This information is specific to Germany, as your app locates you there. To view the policy for another country, visit our Help Centre in your browser.
👉 How do I start my bike trip?
👉 Can't start my bike rental. What can I do?
👉 Where and how can I park the bike?
How do I start my bike trip?
Before starting your rental, just make sure you have enough battery and internet on your phone, so you are able to unlock and lock the bicycle. Also, set your Bluetooth and GPS on!
To rent a bike and start your trip, follow the steps below:
- Open the FREENOW app and select the 2-Wheels tab
- Choose a bike near you. If you scroll up, you will see information about the vehicle (ID, battery level, prices, how to use it, etc.)
- Confirm your payment method and apply any promo code in case you have one
- Once you have picked a bike, simply click 'Start rental'. Sometimes, depending on the provider, you will need to scan* the QR code of the vehicle. For those bikes with an additional manual lock, pull the lock out of the right side of the rear wheel, and place it in the holder on top of the rear wheel
- Enjoy your ride!
Can't start my bike rental. What can I do?
There are some common reasons why you can't start the rental of an eBike:
- Issues with your payment method or temporary hold process
- GPS/location of your phone is off
- Data mobile is off (you should have it on, and wifi needs to be off)
- The bike has been rented/booked by another user
- The energy level of the bike is low
- The bike is damaged and for that reason, is not available
If this is not the case, and you still can't start the rental, contact our eBike provider immediately, so they can assist you:
Dott
Bird
https://www.bird.co/contact-us/
Can I pause my bike rental?
Yes! You can pause your rental as often as you like, as long as the maximum rental duration is not exceeded. If you want to go shopping or have a coffee, the eBike will wait safely. Simply use the in-app pause function. However, there are some rules and fees depending on the eBike provider.
Dott
We continue to charge the same per-minute rate used in your city.
Voi
The rental period will continue as long as the bike is temporarily parked/stopped. Except for long-term rentals, the maximum usage duration is 1 hour, after which the ride will be ended by Voi.
Bird
To pause an active trip, enable the Lock option in the application. The vehicle will be reserved for a maximum of 75 minutes and you will continue to be charged by the minute.
After your break, simply end the pause/park mode in your app to unlock the bike and continue riding!
Where and how can I park the bike?
Before you end your rental, make sure you are parked in a designated parking spot marked with a blue box in the app - and that it does not block sidewalks, pedestrians, public roads, or garages. Then select 'End rental' in the app and push down the stand.
For bikes with an additional manual lock, insert the lock through the hole on the right side of the rear wheel.
Sometimes we will also ask you to take a photo of your parked bike (Dott and TIER) before ending your rental.
If you park outside the operating area or in a no-parking zone (orange zones), additional parking fees may apply.
Depending on the bike provider, there are different operating areas. Visit the following official websites to get all instructions: