Arrecife is preparing to launch a public electric bike rental system. The capital’s Town Hall, led by Mayor Yonathan de León, has already begun installing nine charging stations distributed throughout various locations in the city.
The new service aims to provide a non-polluting and quiet transport alternative, complementing urban buses, with the goal of reducing reliance on private vehicles for travel within the capital. According to the Transport and Mobility Department, headed by Mario González, Arrecife is well-suited for bicycle use: it is a flat municipality located at sea level, with short distances between neighbourhoods, as stated by the Town Hall.
The Town Hall has published the official tender for drafting the new regulations that will govern the service on the Public Sector Contracting Platform. This document will establish the fiscal, usage, and operational criteria for the electric bike system and will set the legal framework for its implementation.
The announcement was made on 27 August, with interested businesses or professionals having until 12 September 2025 at 14:00 to submit their proposals. Through this tender, the Town Hall aims to ensure that the implementation of the service is guided by regulations tailored to the city’s needs and guarantees its long-term viability.
Councillor Mario González highlighted that this new system will help reduce motor traffic, improve air quality, and decrease noise pollution in the capital. Moreover, as electric bikes are involved, the range of potential users is broadened, removing barriers related to physical exertion or age.
European Funding
Among the advantages noted, the Mobility Department emphasises that the initiative will promote healthier lifestyles and contribute to the cohesion of neighbourhoods by facilitating short trips. It also aims to strengthen Arrecife’s image as a city committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The acquisition of the bicycles and part of the infrastructure is funded by the European Union. The Town Hall has purchased approximately 60 pedal-assist units through a public competition as part of the second call of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, financed by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.
Simultaneously, the construction of the nine charging stations is nearing completion, strategically located to ease connections with pedestrian areas and urban bus stops. One of the first stations is already operational near El Reducto beach, a recently pedestrianised area.
This week, the Mayor and Councillor visited one of the stations, marking the start of the project’s final phase. Once the regulations are approved and the installation is completed, the Town Hall anticipates launching the service in the coming months.
With this system, Arrecife becomes the first municipality in Lanzarote to implement a public electric bike service.
