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Budapest’s public bike-sharing scheme extended: more time to test new citywide pick-up points!
The pilot period of Budapest’s public bike-sharing system will continue for longer than planned, giving riders more time to test the new Mobi-points across the city.
Budapesti Közlekedési Központ (BKK), the capital’s transport authority, has announced that the trial will now run until 5 March, citing recent extreme weather that limited usage and prevented the collection of sufficient data.
During the extended period, users can continue cycling with their existing pilot passes. New passes can also be purchased, and pay-per-minute use remains available. Meanwhile, BKK is pressing ahead with preparations for the third generation of the Bubi system, with the new bikes expected to appear on the streets of Budapest by June at the latest.
Testing smarter urban mobility hubs
The pilot phase was launched in December 2025 following the retirement of Bubi’s second generation. Its aim is to study how users interact with the new Mobi-points in District VI.
These standardised urban micromobility hubs will play a central role in the next-generation system. They will allow riders to pick up and drop off bikes at many more locations than before, and will also support scooters and other shared micromobility devices.
BKK analyses usage data anonymously to better understand travel habits, optimise the network and prepare for the rollout of the upgraded service. However, harsh winter conditions in recent weeks reduced cycling activity, prompting the authority to extend the test period.
Still affordable to ride in Budapest
Cycling remains budget-friendly during the extended trial.
Existing pilot pass holders can use their subscriptions until the end of the test. New passes are available for HUF 500, providing 30 minutes of cycling with each rental and remaining valid through the pilot period, regardless of the purchase date. Per-minute pricing also continues.
For now, the system operates with a reduced fleet of around 1,000 bicycles. Even so, the goal remains unchanged: gather as much real-world experience as possible before the full launch.
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A bigger, more flexible Bubi is coming
BKK is working intensively on the next generation of the bike-sharing service and has already signed a contract with a new operating partner.
The upgraded system promises significant improvements, including a much larger and more flexible fleet made up entirely of new bikes. At launch, around 3,300 bicycles will be available — 2,500 standard models and 800 electric-assist bikes.
Over time, the fleet could expand to at least 5,000 bikes, with coverage stretching to major transport hubs beyond the current service area, including all metro stations. The addition of electric bikes is intended to attract a broader range of users, including those for whom cycling was previously not a practical option.
Future expansion plans include outer districts and key interchanges such as Örs vezér tere, Kőbánya-Kispest, Újpest-Városkapu, József Attila-lakótelep, Angyalföld, Zugló and Őrmező. Bikes will also be available directly at Mobi-points.
The new-generation Bubi is scheduled to launch no later than 22 June 2026, although BKK and its partner are exploring whether an earlier start is possible.
Until then, Budapest’s transport authority continues to encourage residents and visitors to use public transport and other sustainable shared mobility options across the capital.