Bike-sharing programs have become an integral part of urban mobility across Europe, offering residents and tourists alike an eco-friendly, convenient, and affordable way to navigate cities. These programs vary in size, scope, and technology, but all share the common goal of making cycling accessible to the masses. Here's a look at some of the biggest and most successful bike-share programs in Europe:

Vélib' (Paris, France)

A full rack of bikes in the Velib Bike Share in Paris

Vélib', is one of the largest and most iconic bike-sharing systems in the world. Launched in 2007 in Paris, it has since become a model for urban bike-sharing programs globally. Vélib' offers thousands of bikes across hundreds of stations in Paris and the surrounding suburbs, with both regular and electric bikes available to cater to different user needs.

Santander Cycles (London, UK)

A full rack of bikes in the Santander Bike Share in London

Santander Cycles is London's answer to urban mobility. Launched in 2010, the program has grown significantly, offering thousands of bikes across central and east London. The system operates on a dock-based model, allowing users to pick up and return bikes at numerous docking stations scattered throughout the city. They have expanded their electric bike fleet to over 2000 e-bikes.

Bicing (Barcelona, Spain)

A rack full of bikes in the Bicing Bike Share system in Barcelona

Bicing made its debut in Barcelona in 2007 and has since become an essential part of the city's transport system. Ambici has since been launched as an electric bike share scheme to integrate with Bicing. It has over 2600 ebikes at 236 stations.

BikeMi (Milan, Italy)

The logo for Bike Mi Bike Share in Milan

BikeMi is Milan's bike-sharing scheme, offering a mix of traditional and electric-assisted bicycles to residents and visitors. Launched in 2008, BikeMi has expanded its network to cover a significant portion of the city and have 5000 bikes and 1000 e-bikes.

Nextbike (Berlin, Germany)

The logo for Nextbike Bike Share in Berlin

While Nextbike operates in various cities across Germany and Europe, its presence in Berlin is particularly noteworthy. The system's flexibility and ease of use, allowing rentals via a smartphone app, make it a popular choice in the German capital.

Citybike Wien (Vienna, Austria)

The logo for Citybikes the Bike Share in Vienna

Vienna's Citybike Wien program is renowned for its user-friendly service, offering an easy and accessible way to explore Vienna. It has over 1000 bikes available at 185 stations throughout the city.

BiciMAD (Madrid, Spain)

The logo for Bicimad Bike Share in Madrid

Madrid's BiciMAD is the city's electric bike-sharing service, featuring over 600 stations and 7500 ebikes across the city's 21 districts. It has become one of the most successful electric bike shares and has helped in Madrid's efforts to reduce traffic congestion and pollution by promoting electric mobility.

Villo! (Brussels, Belgium)

The logo for Villo! Bike Share in Brussels

Brussels' Villo! bike-sharing program offers close to 5000 bikes and over 350 stations across Brussels. It aims to augment the current transport network and cycling more convenient.. The program includes both traditional and electric bikes, with now over 1000 e-bikes for people to use.