How it works
1. Sign up for free
APP
Get the nextbike app or VAG mobil app and register via smartphone.
APP
Get the nextbike app or VAG mobil app and register via smartphone.
Verify your account
The registration is free of charge. Before renting your first bike, we need to verify your payment method. You will be required to deposit a credit of 1 € which can be used in all fare types. You can change your preferred payment method at any time. 1€ will be debitted for verification with every change.
Payment with credit card, direct debit or PayPal*.
* Your PayPal account needs to be verified. Learn more.
Signed up once you can use all nextbike affiliated bike sharing schemes in more than 200 cities worldwide.
2. Rent & Return
Quick. Simple. Flexible.
RENT A BIKE
Scan the QR-code with the app. You can also rent bikes by calling our hotline: +49 (0) 221 29203390. The lock opens automatically so never rent a bike from afar.
PARK A BIKE
You can park your bike without stopping the rental. Activate the park mode in your app and close the lock afterwards. Simply deactivate it again to continue your ride. The lock opens automatically. Therefore do not deactivate the park mode from afar.
RETURN A BIKE
Return your bike at any official station or within the flex zone of Cologne. Close the lock by pressing down the lever. Refresh your app to make sure the rental has been stopped. Check the return options for information on where you can return your bike.
RENT A BIKE
Tap your VRS chip card at the rear of the bike. The lock opens automatically. The account must be linked to the chip card beforehand by selecting a partner in the account.
PARK A BIKE
You can park your bike without stopping the rental. Activate the park mode in your app and close the lock afterwards. Simply deactivate it again to continue your ride. The lock opens automatically. Therefore do not deactivate the park mode from afar.
RETURN A BIKE
Return your bike at any official station or within the flex zone of Cologne. Close the lock by pressing down the lever. Refresh your app to make sure the rental has been stopped. Check the return options for information on where you can return your bike.
Return Options
Return your bike at no extra charge in any blue street / flexzone or at a KVB-Rad station. For a 1€ - surcharge you can return the bike within the pink flexzone.
The return away from these options as well as on private property or in parks / green areas is generally prohibited. There is an automatic 20€ charge for this.
Tip: If the light at the rear of the bike flashes green during the rental, you can return the bike there (but not on private property or in parks). If it flashes red, you are outside the flexzone, where the bike may not be returned.
RESERVATION
You want to make sure that your desired bike will still be available in 15 minutes? Reserve it free of charge for up to 15 minutes before your ride. Simply activate the corresponding function in the app.
VRS CHIP CARD
Link your VRS chip card in your customer account under Partners by entering your chip card number and your age. Now verify your chip card once by using it as a rental medium at least for the first rental. You will then be able to cycle at a reduced rate for this and subsequent rentals.
1 ACCOUNT = 4 BIKES
You can rent up to four bikes at the same time using one account. Special rates and offers only apply to the first bike, additional bikes are charged at the standard rate.
You can rent bikes in Cologne and pretty much any other nextbike-affiliated system worldwide.
Get the nextbike app...
Get the nextbike app...
Get the nextbike app...
...or get the KVB app
...or get the KVB app
...or get the KVB app