Best Guide to using BiciMAD public electric bikes in Madrid

Eight years after the first BiciMAD, the Madrid City Council launched an updated version in 2023 with more modern, robust, and safe electric bicycles.

Currently, the fleet comprises 7,500 fully electric bikes, stationed at 611 locations across all 21 districts of the city.

This expansion and renovation of BiciMAD Madrid aim to consolidate the city as a reference capital in sustainable mobility.

What is BiciMAD Madrid

BiciMAD is the public electric bicycle rental service in Madrid for all citizens and visitors.

It is an essential element of clean transportation in Madrid public transport that contributes to a more sustainable mobility model. It reflects the commitment of the Madrid City Council to promote more balanced and healthy transportation habits.

The operating hours of the Madrid public e-bikes are uninterrupted 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Changes and improvements in BiciMAD

What are the new bicycles like?

The new bike model is made of recycled aluminum and features a more ergonomic, robust, and easier-to-drive design that significantly improves the user experience.

The new BiciMAD bikes include other noteworthy improvements such as:

• The LCD display integrated into the bike frame determines the speed and battery charge level.
• There are evolved drum brakes with a luminous signal.
• The battery is also integrated into the bike frame and offers up to 43 miles of autonomy.
• Easy height-adjustable saddle.
• Stronger basket with a specific compartment for a handbag.
• The 3-gear system provides progressive assistance free of abrupt inputs.

The condition of all the bicycles parked at the BiciMAD Madrid stations is permanently monitored. Moreover, users can now report the need to service a bicycle through a physical button located on the station anchors and the app.

How does the new BiciMAD work?

What is the new BiciMAD system like?

The new BiciMAD incorporates a new website, an updated app, and a super easy and intuitive system to lock and unlock e-bikes. BiciMAD stations are equipped with a light system:

• Red: the electric bicycle is not available or it is not properly placed.
• Yellow: the yellow light is activated while the system is executing the command.
• Green: the e-bike is available to use or is correctly placed after a trip is completed.

This development has tackled one of the most common complaints of the previous BiciMAD Madrid system. Sometimes the e-bikes were not properly placed without the user noticing, which resulted in charges for several hours of use even though the bike was not being used.

How to register in the new BiciMAD Madrid?

Follow these steps to register as a new user of BiciMAD using the mobile app.

• First, download the BiciMAD app.
• Once installed, open it and click on “Date de alta” (Register) at the bottom of the screen if you haven’t created an account yet.
• Enter your email and password and click on “Aceptar Condiciones” (Accept terms and conditions) to confirm.
• Confirm the first clause stating that you are of legal age and click “Aceptar” again at the bottom.
• Now click on “Continuar” and you will be asked for your phone number as an additional security measure to protect your account. Enter it with the prefix of your country and click “Enviar” (Send).
• You will receive a 5-digit code to validate the phone number and also an email to “Activar tu cuenta” (Activate your account).
• Once done, you can return to the app and log in with the email and password you initially set.
• Upon logging in again, you will be asked for your date of birth to confirm you are of legal age, as well as an ID (ID card, Resident card, or passport) and your name and surname.
• Click “Continuar” to proceed through each screen.
• Finally, you will need to enter your credit card details and click “Si, confirmo el pago” (Yes, confirm payment). A temporary charge of 2 cents will be made to confirm the payment method. Validate the transaction and return to the app to “continuar”.
• The next screen will offer you the option for a flat rate for 1 month. If you are not interested, click on “Ahora no, gracias” (Not now, thanks).
• Lastly, click on “Volver a la pantalla de inicio” (Return to the home screen), where the app may ask for permission to access your location.

How the Bicimad app works

Let’s see how to use the app to make the most of the service. In the left menu of the application, you can access the following sections:

• “Mi perfil” (My profile) to view and modify your personal data and payment methods.
• “Mapa” (Map) to check available bicycles. Additionally, at the bottom, there’s a blue button with a padlock through which you can unlock bicycles via QR code, NFC, or by manually entering the license plate located next to the rear wheel.
• In “Desanclar bici” (Unlock bike), the same as through the aforementioned padlock.
• In “Viajes” (Trips) you can view your activity and trip history.
• “Estaciones favorites” (Favorite stations) to include your preferred stations.
• “Incidencias” (Incidents) to report service issues.
• “Tarjetas sin contact” (Contactless cards) to link your account to your public transport card.
• And “Suscripciones” (Subscriptions) to subscribe to the 30-day flat rate.

