SMS Opt-In & Consent Flow

How Users Consent to Receive SMS Messages

Exclu-cycle uses SMS messages in three distinct transactional contexts: (1) account verification (OTP codes) for app login, (2) ride notifications for app-installed users, and (3) driver-initiated guest-ride quotes for passengers who request a pedicab ride in person without the app installed. Each context has its own dedicated opt-in mechanism. Promotional messages, if ever offered, require a separate opt-in.

Opt-In Flow Steps

1. User downloads the Exclu-cycle app via TestFlight beta (App Store launch summer 2026) and opens the login screen.
2. User enters their phone number in the phone number field on the login screen.
3. User reads the SMS consent disclosure displayed directly above the Continue button. The disclosure states: "By tapping Continue, you consent to receive SMS messages from Exclu-Cycle including verification codes and ride notifications. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help." with links to SMS Terms and Privacy Policy.
4. User taps "Continue" to request a verification code. This action constitutes express written consent to receive SMS messages from Exclu-cycle.
5. User receives a 6-digit OTP code via SMS and enters it to verify their phone number and complete login.

In-App Login Screens

Below are the exact login screens as they appear in the Exclu-cycle mobile app. The SMS consent language is displayed between the phone number input and the Continue button on both the rider and driver login screens.

Guest-Ride SMS Opt-In (In-Person Verbal Consent)

Pedicab drivers frequently meet passengers in person who do not have the Exclu-cycle app installed. For these guest passengers, Exclu-cycle offers a strictly transactional one-time SMS quote flow with a separate opt-in mechanism described below. This is the only circumstance in which Exclu-cycle sends SMS to a phone number that did not opt in via the app login screen.

How a guest passenger opts in

1. The passenger verbally agrees, in person, to receive a one-time SMS quote from the pedicab driver at the phone number they provide. This conversation happens face-to-face before any number is entered into the system.
2. The driver enters the passenger's phone number into the Exclu-cycle driver app, on the "Start Guest Ride" screen.
3. The driver app displays a dedicated confirmation prompt: "Did the rider verbally agree to receive a one-time SMS quote at this number?" with a Yes, they agreed button and a Cancel button. No SMS is sent until the driver taps Yes.
4. The driver taps Yes, attesting to the passenger's verbal consent. Exclu-cycle records this attestation (timestamp, driver ID, passenger phone number, and GPS coordinates) in an audit log.
5. Exclu-cycle sends a single transactional SMS to the passenger's phone number containing the brand name, fare quote, driver identification, an explicit Y/STOP instruction, and a link to SMS Terms.

What the passenger receives

• One SMS quote requiring an explicit Y reply to authorize the charge.
• If (and only if) the passenger replies Y: one ride-complete receipt SMS at the end of the ride, with a deep link to install the app.
• No marketing messages. No follow-ups. No surveys. No other SMS unless the passenger separately installs the app and opts in through the standard in-app consent flow described above.

Opt-out

The passenger can reply STOP to any message at any time. They will be immediately unsubscribed and will receive a single STOP confirmation. If the passenger does not reply Y, no charge will be made and no further SMS will be sent.

Sample SMS the passenger will receive

Driver-app verbal-consent screen

Before any SMS is dispatched, the driver app shows this confirmation prompt. The driver must affirmatively tap "Yes, they agreed" before Exclu-cycle accepts the phone number and sends the quote:

Why this opt-in is compliant

• Consent is express and standalone. The passenger explicitly agrees to receive the SMS during an in-person conversation, before the driver enters their number. This consent is not bundled with any Terms of Service acceptance.
• Consent is logged. The driver attestation (timestamp, driver ID, passenger phone, GPS) is recorded in an audit log Exclu-cycle can produce on request.
• Cadence is strictly transactional and capped. At most one quote SMS plus, only if the passenger replies Y, one receipt SMS. No recurring messages.
• Every message starts with the brand name ("ExcluCycle"), includes STOP, and links to these SMS Terms.
• STOP and HELP keywords are honored per CTIA Best Practices on every message.

Compliance Elements

The following compliance elements are included in the opt-in flow and supporting documentation:

Supporting Documents

• SMS Terms & Conditions — Full program description, consent process, opt-out/STOP instructions, message frequency, supported carriers, and privacy information.
• Privacy Policy — Includes a dedicated "SMS and Push Notification Consent" section detailing what messages users receive and how to opt out.
• Terms of Service — Full terms governing use of the Exclu-cycle platform.

How to Install the App

The Exclu-cycle app is currently in beta testing on Apple TestFlight. App Store launch is planned for summer 2026.

https://testflight.apple.com/join/Cked175p

Contact

Exclu-cycle LLC
648 Harding Way W
Galion, OH 44833
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (443) 614-0305