Assessing the Supply Volume of Dockless Bike-Sharing Using the Time-Space Consumption Model in Ningbo, China

This study aimed to assess reasonable supply volume of dockless bike-sharing (DBS) based on limited urban road network capacity. Factors influencing urban road network capacity include size and level of roads, interference, e-bikes, and so on. A time–space consumption model was developed to measure a reasonable DBS size. The model’s parameter values were determined by empirical survey, literature review, and experience. Urban road network capacity was divided into four levels; the ultimate volume was supposed to meet at least level II. The results demonstrated that this model had great practicability in assessing a reasonable size of DBS. The volume of level II was found to be 183,200 vehicles at a turnover rate of 4.0 in Ningbo; however, the current supply volume is worse over a reasonable size. In view of this urgent situation, some suggestions regarding controlling supply volume were proposed to promote DBS use and reduce resource consumption.