Salzburg S-bike system averages more than 2,000 rentals a day

Salzburg’s S-bike rental system is averaging more than 2,000 electric-bike rentals a day, exceeding expectations, ORF reported on Sunday, citing the state transport department.

More than 165,000 trips were recorded from mid-August to the end of October, covering more than 535,000 kilometres. About 70 per cent of trips were made using the Klimaticket, a public transport pass. More than 600 bikes are now in operation.

Deputy Governor Wolfgang Mayer of the Austrian People’s Party said the figures showed S-bike was working as a flexible, climate-friendly complement to public transport. The state said the system’s integration with public transport and its role in covering the first and last parts of a journey had been well received.

The Salzburg Transport Association and the city are working to add stations across Salzburg from next year, increasing the network’s density. Another 350 bikes are also planned for 2027. Municipalities outside the city have expressed interest in the concept, and a sharing station at Salzburg’s main railway station is planned as soon as possible.