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Getting Around Madrid

Madrid Bike Share BiciMAD 2026: Prices, Stations, Routes

BY MADRID TOURISM GUIDE · UPDATED SEP 2, 2026 · 6 MIN READ

Madrid bike share station BiciMAD

Madrid bike share is anchored by BiciMAD — the city’s 100% electric public bike-sharing system operated by EMT Madrid. As of 2026, BiciMAD has expanded to all 21 districts of the city with approximately 7,800 e-bikes across 635 docking stations. The Madrid bike share network covers the city center plus outer neighborhoods, integrates with the new Madrid Mobility 360 app, and is now the largest electric bike-share system in Spain. This guide covers BiciMAD pricing in 2026, how to register, where the best tourist routes go, the new mandatory helmet rules, and how Madrid bike share compares to walking, metro, and other transport options.

Madrid bike share station BiciMAD
Madrid bike share BiciMAD has 635 stations and 7,800 e-bikes covering all 21 city districts.

Table of Contents

What Is BiciMAD? Madrid Bike Share Overview

BiciMAD launched in 2014 as Madrid’s first municipal bike-share system. After major expansion in 2023-2025, the system now covers all 21 districts of Madrid with electric-assist E-FIT bikes (the entire fleet was upgraded by late 2024). The Madrid bike share is operated by EMT Madrid (the same agency that runs the buses) and integrates with the Madrid Mobility 360 transit app.

BiciMAD bikes have:

  • Electric pedal-assist motor (top speed 25 km/h)
  • LCD dashboard showing battery, speed, and trip data
  • Smart padlock that releases via app or Tarjeta Multi card
  • Front basket for small bags
  • Adjustable seat post
  • LED lights, fenders, integrated bell

BiciMAD Pricing 2026

BiciMAD uses a flat-rate model that’s exceptionally good value:

  • 1-day Pass: €10 — unlimited rides up to 60 minutes each (longer rides incur per-minute charges)
  • 3-day Pass: €15
  • 5-day Pass: €20
  • Annual Subscription: €25 (Madrid residents)
  • Per-minute overage charge: €0.10/min beyond 60 min per ride
  • Lost bike fee: €600 (return your bike to a station to avoid)

For tourists, the 1-day Pass at €10 is unbeatable value — you can take as many trips as you want as long as each individual trip stays under 60 minutes (then dock and start a new trip).

Madrid bike share cyclist on city street
Madrid bike share is great for short trips and along the Madrid Río riverside.

How to Rent a BiciMAD Bike: Step-by-Step

  1. Download the BiciMAD app (iOS or Android) or the Madrid Mobility 360 app.
  2. Create an account: email, phone, credit card, ID document.
  3. Buy a Pass (1-day €10, 3-day €15, 5-day €20). Stored in your account.
  4. Find a docking station with available bikes (check live availability in app).
  5. At the station: open the BiciMAD app, scan the QR code on the bike, or tap your phone’s NFC against the bike’s smart padlock.
  6. The padlock beeps and unlocks. Pull the bike out of the dock.
  7. Press the power button on the LCD dashboard. Begin riding.
  8. To return: push the bike firmly into any empty dock at any BiciMAD station. Wait for the lock confirmation beep.
  9. If all docks are full, leave the bike next to the station and use the “overflow” option in the app to close the trip.

Best Madrid Bike Share Routes for Tourists

  • Madrid Río Promenade: 9 km flat riverside path along the Manzanares from Casa de Campo to Matadero. The single best Madrid bike share route — separate cycle path, no traffic, scenic.
  • Retiro Park Loop: 4 km circuit through Madrid’s central park. Cars excluded; safe for casual cyclists.
  • Casa de Campo: Madrid’s largest park (5x bigger than Hyde Park); dedicated bike paths for hours of riding.
  • Anillo Verde Ciclista: 64 km green-belt cycling ring around Madrid; for experienced riders.
  • Salamanca to Sol: Flat 1.5 km ride; great for shopping connection.
  • Sol to Palacio Real: 1.2 km; mostly downhill outbound.
  • Atocha to Reina Sofía to Plaza Mayor: 2 km tourist circuit on quiet streets.

