Whoosh

Whoosh: E-Scooter Rental and Urban Mobility App

Whoosh is a micromobility service application that provides users with on-demand access to a fleet of shared electric scooters for short-term urban rentals. The Whoosh app connects riders directly to nearby available vehicles, facilitating a seamless process from locating and unlocking a scooter to completing payment for a trip. It is designed for commuters and city explorers seeking a fast, fun, and efficient way to navigate traffic-congested streets without the hassle of personal vehicle ownership or public transport schedules.

Scooter Locator and Real-Time Map Navigation

The core function of the Whoosh app is its integrated map, which displays all available scooters in the user’s vicinity. Users open the app to see a live overview of their area, with scooter icons and designated parking zones (marked with a ‘P’) plotted on the map. To find a vehicle, a user simply navigates the map interface, which can be zoomed and panned, to identify the closest or most convenient Whoosh scooter. Tapping on a specific scooter icon provides more details and initiates the rental process. This Whoosh feature ensures users can quickly locate a ride.

QR Code Scanning and Scooter Unlocking

To begin a ride, a user must physically locate their chosen Whoosh scooter and unlock it using the app. The primary action is to scan the unique QR code displayed on the scooter’s handlebar using the smartphone’s camera through the Whoosh interface. This scan securely links the specific vehicle to the user’s account and transmits the unlock command. Alternatively, if the QR code is unreadable, the user can manually enter the scooter’s four-digit identifier, which is printed below the code. A successful scan or code entry triggers the scooter’s lock mechanism to disengage.

Trip Management and In-Ride Dashboard

Once a Whoosh scooter is unlocked, the app interface transitions to an active trip dashboard. This screen provides real-time metrics, including the duration of the current ride, the current speed, the total distance traveled, and the accumulating cost. The map remains visible, showing the user’s live location and the boundaries of the service area. This Whoosh dashboard allows the rider to monitor their journey and cost, and it is also where they can access support or report an issue without ending the trip prematurely.

Free Scooter Reservation System

For planning ahead, Whoosh includes a reservation feature. Users can select an available scooter on the map and tap the ‘Book’ button to hold it for 10 minutes at no cost. This action requires a temporary deposit hold on the user’s payment method. The app then displays a countdown timer, and the selected Whoosh scooter is removed from the public map, reserved exclusively for that user. The individual must travel to the scooter’s location within the allotted time to scan the QR code and begin their ride before the reservation expires.

Designated Parking and Ride Completion

Ending a trip correctly is crucial. The Whoosh system requires users to park in a designated zone, which are highlighted on the in-app map with a ‘P’ symbol. To finish, the user parks the physical scooter, opens the app, and presses the ‘End Trip’ button. The user must then manually engage the locking mechanism on the scooter. The Whoosh app finalizes the session, calculates the total fare based on ride time, and charges the linked payment method. A completed trip receipt is generated and stored in the user’s ride history.

Multi-Scooter Rental for Group Rides

A single Whoosh account can manage the rental of up to three scooters simultaneously for group travel. After starting the first rental, a ‘+’ icon appears in the app interface. Tapping this allows the user to scan the QR codes of additional Whoosh scooters, adding each one to the active rental session. Each vehicle requires its own deposit and is tracked individually on the main account. The primary account holder is responsible for all rentals and must be present to properly end each trip, even if others were riding.