In Shanghai, Shenzhen or Dubai, you will find a station to borrow a powerbank on almost every corner. In Germany and the rest of Europe, things still look very different. That very difference is what makes right now such an interesting time to get in.
In brief
In China, many parts of Asia and the United Arab Emirates, powerbank sharing has long been part of everyday life. In Europe, the market is still at the start: many bars, clubs, hotels and public places don’t have a station yet. If you get in now, you can secure the good locations before others do.
Contents
How far along is powerbank sharing in Asia and the UAE?
In China, powerbank sharing has been part of city life for many years. Large providers run stations at hundreds of thousands of locations: in restaurants, shopping centres, train stations and hospitals. For many people it is normal not to carry their own powerbank any more, because the next station is never far away.
It is similar in other Asian cities and in the United Arab Emirates. In Dubai especially, you will find stations in malls, hotels, cafés and at the airport. Guests know the concept and use it as a matter of course.
Where does Europe stand?
Powerbank sharing only arrived in Europe in the last few years. There are a few providers and early networks in larger cities, but the market is a long way from full coverage. Many cities, especially outside the big metropolitan areas, have no stations at all yet.
| Region | State of the market |
|---|---|
| China | Established, stations at a huge number of locations |
| Other Asian cities | Widespread, especially in large cities |
| United Arab Emirates | Widespread in malls, hotels, bars and restaurants |
| Europe and Germany | Early days, many cities and locations still untaken |
Why is now the right time?
- The good locations are still free. A venue usually only has one station. Whoever talks to the bar, club or hotel first gets the spot. Getting in later means settling for the locations that are left.
- The demand is already there. Flat batteries are not just an Asian problem. In Europe too, smartphones are ticket, wallet and satnav in one. Only the solution is still missing in many places.
- The technology is mature. Modern stations work without an app, with contactless card payment and with built-in cables for all common phones. The teething problems of the early years have been solved.
- USB-C makes it easier. Since the end of 2024, smartphones sold in the EU must be chargeable via USB-C. That standardises the ports and makes the service even simpler for guests.
- Building a network early gives you a head start. Several stations in one city are more attractive for guests, because they can return the powerbank anywhere. An early, dense network is hard to catch up with.
What does a “green field” actually mean?
A green field means you are not starting in a market where every good venue is already taken. Instead, you can pick the best spots in your city. Typical top locations are clubs, cocktail and late-night bars, hotel lobbies, restaurants with evening trade and busy public places.
In many conversations, you will be the first person to offer a venue powerbank sharing. That makes the pitch easier, because there is no comparison with a competitor, just the question: does the venue want to offer its guests this service? For many the answer is yes, because the station costs them nothing, takes work off staff and keeps guests around longer.
What you should still know
- A young market needs explaining. Not every guest knows the concept yet. Clearly visible stations, flyers and a quick word from staff help.
- Location still decides. Even in a green field, a weak location earns little. Being early is no substitute for choosing well.
- There is no guarantee. How much a station earns depends on venue, footfall and placement. You can try out your own assumptions in the profit calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is the powerbank sharing market in Germany already saturated?
No. Compared with China, other Asian countries or the United Arab Emirates, powerbank sharing in Germany and Europe is still in its early days. Many cities and venues don’t have a station yet.
Why get into powerbank sharing early?
Because a venue usually only has one station. If you start early, you can secure the best locations and build a network before other providers come to town.
How can you start with powerbank sharing in Europe?
As a licensee, you buy your own stations, place them at venues of your choice and earn from every rental. The provider handles the technology, payment processing and support. More on our pages for licensing partners and international licensing partners.
Ready to secure the best locations in your city?