Source: Servei Da Premsa

The Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB) has recently introduced a new service across eight municipalities, with the aim to deploy up to 10,000 motorcycles by the end of the year.

This initiative is believed to be the largest shared electric motorcycle service in Europe, moving the region closer to sustainable urban mobility. The initial rollout will cover Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Esplugues de Llobregat, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Sant Just Desvern, Badalona, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, and Sant Adrià de Besòs. Spearheaded by AMB President Jaume Collboni and Mobility Vice President Carlos Cordón, its launch emphasizes the e-motorcycle sharing service’s potential to reduce emissions, enhance air quality, and promote intermodal commuting.

“Today we are launching the shared electric bike. Let’s take a giant step. It is the largest regulation in Europe. It is a more sustainable option for citizens to be able to choose their best mobility option,” said Cordón. He also believed that it will “promote intermodality and change of habits”.

How the sharing service will operate

The AMB awarded licenses to five companies through a public tender process, which will oversee the management of 9,950 electric motorcycles in designated zones. Participating companies include Hori Rides, Yego Urban Mobility, Cooltra Motosharing, Go Sharing, and Acciona Mobility, with each allocated between 1,950 and 2,050 motorcycles. These companies are expected to complete their deployments within 40 days of the announcement.

To ensure balanced accessibility, the AMB has outlined mandatory service areas, restricted parking zones, and prohibited areas, in line with local regulations. Each company operates independently with its own app and pricing model, though AMB has made the motorcycle locations visible on its Mobility and SMOU applications. All motorcycles and helmets are labeled with an AMB logo for identification, though each company maintains its distinct branding.

Road safety compliance

The service also comes with a framework of oversight. The AMB has established a technical committee to collaborate with municipalities and operators, ensuring compliance with safety and road regulations. All operators have agreed to adhere to AMB’s code of road safety practices. The AMB has implemented a penalty system for violations, detailing the levels of infractions and stipulating license revocation procedures if necessary.

Licensing

This initiative, crafted with input from over 60 organizations, including the Catalan Competition Authority and the National Commission of Markets and Competition, introduces metropolitan licenses with a two-year validity. Licensees pay an annual fee of €45 for AMB management and additional fees to municipalities for public space use, ensuring financial support for sustainable urban development.

Barcelona shifting further toward sustainable mobility

The metropolitan electric motorcycle service represents a strategic shift towards green mobility in Barcelona’s urban landscape, prioritizing sustainable options and aiming to foster a cleaner, healthier metropolitan region.