Velocity stops e-bike rental in Parkstad and Aachen region

On Friday, July 18, the e-bike sharing system Velocity stopped in the Aachen and Parkstad region. In Kerkrade too, this means the end of the electric share bikes in several locations in the city. 

The German organization Velocity Region Aachen GmbH has worked hard with the city of Aachen to keep the cross-border system running. Now that the grant period has ended, the system is being discontinued for good.

Alderman Vinken (mobility): "It is unfortunate that Velocity is stopping now. We strongly believe in smart, sustainable ways of transportation within our region. The cooperation with Aachen and the other Parkstad municipalities was innovative and valuable. Even without Velocity, we remain committed to better, cleaner and accessible mobility for our residents."

Background of Velocity

Velocity began in 2014 as a student initiative at RWTH University in Aachen. The system grew into a large network of electric share bikes in the region. Since 2022, thanks to European subsidies and support from the Region Deal Parkstad Limburg, 20 sharing stations were also added in Parkstad, in addition to the 2 existing ones in Vaals and Kerkrade. In total, there are now 32 stations in Parkstad, in places such as business parks, schools and public transport hubs.

Financial problems

In April 2024, Velocity's parent company ran into financial difficulties. Attempts were made to keep the system afloat and find new investors, but to no avail. Subsidies from the city of Aachen expired in mid-2025. Therefore, a new tender was launched for a successor rental system. That procedure has not yet been completed.

What does this mean for users?

As of Friday, July 18, it is no longer possible to use the Velocity bikes. Maintenance and repairs have also already stopped. What will happen to the bikes and charging stations is not yet clear. That depends on the bankruptcy process in Germany and whether a new provider wants to take over the infrastructure.

Looking to the future

The partners involved continue to believe in a sustainable and cross-border mobility system for commuters and recreational use. For now, there is no alternative, and it remains to be seen what the new tender yields.

Meanwhile, as Parkstad, we are actively looking at new opportunities to continue to encourage shared mobility. In doing so, we believe it is important that residents who depend on this type of transportation can also continue to rely on appropriate, accessible mobility solutions in the future.