In brief
Addis Bike, Ethiopia’s first station‑to‑station bike‑sharing operator, has grown its fleet from 20 to 100 bikes and recorded more than 35,000 sign‑ups and 51,000 trips. The expansion, enabled by government‑built bike lanes and a policy promoting non‑motorised transport, has made the service popular among commuters and students. Challenges remain in public awareness and docking infrastructure, while riders praise its affordability and environmental benefits.
Addis Bike’s fleet has reached 100 bicycles, a fivefold increase from its 20‑bike launch in August 2024, and the company reports more than 35,000 sign‑ups and 51,720 trips since then. The expansion follows a government rollout of new bike lanes and a policy to promote non‑motorised and electric transport across Addis Ababa.
Yeabsera Yismashewa, chief technical officer for Addis Bike, said in an interview with Xinhua that the service’s popularity has grown as people become more aware of the option and its affordability. He added that many short‑distance trips 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.
According to the company, riders are charged per minute, with a 30‑minute ride costing 95 Ethiopian birr (about 0.6 U.S. dollars). The average ride lasts 30 minutes, and the system relies on GPS tracking and a smart‑lock system for fleet management and misuse mitigation.
Eyoas Girma, a student who frequently uses the bike‑sharing service to commute between home and school, explained that “it is very difficult to get a taxi during morning hours. I prefer to ride the bike to school,” noting the service’s flexibility and lower cost.
The firm has identified several hurdles, including low public awareness, insufficient docking stations, and entrenched travel habits among residents such as government employees. Nonetheless, the initiative has been praised for its affordability and environmental benefits, and the Ethiopian government continues to support the expansion of cycling infrastructure.
