In brief
Addis Bike has tripled its fleet since launching in August 2024 and attracted tens of thousands of users, thanks to new bike lanes and supportive policies. Riders benefit from low fares and a tech‑enabled system, although awareness, docking stations and habit change remain hurdles.
Since launching with 20 bicycles in August 2024, Addis Bike has expanded its fleet to 100 bikes and logged more than 35,000 sign‑ups and 51,720 trips, Xinhua reported on Oct. 30, 2026.
Chief technical officer Yeabsera Yismashewa said the service is drawing growing use across the city’s new bike lanes, built by the government to encourage non‑motorised transport.
Riders pay 95 Ethiopian birr for a 30‑minute ride, about 60 cents in U.S. dollars, while the average trip lasts half an hour, according to the company’s figures.
Government‑led investment in bike infrastructure has “prompted demand for the biking service,” Yismashewa explained, noting that many daily trips are short and often cost more or take longer by car, taxicab or bus.
However, the company admits challenges remain. Limited public awareness, a shortage of docking and parking points, and entrenched travel habits still hold back broader adoption.
Student Eyoas Girma explained that the service gives him “flexible and economical” access to school mornings when taxis are scarce.
“These days, it is very difficult to get a taxi during morning hours. I prefer to ride the bike to school,” Girma said.
Addis Bike uses digital fleet management, including GPS tracking and a smart‑lock system, to monitor bike location, status and prevent misuse, the operator added.
The service’s growth shows the potential of affordable, eco‑friendly transport in Ethiopia, but ongoing issues with infrastructure and user habits need to be addressed to sustain momentum.
