Cycling is booming in Germany. Because a bike has many advantages: Not only does it get you from A to B in a climate-friendly way, it also promotes your own health. It is often the fastest means of transport for short everyday journeys and also saves you having to look for a parking space. However, high-quality bikes, e-bikes or cargo bikes are not exactly cheap. Subscription models can be a practical alternative. Instead of buying an expensive e-bike outright, users can rent one at a reasonable price. Various providers now offer e-bike subscriptions on the market. A comparison of bike subscription providers.
With an e-bike subscription, subscribers do not buy the bike or e-bike, but own it for a fixed period of time. They pay a monthly fee for use, which depends on the selected provider and model. The monthly subscription costs cover insurance, repairs and wear and tear, among other things. Depending on the provider, subscribers can also add theft protection to the monthly fee. There is a choice of bikes and e-bikes on subscription, including city bikes, cargo bikes, trekking bikes and mountain bikes. The provider either delivers the subscription bike conveniently to the user's home or makes it available for collection from the store or pick-up point. At the end of the subscription period, subscribers return the bike and accessories to the provider.
The e-bike subscription is an attractive employee benefit that not only promotes flexible and sustainable mobility for employees, but also has a positive impact on their health. Employees can use these e-bikes or bikes for their daily commute to work, for business purposes and also for private trips.
During the ordering process, you first select a brand or type of bike, such as a gravel bike or trekking bike. Depending on the provider, optional accessories such as a luggage rack or child seat can be added. During the ordering process, you specify the desired term and are informed about the handover options. The subscription starts as soon as the bike is handed over. At the end of the contract period, the bike is returned to the provider.
How is the bike subscription handed over and returned?
Subscribers either collect the bike or e-bike from the provider's store or have it delivered to their front door by a freight forwarder. It is returned in the same way.
The bike subscription offers numerous advantages for employers and companies.
With a bike subscription, employees contribute to sustainable mobility, as no environmentally harmful emissions are emitted compared to cars. The main advantage of an e-bike subscription is its flexible term. Employees can exchange the rented bike for another model or only use the e-bike during the summer months and only pay for this time. Another advantage of a bike subscription over buying a bike is the time and cost savings. With a bike subscription, there are no purchase costs, only running costs. What's more, subscribers don't have to search for a suitable bike and make a purchase decision for long, as the bike subscription providers have practical models.
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Swapfiets is a Dutch bike subscription provider that was founded in 2014. Since 2018, people have also been able to use the Swapfiets bike subscription in Germany, for example in Berlin, Hamburg, Hanover, Düsseldorf and Münster. Terms start from just one month. Subscribers can choose between normal bike subscriptions and electric bike subscriptions. The blue front tires are striking. The Swapfiets service includes a free repair within 48 hours. It is also possible to get a replacement bike
Dance is an eBike subscription provider from Berlin. The Dance e-bike subscription is currently available in Berlin, Hamburg and Munich. With Dance, subscribers receive a personal e-bike delivered to their door for monthly rental.
The Mylo bike subscription has been available throughout Germany since 2022 and offers a large selection of bikes from top bike brands such as KTM, Canyon and Diamant. Subscribers can choose between different types of bikes, including mountain bikes, racing bikes, city bikes and cargo bikes, and can also rent an e-bike. In addition to insurance, the subscription fee also includes theft protection. The minimum term is three months.
The bicycle manufacturer Riese & Müller is known for its high-quality e-bikes. The e-bike subscription offer is currently limited to two models. The subscription is offered exclusively to private customers via selected specialist dealers and is primarily available in major cities.
Rebike Mobility offers a variety of models from leading manufacturers for a bike subscription, including Focus, Orbea and Raymon. The minimum term for the eBike subscription is one month. At Rebike, users can not only rent e-bikes on a monthly basis, the company also offers bike rental in the form of bike fleets for hotels or companies. Rebike Mobility GmbH was founded in 2018.
Green Moves is a subsidiary of Naturstrom and is based in Cologne. Users can rent e-bikes, cargo e-bikes and e-scooters from this e-bike subscription provider on a monthly basis.
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Get infoA bike subscription is of course worthwhile for anyone who regularly travels by bike and doesn't want to buy a bike. A subscription is suitable for the daily ride to work or for a bike tour lasting several weeks on vacation. As bike subscriptions have short terms, cyclists have the opportunity to test different bikes before buying a new one.
When choosing the right bike subscription, users should not only consider the costs, but also think in advance about which bike they would like to use in the future. The subscription provider Swapfiets, which is represented in many major cities across Germany, and the service Dance, which is active in Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, offer specially developed city e-bikes.
Other service providers offer bikes of different brands and categories, although the range sometimes changes. In times of persistent supply bottlenecks, it is particularly worthwhile for those interested to regularly check the websites of the providers to find the bike of their dreams.
Is there a bike subscription in my city?
Yes, in addition to e-bike subscription providers such as Dance or Swapfiets in Berlin, Hamburg or Munich, there are also providers that offer subscriptions throughout Germany. These include bike subscription providers such as E-Bike Abo, Mylo, ADAC E-Ride or SMAFO. The bikes or e-bikes are usually delivered to your doorstep by a freight forwarder.
How can I cancel a bike subscription?
You can cancel a bike subscription at the end of the minimum term. Some providers such as Dance or Swapfiets only have a minimum term of one month. Other providers such as Mylo, E-Bike Abo or Green Moves have longer terms. As a rule, the notice period is one month before the end of the term.
Who will repair my bike or e-bike if it breaks down?
That depends on the bike subscription provider. At Swapfiets in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and other cities, bikes can be repaired directly by Swapfiets in the store or by a mobile team. Other providers rely on service partners. In general, you should always contact your subscription provider directly or use the contact option provided to get help quickly.
What happens at the end of the bike subscription?
With Germany-wide subscription providers, the bikes are collected by a freight forwarder, as with delivery. With providers such as Dance or Swapfiets, it's easier. There, the return can be arranged individually and the e-bike can either be taken to a store or return point yourself or you can have it picked up.
Disclaimer:
NAVIT accepts no liability for the accuracy of the information provided.
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