Exploring Berlin on a Shared Bike
Bike-sharing options and things to watch out for
· 6 min read
summary
In recent years, bike sharing programs have become increasingly popular around the world. Bike sharing provides an affordable and convenient transportation option for city dwellers, while reducing carbon emissions and easing traffic congestions. For travelers, exploring the city on a sharebike also brings about a different experience from simply going on a typical bus tour. If you will be visiting Berlin on your next getaway and are considering exploring the city by means of bike, here is a roundup of some of the most important bike sharing systems and rentals in the city.
Nextbike
Nextbike is one of the most prominent bike sharing providers in Berlin, and if you are looking for a traditional acoustic bicycle, Nextbike would be your best bet. The company's rental bikes are available in multiple stations throughout the city, making it convenient for users to pick up and drop off bikes.
Registration
The Nextbike rental system is fairly user-friendly. Simply register via the free app, and add a payment method to the account! A 1EUR deposit will be charged to your card to verify your account, but you will be able to use this to offset your rental charges.
Rental
Like most bike sharing systems, Nextbike bikes are secured by QR code. They are also equipped with a combination lock. Scan the QR code or enter the bike number into your app to receive the code for the combination lock. Enter the code into the bike computer to unlock the bike.
Anytime during your ride, you can secure the bike with the lock if you want to take a break or explore attractions. Bike rentals are at 1 EUR per blocks of 15 minutes, capped at a maximum of 15 EUR per day. Each user can rent up to four bikes at the same time.
Returning your bike
To end your ride, park it at a Nextbike station. You will also have the option to return your bike at the Pink Zones for an additional 1EUR, but if your bike is parked outside the S-Bahn ring, a fee of at least 20EUR will be incurred. Check the app to confirm if you are parking in the zone!
Donkey Republic
Donkey Republic is the other option to consider if you are looking for an acoustic bicycle. These bicycles are station-bound, meaning you will have to rent and return your bicycle from the fixed stations. Donkey Republic's pricing model is also such that the longer you ride, the cheaper it gets — so if you will be cycling for an extended period of time, consider getting a Donkey Republic bike instead.
Registration
As with other bike rental system providers, Donkey Republic offers bike rental via an app that can be downloaded free of charge. Once you have registered and entered your personal data and payment information, your ride can begin.
Rental
Donkey Republic is a station-bound bicycle rental, so you will have to rent and return the bikes to the stations. Use the app to help you locate your nearest bike station. The bikes are locked electronically and can be unlocked via the app.
You can choose to pay as you go, or if you are planning to be riding for extended amounts of time, you could consider pre-purchasing credits or day deals for a better rate.
Returning your bike
At the end of the ride, return the bike to a station and terminate the ride on your app.
LimeBike
LimeBike is another popular bike sharing providers in Berlin. With electric bicycles making up its fleet, LimeBike is a great option for those who do not feel fit enough to ride an acoustic bike.
Registration
Similar to most other bike sharing systems, simply download the free LimeBike app and create a profile. Once you are registered, you will be able to use the app to help you locate a bike nearby. Register your payment methods into the app and you will be ready to get going.
Rental
To unlock a bicycle, simply scan the QR code using the LimeBike app, or enter the wheel number into the app. You will be charged for the activation of the bike, with subsequent charges being on a per-minute basis.
Returning your bike
Limebikes can be parked anywhere in the city and its suburbs, and you can even take trips to Potsdam or other cities near Berlin. When returning the bike, be careful not to obstruct pedestrians or other traffic participants.
Tier
This Berlin-based company initially started out focusing on e-scooter rentals, but have also expanded their portfolio and offerings to also include e-bike rentals. Their e-bikes are not tied to fixed stations, and you can find them all over the city.
Registration
The registration process doesn't differ much from the other options - download the free app, create a profile, and register your payment methods.
Rental
Use the free app to locate any bikes or e-scooters near you. Each bike and e-scooter will be equipped with a QR code - simply scan the QR code using your app to unlock the vehicle and start your ride. Some e-bikes will also be equipped with a cable lock, which will be unlocked once you scan the QR code — remember to pull the lock out of the cable hole before you ride off!
Returning your bike
You don't have to return Tier bikes to specific bike stations, but be sure to find a safe place on the pavements away from pedestrians. At the end of your ride, remember that you will have to return to the app to select the 'End Ride' option! If your bike has a cable lock, remember to lock it before ending your ride.
Bolt
Bolt is an all-in-one mobility app, with multiple transport offerings. Bolt primarily provides options for ride sharing (think Uber), but their offerings go beyond that — they also have solutions for e-scooter and e-bike rentals in downtown Berlin! So with a single app, you will be able to satisfy most of your transport solutions when in the city.
Registration
The registration process doesn't differ much from the other options - download the free app, create a profile, and register your payment methods.
Rental
Use the app to locate any e-bikes or e-scooters near you that are available for rent, and unlock the e-bike or e-scooter by scanning the QR code. Rentals are charged to the minute, and you can choose to pause your ride anytime. Do note that the clock is still ticking and you will be charged even when the rental is paused; so if you will be stopping for a longer time, consider ending the ride and looking for another one later instead.
Returning your bike
Once you have reached your destination, you can park your e-bike or e-scooter in any suitable spot. Check the Bolt app for zones within Berlin that you can park the e-bike or e-scooter. Once the bike is parked, return to the app to terminate the rental.
Tips on Bikesharing
Ridesharing is a convenient way of navigating the city, but there are some things that you should be aware of to avoid incurring unwanted charges:
- Check your bicycle before you ride off. If there are any damages found on the bicycle, you can report the damages via the app, and select another bicycle instead. If damages are found after you have rented the bicycle, you could incur additional charges for having caused damage to the bicycle.
- Check parking zones. Different providers have different requirements regarding parking zones and where you end your ride. But what is common amongst the various providers is that if you are ending your ride outside the zone, additional charges would be incurred. The apps would usually indicate where the parking zones are, so double check your app when in doubt.
- Abide to traffic rules. Abide to the traffic rules of the city. The last thing you want on a holiday would be to get fined for infringement of the city's traffic rules!
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