City Plans to End Private Bikesharing

The Barcelona City Council will not renew licences for private bikesharing operators, effectively ending services from companies including Voi, Lime, and Bird on 1st January 2027. The decision, announced mid-year, follows concerns over user incivility and the impact on public space. Deputy Mayor for Mobility, Laia Bonet, stated the services are "massively tourist-oriented." As of 31st December 2026, 3,500 shared bicycles operated by seven companies will be removed from city streets.

Voi Pushes Back with Resident Focus

Swedish operator Voi is challenging the city’s stance, asserting that Barcelona is its "home" and that its priority is serving local residents. Despite the impending ban, Voi launched a new subscription model in September 2026 to boost local user numbers, aiming for 80% of its riders to be residents. According to platform data, Barcelonians already account for 42% of trips and use the bikes 2.5 times more frequently than visitors.

"Achieving a compliance rate of 99.9% demonstrates that micromobility can offer an orderly service that works in harmony with municipal regulations," said Fredrik Hjelm, CEO of Voi.

Intermodal Use and Compliance Claims

Voi argues its bikes play a key role in sustainable mobility, with over 60% of trips connecting to metro, Rodalies or bus stops. The company cites its geofencing and photographic verification systems as evidence of high compliance, claiming adherence to 99.9% of Barcelona’s parking rules.

City Stands Firm on Enforcement Data

Municipal sources maintain that non-compliance is systematic. Since January 2025, authorities have issued 7,195 fines and removed 2,683 bikes for obstructing public space. In July 2026 alone, 922 fines were issued, the highest monthly total since regulation began in early 2025. In August, 340 bikes were towed. Each of the 3,500 private bikes has been fined at least twice on average, and three out of four have been impounded at least once. The council requires all shared bikes to be locked to inverted U-shaped anchors, a rule Voi says it enforces digitally.

What This Means for Users

If no extension is granted, all private bikesharing services will cease operation in Barcelona from 1st January 2027. Residents will continue to have access to the city-run Bicing scheme, which will remain operational. Companies have sought support from opposition groups and held public events in Plaza de Sant Jaume to advocate for a revised mobility policy.

Sources: Metrópoli, barcelonapress.com.