Mandatory Helmet Law 2026

As of 2026, helmet use is mandatory on all BiciMAD bikes and personal bicycles within Madrid city limits. Riding without a certified helmet incurs a €200 fine. BiciMAD does not provide helmets — riders must bring their own. Helmets are available for purchase at any sporting goods store (€15-40) or via the BiciMAD app’s accessory store.

Riding with earphones or headphones is also prohibited (€200 fine). The new safety rules reflect Madrid’s commitment to reducing cycling fatalities.

Madrid Bike Paths (Carril Bici)

Madrid has approximately 280 km of dedicated cycling infrastructure (carril bici), expanding annually:

  • Madrid Río: 9 km separated path along the Manzanares.
  • Anillo Verde Ciclista: 64 km green-belt ring around the city.
  • Paseo de la Castellana central lane: Protected bike lane.
  • Calle Alcalá to Sol: Recently added protected lane.
  • Madrid Calle 30 ring: Some sections have protected paths.

Where dedicated paths don’t exist, cyclists ride on streets with cars. Madrid traffic moves at moderate speed in the center, but caution is needed. Avoid cycling on sidewalks (€100+ fine).

BiciMAD vs. Bike Rental Shops

  • BiciMAD: €10/day unlimited rides; pick up/return at any of 635 stations; helmet not provided.
  • Trixi Madrid: Private bike rental shop; €15-25/day; helmets provided; guided tours available.
  • BiciScape: Bike rental near Sol; €15/day; helmets included.
  • Bike Spain: Mountain bikes, road bikes; full-day rental €25-40.

For casual tourist use, BiciMAD wins on convenience and price. For longer rides outside the city or specialized cycling, private shops offer better-quality bikes and helmets included.

Madrid Bike Share Tips

  • Bring a helmet: Mandatory by law; €200 fine if caught without.
  • Check bike condition: Test brakes, tire pressure, lights before riding away.
  • Use Madrid Río for first ride: Separated cycle path; no traffic stress.
  • Avoid Gran Vía and Calle Alcalá at peak times: Heavy bus traffic; cycle elsewhere.
  • Check station availability before traveling: Use BiciMAD app for live data on bikes/docks.
  • Battery range: 60-80 km per charge; rarely a concern for short tourist rides.
  • Stops within 60 min: Each ride must end within 60 min for free; just dock and start a new ride to avoid overage.

Madrid Bike Share BiciMAD: FAQs

How much does BiciMAD cost?

1-day Pass €10; 3-day €15; 5-day €20. Each ride free up to 60 minutes; €0.10/min after.

How does BiciMAD work?

Download the BiciMAD app, register, buy a pass, find a station with available bikes, scan QR code or tap NFC, ride, return to any station. Electric pedal-assist motor helps with hills.

Do I need a helmet for Madrid bike share?

Yes — mandatory by law as of 2026. €200 fine for riding without. BiciMAD does not provide helmets; bring your own or buy one (€15-40).

Where are the best Madrid cycling routes?

Madrid Río riverside (9 km separated path), Retiro Park loop (4 km), Casa de Campo (paths through massive park), Anillo Verde Ciclista (64 km green belt).

Is Madrid bike-friendly?

Increasingly so. 280+ km of dedicated bike paths in 2026; growing infrastructure. Central streets without bike lanes can be challenging; experienced city cyclists adapt easily.

Can BiciMAD work for tourists?

Yes — €10/day with the BiciMAD app. Some tourists find the registration friction (credit card, ID) preferable to use private rental shops with simpler walk-in service.

Can I take my BiciMAD into the metro?

BiciMAD bikes don’t enter the metro (must be returned to a station). Personal bikes may enter the metro outside peak hours (Mon-Fri 07:30-09:30 and 14:00-16:00 prohibited).

Official Resources

Plan Your Visit

Madrid bike share via BiciMAD is one of the cheapest and most enjoyable ways to explore the Spanish capital — €10/day for unlimited rides on a fully electric e-bike across 635 stations. Bring your helmet and start with the Madrid Río path.

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