MOL Bubi bike – Very own bike sharing service of Budapest
MOL Bubi bike – Very own bike sharing service of Budapest
Want to take on Budapest by bike? Read on to explore the opportunities offered by the city’s most popular bike sharing service, MOL Bubi.
Cities from all around the world have been striving to make their public transport system environmentally greener for years, and Budapest is no exception. In addition to introducing more and more electric vehicles to the fleet of the capital’s public transportation service (BKK), alternative means of transport such as bikes and scooters have also become widely popular in the city. In this article, we’re going to talk about the rebirth of Budapest’s app-driven public bike sharing system, the greenest means of public transport, the MOL Bubi.
MOL Bubi begins
Operated by BKK (Budapesti Közlekedési Központ – Budapest Transport Centre) and sponsored by Hungarian oil and gas giant MOL Hungary, MOL Bubi is here to make Budapest’s public transport greener, healthier, and certainly more enjoyable. All cards on the table, MOL Bubi, the bike sharing system had already made its debut a few years ago, although the service wasn’t met with huge success back in the day. Unfortunately, both the bicycles and the app were heavily criticized, and the pricing system and terms of use weren’t fully developed either (a hefty deposit was required of the user-to-be, for example). No wonder that competing businesses arisen time to time on the market of public bike sharing system.
MOL Bubi rises
However, in early 2021, it all turned better. To help the commuters of Budapest stay away from crowded vehicles during the pandemic in 2020, MOL Bubi decided to make its service available to people more easily and with much better terms, while also reducing the cost of bike rental for as little as 500 forints (approximately 1,25 EUR) per month, provided you don’t ride longer than 30 minutes per rental. If you did, any extra minute would cost another 30 forints (0.08 cents), but if you wanted to avoid having to pay extra per minute, you could drop off the bike and pick it up again at any time.
Obviously, this move became extremely popular among Budapesters, who started riding Bubis in numbers never seen before. This eventually encouraged the company to look into its possibilities, and boy, were they right to do it!
Today, MOL Bubi awaits users with an easy-to-use app, a more-than-friendly monthly cost, and completely redesigned bicycles. Let’s see the details!
How to sign up for MOL Bubi bike sharing
Becoming an eco-friendly MOL Bubi user is easy – all you need to do is download the app from Google Play or the App Store, then follow the required steps:
- First, you’re asked if you allow MOL Bubi to use your location. It’s not a must, but it’s recommended so you can instantly see the available bikes in your vicinity on the map.
- On the home page, tap register, then accept the terms and conditions and the privacy policy.
- Enter your phone number and tap Register.
- You’ll receive a PIN via text message. Enter it, then tap Complete Registration. Please note that you’ll need this PIN for signing in on different devices in the future, so be sure to memorize it. Alternatively, you can also change it in your account settings.
- Now you’re able to see all the bikes on the map. However, to pick up a bike, you’ll need to activate your account. Tap the Activate Account button, expand the Profile Fields section, and fill in all the required details. Then, expand the Unlock Options section and tap MOL Bubi fare products.
- Here you’re asked to enter your debit card details. As soon as you register your debit card, a monthly cost of 500 Hungarian forints (HUF) (approximately €1.5 – yes, you’ve read that right, too) is deducted from your account, and you’re ready to ride!
Watch MOL Bubi’s explainer video (English subtitles available) to familiarize yourself with the sign-up and renting process of bike sharing.
The cost of MOL Bubi
As mentioned above, the monthly cost of MOL Bubi bike sharing is as little as 500 forints (approximately €1.25), which gives you an unlimited number of free rides under 30 minutes per ride. What happens if you go above 30 minutes, you ask? Basically, you’ll be charged 30 forints (0.08 cents) per minute until you return your bike, but you do have the option to finish your ride before that and unlock another bike to avoid the extra fee. It may feel like cheating, but it’s totally allowed by the app.
What we recommend is, if you’re close enough to your destination, don’t worry about the extra cost, as even 10 more minutes of pedaling will only set you back 300 forints (75 euro cents). But if you’re planning to take on the city by bike, it’s worth planning your day so you finish your rides between your stops before you hit the 30-minute mark.
How to use MOL Bubi
Once you’ve activated your account, you’re ready to ride. Read on to learn how to unlock, park, and return Bubi bikes.
