Applications of Bluetooth contactless unlocking in bicycles and charging stations

I. What is Bluetooth Seamless Unlocking?

Bluetooth seamless unlocking is a smart identification and unlocking solution based on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. Simply put, users only need to bind their phone to the device once. Afterward, each time they approach a vehicle or charging station with their phone, the system automatically recognizes their identity and unlocks or starts the vehicle. The entire process requires no phone removal, no app activation, and no searching for keys. This is a truly seamless experience of “the lock opens as soon as you walk in.”

With the increasing popularity of electric bicycles, electric scooters, and public charging stations, traditional unlocking methods relying on mechanical keys, cards, or QR codes are no longer sufficient to meet users’ needs for convenience—pain points such as multiple scanning steps, long unlocking times, poor experience in weak network environments, and easy duplication of mechanical keys are becoming increasingly prominent. The emergence of Bluetooth seamless unlocking technology aims to break these limitations. It makes transportation tools and charging devices “smarter”: when you go downstairs and approach your vehicle, it automatically unlocks and you can ride it with a single click; when you return to your garage, the charging station automatically recognizes you and starts charging. From scanning QR codes to seamless entry and exit, this technology is redefining the convenience standards of smart mobility.

II. Technical Principles

The core technology of Bluetooth seamless unlocking relies on efficient communication between the BLE protocol stack and smartphones. The entire workflow can be divided into the following three stages:

Step 1: Initial Binding (One-time Pairing, Permanent Authorization)

Users need to register an account on their mobile phone (via an app or WeChat mini-program) and complete the binding authorization with the built-in Bluetooth module of the electric vehicle, scooter, or charging station. During the binding process, both parties exchange encryption keys, which are stored on the device and the mobile phone to ensure uniqueness and tamper-proofing. Only devices that have completed the initial pairing will be recognized by the system as legitimate owners; unbound devices cannot unlock.

Step 2: Automatic Identification and Verification (Core Encryption Logic)

When a user brings their bound mobile phone close to the device (the sensing distance is typically 5-10 meters), the Bluetooth module continuously broadcasts signals in low-power mode. Once the paired device ID is detected, a connection request is automatically initiated. After the connection is established, the device and the mobile phone will perform two-way authentication, using AES-128 or higher encryption algorithms combined with dynamic random number handshakes to effectively prevent signal hijacking and replay attacks. The system can also use RSSI (Signal Strength Indicator) to calculate the distance between the mobile phone and the device in real time and determine whether to trigger unlocking based on the user-preset threshold.

Step 3: Execute Unlock/Power On

After successful authentication, the Bluetooth module sends an unlock or power-on command to the device’s controller (electric vehicle MCU, charging pile control board, etc.) via the UART communication interface. The entire process, from approaching to unlocking completion, usually takes 2-3 seconds and requires no manual operation from the user. When the user leaves the vehicle within a certain distance, the system can also automatically lock, achieving closed-loop intelligent management.

Furthermore, Anshuo Technology’s Bluetooth module also supports the HID (Human Interface Device) protocol, allowing the mobile phone to recognize it as a system-level peripheral, thus enabling automatic connection and command transmission at the system level without opening an app, further enhancing the smoothness of the seamless experience.

III. Core Advantages

– No App Required, Excellent User Experience: Leveraging the HID protocol and system-level automatic connection mechanism, users can automatically connect and unlock upon proximity without needing to open an app beforehand, achieving a truly seamless experience in their pocket.

– Supports WeChat Mini Program Control: In addition to the app solution, Anshuo Technology’s module also supports reading and writing parameters and control via WeChat Mini Program. Users do not need to download an additional application; they can complete device binding, parameter configuration, and seamless unlocking settings within WeChat, significantly lowering the barrier to entry.

– Adjustable Connection Distance/Transmission Power (10cm-10m): The maximum transmission power supports +8dBm. Users can flexibly adjust the sensing distance according to actual application scenarios, configurable from near-field triggering at 10cm level to far-field wake-up at 10m level, precisely adapting to the needs of different devices.

– Supports HID Data Transmission: Supports the HOG (HID over GATT) protocol, which can be enumerated as HID human-machine interface devices, enabling automatic connection at the mobile phone system level, completing data transmission without relying on a specific app.

– Automatic Reconnection and Reconnection After Disconnection: The module features an intelligent reconnection mechanism. After a brief period of absence, the module quickly reconnects and resumes operation upon approaching again, eliminating the need for repeated pairing and ensuring a seamless user experience.

