In brief
Addis Bike has increased its fleet from 20 to 100 bicycles since its August 2024 launch, amassing over 35,000 sign‑ups and 51,720 trips, according to Xinhua. The expansion is tied to new city bike lanes and a policy to promote non‑motorised transport, though challenges like public awareness and docking infrastructure remain. Yismashewa noted the service’s affordability and environmental benefits, a claim cited only by Xinhua.
In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s first station‑to‑station bike‑sharing service, Addis Bike, has expanded its fleet from 20 to 100 bicycles since launching in August 2024, and it has recorded more than 35,000 sign‑ups and 51,720 trips, Xinhua reports.
Chief technical officer Yeabsera Yismashewa said the growth follows government investments in new bike lanes and a broader policy to promote 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,” Yismashewa said.
The service charges 95 Ethiopian birr—approximately US$0.60—for a 30‑minute ride, and it uses digital fleet management with GPS tracking and smart locks to monitor bike status and prevent misuse.
Yismashewa highlighted that the service mainly assists government employees who find taxis or buses scarce during morning commute times, and he praised the affordability and environmental benefits as key drivers of uptake.
Students also turn to the service. One user, Eyoas Girma, said he prefers the bike to a taxi because “it is very difficult to get a taxi during morning hours. I prefer to ride the bike to school; it is more flexible and economical.”
Despite the growth, challenges remain. Xinhua notes that low public awareness, inadequate parking and docking stations, and entrenched travel habits hinder the service’s expansion, and Addis Bike continues to lobby for additional infrastructure and outreach.
