How can Mobike balance bike availability with maintenance costs?

Introduction

Balancing bike availability with maintenance costs is a critical trade-off for Mobike's operational efficiency and user satisfaction. This scenario involves optimizing the distribution and upkeep of bikes while managing the associated expenses. I'll address this challenge by analyzing key factors, proposing metrics, and designing experiments to inform our decision-making process.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Context: I'm thinking about the current market conditions for bike-sharing. Could you provide insights into our market share and primary competitors?

Why it matters: Helps understand competitive pressures and market positioning Expected answer: Mobike has a significant market share with 1-2 major competitors Impact on approach: Would influence how aggressively we need to maintain bike availability

• Business Context: Based on our revenue model, I assume we charge per ride. Is this correct, and are there any subscription options?

Why it matters: Affects the balance between short-term revenue and long-term user retention Expected answer: Per-ride charges with some subscription plans Impact on approach: Would help determine the optimal balance between availability and maintenance

• User Impact: I'm considering different user segments. Can you share data on our most frequent riders and their typical usage patterns?

Why it matters: Helps prioritize availability in high-demand areas and times Expected answer: Commuters during peak hours are a key segment Impact on approach: Would focus on ensuring availability during crucial periods

• Technical: Regarding our current maintenance system, do we have predictive analytics in place for bike repairs?

Why it matters: Influences the potential for proactive maintenance strategies Expected answer: Basic predictive system in place, but room for improvement Impact on approach: Would explore enhancing predictive capabilities to optimize maintenance

• Resource: What's our current maintenance team capacity and budget allocation for bike repairs?

Why it matters: Determines the constraints we're working within Expected answer: Limited team with a fixed budget, looking to optimize Impact on approach: Would focus on efficiency improvements within existing resources