subscription plan that a particular user has. They can even add new users from the panel by entering details directly. 

3. Manage Charging Points/ PowerBank Station 

using this feature, the admin can manage the station details like adding new stations/charging points, can edit the details of the existing stations, and also can delete the locations they want to remove for time. 

4. Manage Payments

Using this feature, the admin will be able to manage the payments, like tracking all the payments done by individuals and overall users. 

5. Manage inquiries 

With the help of this feature, the admin can manage all the inquiries generated by the end users and can manually contact the users. 

6. Manage CMS Pages 

Using this feature, the admin can able to manage the CMS pages like can add new pages, can edit the content of the pages, and can delete the existing pages.

7. QR code API integration

API to generate the QR code will be done in this process that will help the users at the time of going to the charging station in generating QR codes.  

Technology Required for Mobile Charging Station/ Power Bank Rental Business

Here’s the breakdown of the required technologies for developing a mobile application like a “Power Bank Rental System” in a table view:

These tables provide an organized view of the technologies required for different aspects of developing the “Power Bank Rental System” mobile application.

Technology Trends for Mobile Charging Station App Development

The technological trends are shaping the development of mobile phone charging station apps, resulting in optimizing energy and innovation in the charging infrastructure landscape. 

1. AI/ML Integration

One of the most trending technologies in the market. Integrating AI/ML in mobile charging station apps helps optimize charging patterns, predict users’ behavior, and enhance energy efficiency. 

2. 5G Enhancements

The market has had the 5G technology for a very large period of time, but the trend came into action in the year 2023. The rollout of 5G networks enhances the speed and reliability of charging station apps, enabling high-quality user experiences and faster data transfer.

3. IoT Connectivity

Charging stations are part of the Internet of Things ecosystem, allowing apps to remotely manage and monitor stations, providing real-time updates and control. Integrating IoT in the mobile charging app enhances its working power and fast workflow. 

4. Blockchain Integration

Integrating blockchain in power-sharing apps ensures secure transactions, data integrity, and transparency in payment processes and user interactions within charging station apps. This is a necessary feature that can also ensure the security measure of the whole system. 

5. Immersive Reality (AR/VR)

Augmented and Virtual Reality features within charging station apps provide entertainment and information during charging sessions. This can also be used in the apps to make the experience better to reach the station from the shortest route. 

Popular Power Bank Rental App 

1. Charged Up 

It is a UK-based startup that offers a mobile charging network. It has already set up multiple charging points throughout the city in which it operates. All the points are located n the places where most people spend most of their time, such as bars, cafes, and restaurants. The app allows the users to find nearby charging stations and make use of a shared power bank, and return it to a nearby station and pay for it. The charger can be rented and can be carried on the go and can be charged according to that.

2. Powerqube 

Powerqube is among the popular power bank-sharing services located in venues across the US. It offers portable batteries that can be used to charge a user’s electronics safely and quickly. It is similar to any other the user will think about what makes it different they’re produced by a world-famous lithium-ion battery manufacturer that supplies batteries for some good companies like Lenovo, Panasonic, and LG Chemical.

3. Plugo 

It is Asian smart and fully automated power bank sharing service. In exchange for refundable deposits, Plugo offers you fully charged batteries. The power bank terminals can be viewed in real time in the plugo app. And also have a one-click rental payment. There are two types of membership present in the app Basic and Premium.

4. PowerNow 

It is one of Asia’s leading mobile charging providers. The company specializes in providing solutions for mobile charging with chargers in transportation hubs, entertainment venues, major exhibitions, tourist attractions, and restaurants. It has more than ten thousand stations worldwide and are designed to be ultra-thin and fit in a regular pocket. 

5. Brick – Powerbank Sharing

It is one of the leading companies in Sweden. It prevents the user’s device from dying with the help of their brick (power bank). This app users can get the service in different cities in Sweden and can return it to any station. To rent the charger, a user can register in the app, and pricing can be found in the app before, during, and after charging.

Team Required to Develop Nearby Mobile Charging Station Application

The team can contain multiple members that can help with different processes. 

• Project Manager 
• iOS developer
• Android developer
• Backend developer
• UI/UX designer
• QA engineer

Apart from these, there can be others according to the requirement of the project, and they can be hired from the same company, or you can go for selecting a company that will provide the experts on their own you do not have to hustle a lot in finding each one in the market. 

Cost to Develop Power Bank Rental Mobile Application

The cost of developing an app for sharing power banks can start from $10,000 and can increase or decrease depending on the building approach you choose. Depending on how many features are included in the application, the price may change. The app’s complexity will determine how much it costs and how much it decreases. The development team you are collaborating with may have a different level of expertise, which can also affect it. 

How Can We Help You?

As a leading mobile app development company, Emizen Tech can help you create an engaging and scalable application for your power bank sharing app. We have already successfully completed several projects on the same. With the help of 150+ experts, we focus on working on the top and trending technologies that make your app unique in the market. Resulting in benefiting our clients to be at the top of their competitors. We extremely care about our client’s expectations and take care of each and every detail by always taking them in the loop and providing the project on time. 

Are you also finding a good company for your power bank rental app development? You can contact our team of experts 24*7.

Conclusion

Power sharing is a great business opportunity for those who do not require a massive investment, unlike other sharing economy startups. You just require a small investment with some important things to keep in mind. Create a plan before execution, make a list of the companies for development, be sure about the features and your budget, purchase power bank stations, and do market research. It can be a profitable idea for your business to invest in.