In brief
Ethiopia’s Addis Bike has grown from 20 to 100 bikes, with more than 35,000 people signing up and over 51,000 trips since its launch in August 2024. The expansion is backed by government‑built bike lanes and a transport policy that favors non‑motorised travel, while challenges such as limited docking infrastructure and public awareness remain. The service offers affordable, environmentally friendly rides, charging 95 birr for the first 30 minutes.
In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Bike—a station‑to‑station bike‑sharing operator—has expanded its fleet from a modest 20 mechanical bicycles to 100 and recorded more than 35,311 sign‑ups and 51,720 trips since its August 2024 launch, Xinhua reports on Oct. 30 2026.
The company’s chief technical officer, Yeabsera Yismashewa, said the sudden uptake reflects how the city’s new cycling infrastructure has created demand for a low‑cost, flexible mode of transport.
We have seen a growing number of people using the bike‑sharing service in the city.
Yismashewa attributed the “surprisingly improving” public interest to the government’s recent expansion of the bike‑lane network and a policy encouraging non‑motorised and electric transport.
We recognized that many daily journeys in the city cover relatively short distances, yet people often spend considerable time and money to reach their destinations. We want to offer an alternative transportation service that combines convenience, technology, and environmental friendliness.
A key beneficiary of the service, Eyoas Girma, a student who commutes between home and school, said he prefers the bike‑sharing system because it is more flexible and economical than waiting for a taxi.
These days, it is very difficult to get a taxi during morning hours. I prefer to ride the bike to school.
Addis Bike’s operating model relies on digital fleet management, including Global Positioning System tracking and a smart‑lock system that allows operators to monitor the status of each bike in real time and intervene if misuse occurs.
Pricing is pay‑per‑minute, with a 30‑minute ride costing 95 Ethiopian birr—roughly 0.6 U.S. dollars—making the service an affordable option for commuters.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the growth, Yismashewa notes that established travel habits, limited public awareness, and a scarcity of parking and docking stations still pose challenges to wider adoption.
Established travel habits, low public awareness, and insufficient parking and docking stations remain a challenge to the business.
The company’s rapid expansion stands as a test of whether the government’s infrastructure investments can keep pace with the growing demand for non‑motorised transport.
Environmental benefits, such as reduced air pollution and lower traffic congestion, have been highlighted by the operator, who regards the bike‑sharing service as a positive step toward sustainable urban mobility.
Looking Forward
While the current numbers point to increasing acceptance of the service, the sustained success of Addis Bike will depend on continued investment in safe cycling routes, greater public outreach, and the development of a network of docking stations that can support the fleet’s growth.
As Addis Bike continues to ride into the future, its experience may offer a blueprint for other rapidly growing cities seeking to integrate bike‑sharing into their public transport ecosystems.
