Berlin | Rental bikes and scooters

Riding e-scooters and bicycles in Berlin is a popular, efficient, and enjoyable way to get around, especially given the city's network of bike lanes.

How to ride in Berlin

The sharing system (rent-a-bike/scooter) works very similarly for both modes of transport:

- Apps: You will need to download the app from one of the operating companies (see below).

- Registration: Sign up with your personal details and payment information (credit card/PayPal).

- Location: Use the in-app map to find the nearest available vehicle.

- Unlocking: Use the app to scan the QR code on the scooter or bicycle to unlock it and start your ride.

Traffic Rules

- Scooters/Bicycles: Must be ridden only in bike lanes or on the road; never on sidewalks.

- Signals: Obey traffic lights and traffic signs.

- Speed: E-scooters generally have a maximum speed limit of around 20 km/h.

- Alcohol: The same drink-driving rules that apply to cars also apply to e-scooters and electric bicycles.

Where to Rent (Popular Companies)

Berlin has a competitive market with several operating companies. Prices usually consist of an unlocking fee (€0.50 to €1.00) plus a per-minute cost (€0.15 to €0.25).

E-Scooters

- Dott: Very popular in Berlin, with a large number of scooters and bicycles available.

- Lime: Another prominent and reliable company.

- Voi: Also offers a substantial fleet in the city.

Bicycles

- Nextbike: The leading bike-sharing company in Berlin, with many fixed stations (*Mietstationen*) throughout the city. It is operated by the BVG (local public transport authority). - Lime: in addition to e-scooters, it also offers e-bikes.

- Bolt: operates both e-scooters and e-bikes in Berlin.

Important Tips

- Parking: check the parking rules in the app. There are usually designated zones ("hotspots") for ending your ride and avoiding fines; you cannot simply leave the vehicle just anywhere.

- Safety: although not mandatory, wearing a helmet is highly recommended.

- Alternative: for longer trips, the public transport system (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, etc.) is often faster and cheaper than renting an e-scooter for an hour.