Bilbao launches fully electric bikeshare system

Bilbao has rolled out a new version of its public bikeshare, Bilbaobizi, replacing the city’s earlier network with a fully electric fleet and expanded coverage.

The scheme, sponsored by Iberdrola and operated by Serveo, introduces 790 electric bicycles and 48 smart charging stations across the city. Technology is provided by Lyft Urban Solutions, which described the system as “Bilbao’s next-generation, fully electric bikeshare… designed to improve access for thousands of riders across the coastal city.”

The move to a 100 percent electric fleet is intended to broaden access in a city with challenging terrain, making cycling practical for a wider range of residents. The new charging stations automate battery replenishment, reducing the need for service vans and cutting related emissions.

Riders can access bikes via a mobile app already deployed in other Spanish cities, enabling them to locate and unlock vehicles, pause rides, and manage accounts.

Bilbao is the third Spanish city to adopt a fully electrified network, following Madrid and Zaragoza. According to Lyft Urban Solutions, “this is a clear reflection of the accelerating shift toward electric mobility,” with similar demand patterns seen across other networks in Spain and beyond.

The network is scheduled to expand further by 2026, reaching 1,250 bikes and 68 stations and extending service into more neighbourhoods.

The new system complements Bilbao’s wider transport policies, including its low-emission zone and the “Bilbao 30” traffic calming programme. Together with the bikeshare upgrade, these measures aim to cut reliance on private vehicles, lower emissions, and support the city’s broader liveability agenda.

Image: Lyft Urban Solutions