Wang Peng, assistant professor at the Renmin University of China, who specializes in transportation, said: "The 5G technology-empowered BeiDou system solves the signal problem of shared bikes. Previously, the bikes were equipped with 3G, or even 2G networks, and the signal was poor, making it difficult for users to find a bike or make a payment online. The combination of 5G and BeiDou solves the problem, offering a better user experience."

In addition, 5G networks are less energy consuming. In the past, the battery life of a shared bicycle was normally a month, or even 20 days. Now, the battery can run for six months, he said.

Yu Zejun, a research fellow at the research institution of China Fortune Land Development Co Ltd, said that shared bikes are among the four major application fields－A (automobile), B (bike), C (cellphone) and D(drone)－of the BeiDou system. The location service offered by BeiDou is a key element in shared travel.

In the future, every shared bicycle will be equipped with a BeiDou positioning chip. Shared travel contains diversified scenarios, and the application prospect of BeiDou system is promising, he said.