Germany's bicycle-friendly cities: E-bike paradises

Whether it's the climate crisis, particle pollution or the collapse of inner-city traffic, the challenges of our time require new solutions. One of them is already on many streets: cycling - powered by the electric motor of an e-bike. More and more people are making the switch to relieve the burden on their cities, improve their health and experience their surroundings in new ways.

What makes a city bike-friendly?

Before we get into the list, it’s worth looking at the criteria that make a city attractive for cyclists:

Infrastructure: wide, continuous bike lanes, secure parking facilities and good signage are essential.

Safety: low accident rates, respectful interaction in road traffic.

Funding: municipal initiatives, subsidies for bicycle or e-bike use.

Connectivity: connection to local transport, route planning via apps, buses and trains.

Quality of life: green routes, low traffic and quiet paths make cycling more pleasant.

The Top 6 Most Bicycle-Friendly Cities in Germany

1. Munster – The Classic in the Saddle

Munster is considered Germany's bicycle city. The modal split (the proportion of journeys made by bicycle) here is over 40%. A continuous network of cycle paths, the famous "Promenade" as a car-free ring road around the old town, and numerous parking options make Munster a model city.

E-bike tip: Tours on the "100 Castles Route" in Munsterland are a pleasure on an e-bike – flat, green, and culturally exciting.

2. Freiburg – Sustainable Mobility in the Green City

Freiburg im Breisgau has developed into a model green city in recent years. The share of bicycle traffic is around 35%, and new districts like Vauban have been planned as completely car-free. Wide cycle lanes, continuous routes into the surrounding area, and the proximity to the Black Forest make Freiburg particularly attractive for e-bikers.

E-bike tip: Ride your e-bike from the city center to the vineyards or up one of the local mountains like the Schauinsland – elevation gain is no problem thanks to the motor.

3. Karlsruhe – Pioneer in Cycling Strategy

Karlsruhe impresses with its consistent cycling planning. The city has a dense network of cycle paths, cycle superhighways, and an open attitude toward cargo bikes and pedelecs. Particularly commendable: Many intersections have been redesigned to improve cyclist safety.

E-bike tip: The Rhine Valley Cycle Path runs south from Karlsruhe – perfect for a longer e-bike tour through the Upper Rhine Plain.

4. Bremen – Compact, urban, bike-friendly

Bremen shows that even larger cities can become cycling cities with genuine commitment. Bicycle streets, spacious parking facilities, and a city-wide cycling zone (the "Wallring Route") ensure pleasant cycling. Bremen is also well-equipped for e-bikes: There are numerous charging stations in public spaces.

E-bike tip: A trip to Blockland, the green recreational area in the northwest of the city, shows how close nature and the city are in Bremen.

5. Leipzig – Cycling on the Rise

Leipzig has invested heavily in recent years. New fast cycle routes, wider paths, and bike-friendly traffic lights are making cycling in the up-and-coming city increasingly attractive. The share of cycling is steadily growing – a good sign for sustainable mobility.

E-bike tip: Leipzig's New Lake District in the south of the city is best explored by e-bike – ideal for relaxing day trips.

6. Berlin – Plenty of Potential, Strong Initiatives

Germany's capital lagged behind for a long time, but is now catching up. With the "Berlin 2030 Cycling Plan" and the "Cycle Street Axes" concept, major changes are currently being initiated. Berlin is particularly exciting for e-bikers: long distances can be covered effortlessly, and new charging infrastructure is being developed.

E-bike tip: Along the Berlin Wall Cycle Route, you can ideally combine city history and exercise.

Other cities on the rise

In addition to the mentioned metropolises, there are also smaller cities that are developing into real pearls for cyclists:

Oldenburg, with its extremely high proportion of bicycle traffic and short distances.

Potsdam, which benefits from its proximity to Berlin and its abundance of greenery.

Regensburg, which is constantly investing in new cycle paths.

Why e-bikes are the ideal addition

Especially in bicycle-friendly cities, e-bikes realize their full potential:

Longer distances suddenly become suitable for everyday use, such as commuting distances of 10-15 kilometers.

The terrain becomes irrelevant: hills or bridges are no longer obstacles.

Goods transport becomes easier - for example, with an e-cargo bike for the weekly shopping.

Combining commuting and leisure: If you live in a bicycle-friendly city, you can leave your car or public transport at home more often.

Cities support the purchase of e-bikes with subsidy schemes or provide e-bike-friendly infrastructure: secure parking facilities, charging stations, cargo bike rental systems or traffic light priority circuits.

Germany is becoming increasingly bicycle-friendly - and the benefits of e-bikes

Germany has the opportunity to redesign its urban landscape - more humane, more environmentally friendly and healthier. The technology is there. The people are ready. The first cities are leading the way. What is missing is the political will to consistently change course. One thing is certain: a city that takes cycling seriously is a city where everyone lives better.

If you live in or visit a city that is suitable for cycling, you can travel on an e-bike particularly comfortably, quickly and sustainably. Whether on your way to work, on a weekend trip or on a sightseeing tour: the e-bike has long been not just an alternative in the city, but the means of transport of the future.