Ryde expands into shared e-bikes across Germany and Sweden

Shared micromobility operator Ryde is expanding its e-bike services across Germany and Sweden, adding a second vehicle type to its existing e-scooter operations as it seeks to accommodate a wider range of urban journeys.

Following its initial e-bike launches in two Norwegian cities, the company is introducing the service in Wuppertal and Lübeck in Germany, and Växjö, Helsingborg and Malmö in Sweden.

The move reflects the different roles that e-bikes and e-scooters can play within shared micromobility networks. While e-scooters are typically suited to shorter urban journeys, Ryde sees e-bikes as an opportunity to serve longer trips, journeys involving luggage or shopping, and for people who favour cycling over scooters.

Both e-bikes and scooters will be available through the same Ryde app and user account, allowing riders to choose between them according to their journey.

Expanding the role of e-bikes

Ryde says the expansion is supported by growing investment in cycling infrastructure, including dedicated lanes and parking facilities, alongside municipal efforts to encourage alternatives to private car use.

“E-bikes let us offer the right vehicle for every trip and give cities one partner that can take on more of the journeys that today are made by car,” said Tobias W. Balchen, CEO of Ryde Technology.

The company has spent more than a year developing an e-bike specifically for shared use. It plans to introduce the vehicles through its existing locally managed operations, rather than establishing separate teams for the new service.

Ryde currently operates more than 120,000 vehicles across over 80 cities in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Germany.

The operator expects e-bikes to become a significant part of its fleet over the coming years, with the longer-term ambition of deploying as many e-bikes as e-scooters annually.