Unlocking a bike
You can either check the map on the app’s home page to see the available bikes that are closest to your location, or simply lock an available bike if you happen to walk past a MOL Bubi docking station while out and about.
Click here for a full view of MOL Bubi docking stations and available Bubi bikes in Budapest.
To unlock a bike, just tap the Rent Bike button on the app’s homepage and scan the QR code located on the back of the bike. As soon as the smart lock opens, you’re good to go. Don’t forget to adjust the saddle height if necessary, and the handlebar has a handy phone holder, too.
Finishing a ride
It’s important to note that you can only return your bike at MOL Bubi docking stations, so if you want to be on the safe side, check the map for docking stations near your destination before hitting the road. Once you’ve arrived at a docking station, push the bike into the dock (there’s small disc on the left side of the center of the front wheel which can be slid right into the slot on the right side of the docks), and manually push the lever underneath the saddle all the way down until it clicks. You’ll hear a beep and receive a notification on your phone, confirming that you’ve successfully returned the bike.
However, beware that if you lock your bike outside a MOL Bubi docking station, you’ll be charged a 5000 HUF (€13) “Bike Collection Surcharge”.
Want to take a break?
However, you do have the option to park your bike if you need to temporarily interrupt your ride, but keep in mind that it will be calculated into the duration of your ride. To park your bike, first select the Park option in the app, then push the lock down like you would when returning the bike. You’ll hear a beep confirming that the parking was successful. If you want to continue your ride, just tap Open Lock in the app, and you’re good to go.
Biking in Budapest in general
After decades of criticism, Budapest’s bike road network has undergone major improvements in the past few years. Although there’s still room for improvement, most of the capital’s main traffic routes are now complete with bikeways (sometimes physically separated, but mostly on-road lanes marked with painted signs), which caused an unprecedented increase in bicycle traffic in the city. One of the biggest change in Budapest’s cycling infrastructure was the addition of bike lanes to the Grand Boulevard (Nagykörút), which commuting bikers had long been petitioning for in the past. As a result of this, the whole of the inner city has become quickly and easily accessible by bike, much to the joy of sporty, environmentally-conscious locals and tourists.
And if you’re looking to do some sightseeing on the saddle, we have an awesome article for you which you can use to explore Budapest while pedaling away. Get familiar with the best biking trips in the city.
Pro tip: Margaret Island is perfect for a nice bike ride.
FAQ
What is MOL Bubi?
MOL Bubi is Budapest’s very own bike sharing service that provides residents and visitors with an easy and convenient way to explore the city. Launched in 2014, it allows users to rent MOL Bubi bikes from various stations scattered throughout the city. With an emphasis on promoting cycling as a sustainable and eco-friendly transportation option, MOL Bubi is considered one of the greenest means of public transport in Budapest.
How does the MOL Bubi bike sharing system work?
The MOL Bubi bike sharing system operates through a network of stations where users can easily pick up a bike and return it at any other station within the network. To use the service, you can either register online or download the MOL Bubi app, which allows you to locate nearby stations, check bike availability, and manage your rentals. Simply use the QR code scanner to unlock the bike and start your journey!
How do I download the MOL Bubi app?
You can download the MOL Bubi app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Simply search for “MOL Bubi” and follow the prompts to install it on your mobile device. The app is user-friendly and provides all the necessary features to help you navigate the public bike-sharing system efficiently.
What are the benefits of using MOL Bubi bikes?
Using MOL Bubi bikes offers numerous benefits, including fast and convenient mobility within the city, cost-effectiveness compared to other forms of public transport, and the opportunity to contribute to a more environmentally friendly way of commuting. Cycling not only helps reduce traffic congestion but also promotes a healthier lifestyle.
How do I pick up a bike using the MOL Bubi bike sharing system?
To pick up a bike, you can either visit a station and look for an available bike or use the MOL Bubi app to check for availability. Once you find a bike, simply use the QR code scanner on the app to scan the QR code on the bike’s lock and the smart lock will automatically open. Once the lock is released, you can take the bike and start your ride. Make sure to check the brakes and tires before setting off. Your rental time begins immediately after unlocking, so you’re ready to go! Use MOL Bubi bike sharing system when you visit Budapest!
