BiciMAD: A Complete Guide to Madrid's Electric Bike System

Madrid might be hilly and hot in the summer, but the massive expansion of BiciMAD—the city's 100% electric public bike-sharing system—has completely changed how locals and expats move around.

Run by the EMT (the public transport company), BiciMAD now covers all 21 districts of the city with thousands of shiny blue e-bikes. If you're new to the city or just visiting, hopping on a BiciMAD is one of the best ways to get around.

Here is your friendly, updated guide to using the system efficiently, safely, and affordably in 2026!

Meet the New Bikes (E-FIT)

If you read old guides talking about clunky white bikes, forget them! The entire fleet has been upgraded to sleek, blue E-FIT bikes. They are sturdy, comfortable, and packed with cool tech:

• LCD Dashboard: No more guessing how much battery you have left! The screen on the handlebars shows your speed, distance traveled, and exact battery life.
• Adjustable Assistance: You can choose your boost level. Just press the green "MODE" button to switch between Low, Medium, and High assistance. The motor will help you up to 25 km/h—perfect for tackling those Madrid hills without breaking a sweat.
• Quick Adjustments: The seats are super easy to adjust to your height before you set off.

Pricing: Residents vs. Occasional Users

BiciMAD is incredibly cheap if you live here, but tourists need to be aware of a hefty security deposit.

1. Residents (The €10 Flat Rate)

If you live in Madrid, you should absolutely get the monthly subscription. For just €10 per month, you get unlimited free rides, as long as each trip is under 30 minutes!

• Need it longer? The second 30 minutes costs just €0.50.
• Don't hog it: Anything beyond an hour gets expensive (€3.00 per 30 minutes) to ensure bikes keep circulating.

2. Occasional Users & Tourists (Pay-as-you-go)

If you just want to grab a bike for an afternoon, you can sign up via the BiciMAD app without a subscription.

• The Cost: €0.50 for the first 30 minutes, and €0.50 for the next 30 minutes. (Then €3.00 per 30 mins).
• The Catch (The €150 Hold): Because you don't have a long-term contract, the system places a €150 pre-authorization hold on your card when you rent a bike. Don't panic! This is just a security deposit and will be released after a few days, but it can tie up your travel funds.

💡 Pro-Tip: The BiciBús Ticket

Using buses and bikes? The BiciBús digital ticket costs exactly €1.80 and gives you 90 minutes of unlimited transfers between EMT buses and BiciMAD bikes. It's the ultimate hack for getting from your door to your destination.

How to Unlock and Ride

Gone are the days of broken payment kiosks and scanning unreadable QR codes in the dark.

1. Get the App & MPass: Download the BiciMAD app (or Madrid Mobility 360) and set up your account. This gives you an "MPass," which acts as your digital key for all Madrid transit.
2. Find a Bike: Use the app to find a station. Green lights on the docks mean the bike is ready to go!
3. Tap & Go: Just tap your phone (with your digital wallet) or your physical Abono Transportes card against the station base or the bike's smart padlock. It will beep and unlock instantly.
4. Pull: Wait for the green light, pull the bike out backward, and off you go!

Note: If you see a red light, the bike is broken or charging. A blue light means someone else has reserved it.

Returning the Bike & Overflow Stations

Returning the bike correctly is crucial. Never just leave a BiciMAD bike on the sidewalk!

1. Push it in: Push the bike firmly into an empty dock.
2. Wait for the Green Light: You must see a steady green light and hear a beep.
3. Check the App: Always open the app to confirm your trip says "Finished" before walking away.

What if the station is full? Don't worry! BiciMAD has a "Virtual Station" and overflow system. If the physical docks are full, you can leave the bike right next to the station.

• Close your trip in the app using the overflow option.
• Manually push down the red lever on the rear wheel's smart padlock.
• Confirm in the app that the trip has ended.

🚨 The New 2026 Rules (How to Avoid €200 Fines)

Madrid has cracked down on micromobility safety this year. Police are actively enforcing these rules, and fines are steep:

• Helmets are MANDATORY: As of 2026, everyone must wear a certified helmet at all times, on all roads. BiciMAD does not provide them, so you must bring your own. Failing to wear one is a €200 fine.
• No Earphones: Riding with earphones or headphones is strictly prohibited. €200 fine.
• Nighttime Visibility: If you are riding at night or in low light, you must wear something reflective (like a vest or reflective bands). €200 fine.
• No Sidewalk Riding: Adults cannot ride on pedestrian sidewalks. Stick to the road or designated bike lanes, and claim the center of your lane to stay safe from car doors!
• Dismount at Crosswalks: You must get off your bike and walk it across pedestrian crosswalks. €200 fine.

If you dock incorrectly or abandon a bike, BiciMAD will also hit you with administrative fines (starting at €9.20) or suspend your account.

Exploring Beyond the Center

BiciMAD isn't just for the city center anymore. In Spring 2026, the network is expanding into the neighboring municipality of Pozuelo de Alarcón. Your same €10 flat rate and MPass will work seamlessly there, making it easier than ever to explore the wider Madrid region on two wheels!