Bicimad in 8 tips
Discover the bicimad system and make the most of the service and its novelties.
1. Use bicimad all over Madrid
The 7,500 bikes and 611 stations are divided between the city’s 21 districts.
2. Plan your trip on the app
Download the bicimad app to use the bikes and consult the map showing available stations and bikes.
3. What does the map tell you?
On it, the stations are colour-coded to inform of their status.
Green station: low occupancy.
Yellow station: medium occupancy.
Red station: high occupancy.
Grey station: not operational.
4. Easily lock and unlock the bike
By reading the QR with the app (on the bike), with the bicimad card or the transport card associated with MPass (on the base or the padlock).
5. Tips for safe and fast anchoring
Light: when you anchor the bike, wait for the green light to come on.
Screen: confirm that it is anchored with the change that occurs on the screen (the speed and distance travelled are no longer displayed and a charging battery appears).
Handlebar: you can also pull the handlebar towards yhou to confirm that the bike is correctly anchored.
6. Red, yellow or green?
On the base, coloured lights indicate the status of the bike.
Red: bike not available or failed anchorage.
Yellow: wait for the green light to unlock the bike or to lock it correctly.
Green: correct unanchoring or anchoring.
What if there is no light? Start the process to unlock your bike.
7. The smart padlock
In addition to unlocking, it will provide you with options such as station overflow (the user can
end their journey at a station that is full by placing the bike next to it and closing the lock) or
free floating (using the bike without the need for a station to lock it to).
8. Enjoy the renewed user experience.
Through the app, after registering in MPass, the single postpaid account system associated with all EMT services (bus, parking, bicimad and bike parking).
Some extra tips
How does it work?
Basic contract
Second fraction of 30 minutes: 0,50 €.
Following fractions of 30 minutes: 3 €.
30 days flat rate
10 € per month:
- Unlimited free rides of up to 30 minutes.
- Second fraction of 30 minutes: 0,50 €.
- Following fractions of 30 minutes: 3 €.
Regulations
Terms and conditions
Regulations on the use of the bike
Coexistence between car and bicycle
Insurance
All bicimad users are insured while using the service.
New bicimad technology
The new bicycles are made of recycled aluminium and incorporate a more manageable, ergonomic, and robust design with the aim of improving user experience.
They have a central motor with 250W of power and a three-speed gear system that provides the vehicles with progressive and smooth assistance. As for the battery, it is integrated into the bicycle frame to prevent vandalism and has a maximum autonomy of 70 kilometres. In addition, the new brakes are an evolved drum type (rollerbrake) and incorporate a light signal that is activated while the brake is applied, for greater safety when cycling.
The bike also has an LCD display that lets users know the speed and the battery status; a seat easily adjustable in height with anti-vandalism design, and a sturdy basket that comfortably fits a handbag. The new technology also translates into other improvements present in the bicycles, such as the anti-puncture system in the tyres, the anti-theft mechanism integral to the chassis or the integration of the wiring —both mechanical (for the brakes and gear shift) and electrical (lights and integrated electric propulsion)— into the chassis to prevent vandalism.
As regards the new stations, they guarantee an easy and intuitive removal and return of the bikes, indicated by sound and three LED lights (red, yellow, and green). In addition, they are made up of components designed to withstand vandalism, corrosion, exposure to the elements and the passage of time: the totem is made up of high-resistance steel sheets to combat these factors and neither this nor the anchors have any hardware in sight to prevent theft. Similarly, most of the components of the anchor housing are made from cast aluminium coated with powder-paint and heavy-duty stainless steel. In addition, the technology allows permanent monitoring of bicycles.
FAQs
Where are the bicimad bikes and stations?
You can check on the map
What is the minimum age to use the service?
You can use the service from the age of 14. Under 18-year-olds must be registered by their parent/guardian or legal representative, who will assume responsibility for their physical suitability, as well as for any damages that may be caused intentionally.
What should the user do in the event of a breakdown or other incident?
In the event of a breakdown or any other service incident, the user must report it through any of these channels: telephone 900 878 331 and bicimad app. In addition, if the bike breaks down, the user will anchor it at the nearest station; if it is impossible to move the bike to the nearest station, the user will keep it until the company responsible for managing the service collects it after receiving notice of the incident.
What should the user do if the bike is stolen?
In this case, the user must report the incident as soon as possible to the Police and within a
maximum of 2 hours. You can also send a copy of the complaint by post to the bicimad service at Calle Mauricio Legendre 40, 28046 Madrid or by email to bicimad.notificaciones@emtmadrid.es.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
Helmets are compulsory for children under 18 years of age. In all other cases, helmets are always recommended.
Where should the bike be ridden?
On the road, never on the pavement.
Why can't bikes be ridden in bus lanes?
The priority in Madrid is to maintain the excellent quality of public transport. Generalising the use of bikes in exclusive lanes may slow down the good bus service.
Do bikes have preference in cycle lanes?
In bicycle lanes, residential areas and 30 zones, cyclists must adjust their speed and trajectory so as not to put pedestrians at risk and maintain a minimum distance of one and a half metres from pedestrians. Cyclists shall have the right of way over other vehicles.
What obligations do drivers have when driving alongside cyclists?
The Municipal Mobility Ordinance establishes that cyclists must ride in the centre of the lane, respect the traffic rules regarding the right of way, as well as traffic lights and traffic signs. Vehicles behind a bike must keep a minimum distance of 5 metres. To overtake or pass a bike, the vehicle must change lanes or respect a lateral safety distance of 1.50 metres.
If the user has little experience cycling in the city, what should he/she know as a minimum?
Contact
If you need urgent help you can contact 900 878 331.
Remember that we have made a selection of the most frequently asked questions about our service and you can consult them in FAQs.
You can also make suggestions and complaints about the service by telephone or by filling in the form on the EMT website.
