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Biking in Berlin

Overview

Berlin is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Europe with over 1,000 km of bike lanes. Coming from the Philippines where cycling infrastructure is limited, you will find Berlin a completely different experience. Biking is often the fastest and cheapest way to get around.

Bike Subscription Services

Swapfiets

swapfiets.de — The most popular bike subscription in Berlin. Dutch company, very reliable.

PlanMonthly CostDetails
Deluxe 7 (regular bike)€15.90/mo7-gear city bike, best value
Power 1 (e-bike)~€54.90/moSingle speed, 120 km battery range
Power 7 (e-bike)~€64.90/mo7 gears, 150 km battery range

What's included: Unlimited repairs (if they can't fix it in 10 min, they swap the bike), theft replacement (if double-locked), maintenance, 24/7 app support. Student discounts available.

Terms: Monthly (+ joining fee), 6-month (no joining fee), or 12-month plans. Cancel with one month notice.

JobRad / BusinessBike (Employer Leasing)

If your employer offers it, you can lease a bike through your salary (Gehaltsumwandlung). Benefits:

  • Save 15-40% vs buying outright through tax advantages
  • Includes insurance and maintenance
  • You can choose any bike (including e-bikes up to €10,000+)
  • Ask your HR department if they partner with JobRad or BusinessBike

On-Demand Bike & Scooter Rentals

These are dockless — find one nearby via app, unlock, ride, park anywhere in the service area.

ServiceTypeUnlock FeePer MinuteApp
NextbikeRegular bikes€1.00~€0.10-0.15Nextbike
LimeE-bikes & e-scooters€1.00€0.20-0.30Lime
Dott (formerly Tier)E-bikes & e-scooters€1.00€0.19-0.25Dott
BoltE-bikes & e-scooters€0.50-1.00€0.15-0.25Bolt

Tip: These add up quickly for daily use. If you commute by bike regularly, Swapfiets or buying your own bike is much cheaper.

Buying a Bike

New Bikes

  • Decathlon — Affordable, good quality starter bikes from ~€200
  • Stadler — Largest bike retailer in Germany, multiple Berlin locations
  • Local bike shops — Better advice and service, slightly higher prices

Second-Hand Bikes

  • Kleinanzeigen — Best selection, €50-300 for decent bikes
  • Facebook Marketplace — Search "Fahrrad Berlin"
  • Flea markets — Mauerpark (Sundays), Boxhagener Platz
  • Bike shops with used section — Some shops sell refurbished bikes

Warning: Berlin has a serious bike theft problem. Never buy a bike that seems stolen (no receipt, suspiciously cheap, seller can't answer questions about it). Buying stolen property is illegal in Germany.

Essential Cycling Rules in Berlin

Germany has strict cycling laws and police actively enforce them. Fines are real.

RuleFine
Running a red light€60-180
Riding on the sidewalk (adults)€55-100
No lights at night€20-35
Wrong direction on bike lane€20-35
Using phone while cycling€55
  • Helmets are NOT legally required for regular bikes (but recommended)
  • Use bike lanes when they exist (marked with a red surface or bike symbol)
  • Hand signals — Always signal before turning (extend your arm)
  • Ride on the right side of the road/bike lane
  • Lights are mandatory — front (white) and rear (red), reflectors too
  • No cycling drunk — Above 1.6‰ BAC you can lose your driver's license too

Theft Prevention

  • Get a good U-lock (Bügelschloss) — €30-60 for a decent one from ABUS or Kryptonite
  • Always lock frame AND wheel to something fixed
  • Don't leave your bike outside overnight if possible
  • Register your bike with the police (free) — write down frame number
  • Take a photo of your bike and receipt for insurance claims
  • Consider bike insurance if your bike costs more than €500

Winter Cycling

Berlin winters are cold and dark (November-March). Many people keep cycling year-round:

  • Layer up — wind-proof jacket, gloves, and ear warmers
  • Make sure your lights work (it gets dark by 4 PM in December)
  • Wider tires help on wet/icy roads
  • Watch out for tram tracks when wet — they are extremely slippery
  • Many Berliners switch to BVG monthly passes (€58) during the worst months
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