This is how you rent an electric rental scooter in Berlin

For several years now, tourists have been able to use a rental scooter in Berlin. Download an app, scan the QR code on the vehicle and you are ready for the ride. This way, you ride at your own pace to various highlights, such as the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie.

Find out how it works, what the rules are and what you pay for it here.

Table of Contents

The rules for using an e-scooter in Berlin

As a driver of a rental scooter in Berlin, you follow the same rules as cyclists. In addition, you should take the following into account:

The minimum age for riding an e-scooter is 14 years;
Possession of a driving licence is not compulsory;
A speed limit of 20 km/h applies in the whole of Germany;
It is forbidden to drive on a footpath, or through areas designated for pedestrians;
You should use the cycle path or the public road;
The use of a helmet is not compulsory but recommended;
You cannot ride an e-scooter with more than one person;
It is not allowed to ride an e-scooter under the influence of alcohol;
It is forbidden to park an e-scooter on the pavement near the Holocaust memorial and Pariser Platz.

Note that breaking one or more rules can result in a hefty fine.

This is how to use a rental scooter as a tourist

There are several scooter providers operating in Berlin. You can find the vehicles of these providers on the street and activate them using an app. This works as follows:

how to rent an e-scooter in berlin

Download app

Download the mobile app of one of the active providers in Berlin. Check which providers are active below.

Create account

Create an account and link a payment method. Most providers accept payments via credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Share scooter search

See in the app where the nearest scooter is located.

Unlock share scooter

Unlock the scooter by scanning the QR-code on the handlebar via the app.

Close ride

At the end of the ride, park the vehicle in the designated zone. End the ride via the app and you will receive a statement of the charges incurred.

These shared-scooter providers operate in Berlin

The five largest providers in Berlin are Bird, Bolt, Lime, Tier and Voi. All providers have their own app and charge their own fees:

Bird

Cost: £0.86 for unlocking and £0.13 per minute for using it

Bolt

Cost: no charge for unlocking and £0.043 per minute for using it

Lime

Cost: £0.86 for unlocking and £0.13 per minute for using it

Tier

Cost: £0.86 for unlocking and £0.13 per minute for using it

Voi

Cost: £0.86 for unlocking and £0.13 per minute for using it

Benefit from free rides

Several providers allow drivers to avail of free rides. In the mobile app, you will find referral codes that you can share with others. Going to Berlin with a group of friends? Then take advantage of free credit in the following way:

Example: Tier app

looking for your own e-scooter?

Check out our selection of the best e-scooters of 2023.