IV. Application Scenarios

4.1 Electric Bicycles/Scooters

Whether for personal commuting or shared mobility, Bluetooth seamless unlocking brings a significant improvement in user experience. Individual users can approach their bikes downstairs, and the bikes automatically unlock, allowing for immediate riding without needing to take out keys or open an app. In shared mobility scenarios, users can book a bike and ride it directly upon arrival, significantly reducing waiting time. This is particularly suitable for high-frequency users such as delivery riders and couriers who frequently get on and off vehicles, effectively improving daily delivery efficiency. Furthermore, the automatic locking function after riding away provides strong security for the vehicle.

4.2 Charging Stations

In home private charging station scenarios, owners can bring their linked mobile phones into the garage and automatically start charging upon approaching the charging station, eliminating the need for repeated scanning or card swiping. For shared charging stations in residential communities or industrial parks, the system can accurately match user accounts based on mobile phone IDs, achieving a smart management solution of “plug and charge, automatic billing.” Since Bluetooth communication does not rely on cellular or Wi-Fi networks, the seamless charging function remains stable and reliable even in environments with weak signals, such as underground parking garages and remote areas.

4.3 Shared Devices

In scenarios such as shared electric bikes, shared scooters, and shared parking locks, Bluetooth seamless unlocking technology also has great potential. After users reserve the device via their mobile phones, it automatically unlocks upon arrival, eliminating the need for scanning codes or entering passwords, thus solving the pain points of “difficult parking and difficult vehicle finding” for shared devices. For operators, integrating a Bluetooth module eliminates the need for additional scanning and card reading hardware, reducing equipment costs and maintenance complexity, while also supporting subsequent OTA upgrades and remote backend management.

V. Recommended Products

ANS-BT101S Bluetooth Proximity Switch Module: Suitable for charging stations and two-wheeled vehicles. Utilizes BLE 5.1 ​​low-power Bluetooth technology, supports UART communication interfaces, and enables automatic seamless connection to mobile phones. With flexible distance adjustment capabilities and excellent reconnection stability after disconnection, it is the preferred core module for various electric mobility devices and charging facilities.

ANS-BT101L HID Bluetooth Smart Seamless Unlock Module: Suitable for electric bicycles. Supports the HID (Human Interface Device) protocol, can be recognized as a peripheral device by mobile phone systems and automatically connect, providing a seamless unlocking experience without opening an app. Supports WeChat mini-program configuration parameters and is compatible with Android, iOS, and HarmonyOS systems, making it an ideal choice for the intelligent upgrade of electric bicycles.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Bluetooth seamless unlocking secure?

A: Very secure. Anshuo Technology’s Bluetooth module adopts a multi-layered security mechanism: First, identity authentication is completed through an encrypted handshake during the initial binding, and the binding information is stored encrypted; second, each communication uses AES encryption and a dynamic random number handshake, effectively preventing signal hijacking, replay attacks, and MAC address spoofing. The module’s security strategy is not a simple MAC address comparison, but rather combines underlying algorithms for encrypted verification, so even if someone else uses a device with the same MAC address, they cannot pass the verification. The device’s unique ID is strongly linked to the user account, further ensuring vehicle security.

Q: Are there any requirements for the mobile phone system?

A: It has very broad compatibility. Anshuo Technology’s Bluetooth module fully supports mobile devices running iOS (iPhone 6s and above, iOS 10+), Android (Android 5.0 and above, BLE 4.0+), and HarmonyOS (HarmonyOS 2.0 and above). Whether connecting via an app or WeChat mini-program, it is perfectly compatible with the vast majority of mainstream smartphones, covering over 90% of mobile terminals on the market.

Q: Will the battery drain quickly?

A: No. Designed with a low-power Bluetooth module, with power consumption as low as 1.1μA (RTC wake-up + GPIO wake-up) in deep sleep mode, supporting long standby times without frequent charging. The device maintains extremely low power consumption in normal sleep mode, with negligible impact on the overall battery life of electric vehicles or charging stations.

Q: How many phones can be bound at most?

A: Depending on the module model, it supports up to 8 to 9 devices. This means that the same vehicle or charging station can be shared by family members. Each person can unlock the device seamlessly by carrying their own bound phone, without the need to distribute additional keys or cards.

Q: Can it be used in places without network, such as basements?

A: Yes, it can be used normally. Bluetooth seamless unlocking technology does not rely on cellular networks or Wi-Fi. All authentication and unlocking commands are completed directly between the device and the phone via Bluetooth. It can still work stably in environments with weak or no network, such as underground garages and remote areas.

VII. Contact Us

For customized solutions and technical support, please feel free to contact us to obtain detailed technical specifications, instruction manuals, development test boards, and one-on-one FAE technical support. Whether you are developing new products or looking to upgrade existing products with intelligent features, Anshuo Technology will provide you with a one-stop Bluetooth solution. Email: sales@ansiotech.com, Tel: 18680305527