Bicycle-friendly cities in Germany: Where e-biking is especially fun

Whether it's the climate crisis, particulate matter pollution, or inner-city traffic gridlock – the challenges of our time demand new solutions. And one of these is already rolling through many streets: the bicycle – assisted by the electric motor of the e-bike. More and more people are switching, relieving pressure on cities, improving their health, and rediscovering their surroundings. But how bike-friendly are our cities really? And what needs to happen to ensure that even more people get on their bikes safely and happily?

Von Isatou Schulz | 4 minutes read time

Fahrradfreundliche Städte in Deutschland

About the author Isatou Schulz

Growing up in the bicycle city of Münster (Germany), Isatou developed a deep passion for bicycles from an early age, which has been an integral part of her life ever since. This enthusiasm accompanies her every day and is now reflected in her job. Her extensive expertise in the field of bicycles and e-bikes makes her the ideal contact for anyone who values quality and innovation. Isatou combines her personal passion with professional know-how and is committed to making the world of cycling more accessible and exciting for others.

Published: June 18, 2025 | Updated: July 31, 2025

What makes a city bike-friendly?

Before we get into the list, it is worth taking a look at the criteria that make a city attractive for cyclists:

Infrastructure: Wide, continuous cycle paths, safe parking facilities and good signage are essential.
Safety: Low accident rates and respectful interaction in road traffic.
Funding: Municipal initiatives, subsidies for cycling or e-bike use.
Networking: Connection to local transport, route planning via app, travel on buses and trains.
Quality of life: Green routes, little car traffic and quiet back roads make cycling more pleasant.

The top 6 most bicycle-friendly cities in Germany

1. Münster – The classic in the bicycle saddle

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

E-bike tip: Round trips on the “100 Castles Route” in Münsterland are a pleasure with 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 bike 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 to one of the local mountains like the Schauinsland – altitude is no problem thanks to the motor.

3. Karlsruhe – Pioneer in cycling strategy

Karlsruhe impresses with its consistent cycling planning. The city boasts a dense network of cycle paths, cycle superhighways, and a welcoming attitude toward cargo bikes and e-bikes. Particularly commendable: many intersections have been redesigned to improve cyclist safety.

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

4. Bremen – Compact, urban, bike-friendly

Bremen demonstrates that even larger cities can become cycling cities with genuine commitment. Bicycle streets, spacious parking facilities, and a city-wide bicycle 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 ride to Blockland, the green recreation area in the northwest of the city, shows how close nature and the city are to each other in Bremen.

5. Leipzig – Cycling on the rise

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

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

6. Berlin – Lots of potential, strong initiatives

Germany's capital lagged behind for a long time, but is now catching up. The "Berlin 2030 Cycling Plan" and the "cycle street axes" concept are currently initiating major changes. 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 metropolises mentioned above, there are also smaller cities that are becoming true gems 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 green spaces.
Regensburg, which is constantly investing in new cycle paths.

Why e-bikes are the ideal addition

E-bikes unfold their full potential especially in bicycle-friendly cities:

Longer distances suddenly become suitable for everyday use – for example, the 10-15 kilometer commute to work.
Topography becomes irrelevant: hills or bridges no longer represent an obstacle.
Transporting loads is becoming easier – for example with an e-cargo bike for the weekly shopping.
Commuting and leisure time merge: Those who live in a bicycle-friendly city can leave their cars or public transport at home more often.

Individual cities support the purchase of e-bikes through subsidy programs or provide e-bike-friendly infrastructure: secure parking facilities, charging stations, cargo bike rental systems, or traffic light priority systems.

Conclusion: Germany is becoming more bicycle-friendly – and the e-bike benefits

Germany has the opportunity to redesign its cityscape—more people-friendly, more climate-conscious, and healthier. The technology is there. People are ready. The first cities are leading the way. What's 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.

Anyone living in or visiting a bike-friendly city can travel comfortably, quickly, and sustainably with an e-bike. Whether on the way to work, on a weekend trip, or on a sightseeing tour: the e-bike must be more than just an alternative in cities – it is the means of transportation of the future.