Understanding and Systematizing Challenges in Dockless Bike-Sharing: The Case of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro

This study investigates the challenges associated with dockless bike-sharing systems through a systematic literature review combined with a case study of the Integra UFRJ project, implemented at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. The research aims to understand how operational, spatial, governance, and sustainability-related issues affect the implementation and management of dockless systems in complex urban environments. The methodology involved a bibliometric and systematic review of 366 publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, followed by the empirical analysis of a real-world bike-sharing system operating as a living laboratory on Ilha do Fundão. The results indicate that the literature is strongly concentrated on planning and operational aspects, while topics such as corrective actions, governance, monitoring, and end-of-life management remain underexplored. The Integra UFRJ case study indicated that unrestricted dockless operation generated problems related to vandalism, theft, and improper parking, requiring the adoption of a hybrid model based on georeferenced virtual stations, real-time monitoring, operational teams, and adaptive governance strategies. The study suggests that combining technological monitoring, spatial organization, and human operational support may represent a relevant management approach for addressing challenges related to safety, operational organization, and long-term sustainability.