How to start the trip?

The user can swipe the BiciMAD card or, through the app, you can unlock bicycles via QR code, NFC, or by manually entering the license plate located next to the rear wheel.

How to finish the BiciMAD trip?

Just place your BiciMAD bicycle on the base at any station and wait for the green light to confirm that it is properly placed. The new e-bikes lock by themselves, no need for the user to manually lock them.

What is the price of BiciMAD?

The new BiciMAD system has done away with annual subscribers and occasional users to increase flexibility in payment options. Now, there are two options available:

Pay-Per-Use: Under this basic contract, users pay based on their usage. The cost for trips will be €0.50 for the first half-hour or fraction thereof. If the trip extends beyond half an hour, the next 30-minute fraction will cost an additional €0.50. After 60 minutes of travel, each subsequent half-hour or fraction will cost €3.

Monthly Flat Rate of €10: Users opting for this plan will have all trips of up to 30 minutes free of charge. If a trip exceeds that time, the next 30-minute fraction will cost €0.50. If the trip extends beyond an hour, an additional €3 will be charged for each subsequent half-hour or fraction.

The monthly flat rate does not require a long-term commitment, allowing users to cancel after the month ends. It would be worth getting the monthly subscription if you make more than 20 trips per month, each lasting less than half an hour.

You can check all the official rates and bonuses on the official website of BiciMAD Madrid.

Coexistence of the new and old BiciMAD systems

Both the new and the old bikes will coexist for several months, the time that lasts the period of implementation of all the facilities and technological improvements. During the coexistence period, the user will be able to use both the old and the new e-bikes.

Can I place an old BiciMAD in a new station and vice versa?

Yes, no matter which type of bike you are using, it can be parked in any station available.

Old bicycles can be locked to the new stations. To use them, simply scan the QR code with your cell phone. To end the trip, you must close the rear lock or notify the end of the trip from the app.

To use a new bicycle at an old station, just swipe the card through the lock or read the QR code through the app. To leave the new bicycle at an old station there are two options:

• Close the lock and wait for the green light (if the light turns red it is because the location is not correct or the station is already full).
• Notify the end of the trip from the app and, subsequently, close the lock until the green light appears.

If you want to leave a new bicycle at an old station, you must leave it in front of a free anchorage, resting on its kickstand, without placing the front wheel on the platform.

Phishing Alert: Fake Codes Targeting BiciMAD Users

The Madrid city council has warned that several bicycles with fake QR codes have been detected, attempting to steal money from BiciMAD users.

These counterfeit codes replaced legitimate ones and directed users to a website where they were asked to pay a certain amount of money to unlock the bike. The fake codes did not work with the official app, but if a user attempted it with a different app, a link was created leading to a page where they were prompted to make the payment, albeit in pounds.

BiciMAD has alerted users about this scam attempt, emphasizing that if the official app doesn’t recognize a code, the best course of action is to try using a different bike rather than using another app to read it.

The company is already in the process of removing the fake stickers, but they are urging users to remain vigilant just in case.

Are BiciMAD electric bikes in Madrid safe?

Getting around Madrid by bike is safe but requires extra care. Take always into account the following tips:

• Verify the proper conditions of the bicycle before using it. Take special care with wheels, brakes, and seat.
• Bikes shall drive on the road, preferably on the right lane, and avoid the bus lane.
• It is forbidden to drive on the sidewalks and pedestrian areas.
• Make yourself more visible to other drivers by using reflective gear and by driving in the center of the lane.
• Remember to sign all the maneuvers and turns in advance.
• Obey all the traffic signs and lights.

Opting for Bicimad is a much healthier and more sustainable choice compared to driving through Madrid.

Frequently Asked Questions about BiciMAD Madrid