Berlin, January 21 – The Leipzig-based company Nextbike has been ordered to remove 6,500 rental bicycles from Berlin. This decision was made by the Berlin-Brandenburg Higher Administrative Court on Wednesday, rejecting an urgent application filed by the company against an order from the Berlin Senate.
Nextbike Operating Without a Permit
The court’s decision means that Nextbike is temporarily prohibited from offering its bicycles for rent on public roads in Berlin. The court stated that the bikes, often found scattered or lying around, obstruct other road users.
Nextbike had initially entered into a contract with the State of Berlin and received temporary special use permits, as explained by the Higher Administrative Court. This contract expired on June 30, 2025. The parties involved were unable to agree on a continuation of the model.
Despite the expired contract, Nextbike continued its bicycle rental operations without applying for a new special use permit. Consequently, the Berlin Senate issued an order in July, demanding that Nextbike cease its bicycle rental service in Berlin and “immediately remove” the bicycles.
Court Upholds Previous Ruling
Nextbike challenged this order at the Berlin Administrative Court but was unsuccessful. The Higher Administrative Court has now confirmed this decision, declaring the ruling to be “final and unappealable.”
Impact on Nextbike and Berlin’s Cycling Infrastructure
This ruling has significant implications for Nextbike, which will now face the logistical challenge and cost of collecting thousands of bicycles. It also highlights the ongoing challenges of managing shared mobility services in urban environments and the importance of proper regulatory frameworks.
While Nextbike’s operations in Berlin are currently suspended, the broader issue of bicycle rental services and their integration into urban planning remains a topic of discussion in many German cities. The incident underscores the need for clear agreements and permits to ensure public order and safety.
Further details regarding the collection process and any potential future negotiations between Nextbike and the Berlin Senate are yet to be announced.
