Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Zum Ride
We're getting ready to launch Zum inside Kathmandu's Ring Road. Here's a simple guide to help you get the hang of it before your first ride.
Zum is built to make getting around the city easier, cleaner, more practical, and still affordable. Through the app, you'll be able to see nearby stations, check which cycles are available, manage your balance, and handle everything from unlocking a cycle to ending your ride. Each cycle is built with multiple tracking layers — the bike is tracked at all times.
Start with the app
Your Zum journey starts with the app. That's where everything comes together — account setup, KYC, balance, reservations, ride start and end, and more.
Understanding your balance: minutes and tokens
Before riding, you'll need to add balance to your account. There are two kinds of balance — and it helps to know the difference from the start.
Choose the package that fits how you ride
Some people will use Zum once in a while. Some will use it daily. Here are your options.
| Package | Minutes | Price | Rate per Hour | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | 60 min | Rs. 155 | Rs. 155/hr | 28 days |
| Value | 150 min (2.5 hrs) | Rs. 350 | Rs. 140/hr | 28 days |
| Best Value | 300 min (5 hrs) | Rs. 650 | Rs. 130/hr | 28 days |
- 25 hours ride time
- 1 free token
- 40 hours ride time
- 3 free tokens
- 55 hours ride time
- 6 free tokens
Starting your ride
Once your account is set up and balance is added, you're ready to go. You have two ways to start.
Before starting, the app also shows you useful cycle info including battery percentage, estimated range on pedal assist and throttle, battery condition, and the Cruise Mode toggle.
Built for everyday city riding
Zum cycles are designed to be practical, comfortable, and ready for actual city use.
How to end your ride
At a station (recommended)
Scan the QR code on the station screen to end your ride. This is important: the QR on the cycle starts the ride, but only the station screen QR ends it. The station QR changes regularly. Cycles docked at stations charge automatically.
Outside a station
If there's no station nearby, you can end your ride remotely. This costs 1 token. You'll need to park the cycle properly, take a photo, and submit it via the app.
Riding speed and responsible use
Ride speeds are monitored throughout use to help keep the service safer for everyone.
If a rider frequently overspeeds, especially beyond expected limits such as on downhill stretches, those instances will be reported to the system. Repeated overspeeding may lead to restrictions on future use of the service.
So yes, the cycle may enjoy a downhill slope, but that doesn't mean the system will pretend not to notice.
Staying inside the service area
Zum operates inside Kathmandu's Ring Road. There are two boundary levels to understand.
- Cycle beeps + app notification.
- 5-minute countdown begins.
- Return in time → ride continues normally.
- Stay out → 2 tokens charged.
- Power & pedal assist turn off.
- Every 5 mins still outside: 2 more tokens.
- Cycle locks once it stops.
- 2 tokens charged immediately upon crossing.
- Power & pedal assist cut off instantly.
- Every 5 mins still outside: 2 more tokens.
- Cycle locks once it stops.
- Repeated violations may restrict your account.
Note: The first and second thresholds are clearly visible on the map. You will be notified immediately after crossing them.
Riding hours and balance alerts
What you'll see in the app
