Free inclusive bike rentals in northern Germany

Lastenrad für Buchholz & Dein Deichrad

Lastenrad für Buchholz and Dein Deichrad are similar initiatives in northern Germany that offer free access to a wide range of cargo bikes, cargo trailers, specialty bikes, and bike accessories for everyone. These initiatives provide various types of cargo bikes, including electric models, to promote sustainable mobility for all.

Service Provided

Both initiatives offer a wide variety of bikes for up to three days for rent. Among the most attractive and special bike options are the Van Raam VeloPlus and VeloPlus3, specialized cargo bikes designed for transporting disabled users in their wheelchairs. They are innovative as they are equipped with an electric drive, including features for easy starting and maneuvering.

Intended Users

The target group for both Lastenrad and Dein Deichrad includes individuals who wish to use a shared cargo bike, such as parents with strollers, baby carriages, or small children, and wheelchair users accompanied by an able-bodied companion. A variety of cargo bikes are available, each tailored to different purposes and users, ensuring that everyone—from families to those with mobility challenges—can benefit from these sustainable transportation options.

Benefits

The programs enhance access to cargo bike services in the area, making it easier for people with physical disabilities, elders who can still ride a bike, as well as families to benefit from this sustainable transportation option. By allowing locals to use their homes as rental stations, Heidschnucke ensures personal contact rather than relying on an anonymous app. Both initiatives combine ecological and social aspects by offering all citizens an environmentally friendly alternative to cars. The electric motor-assisted cargo bikes make it convenient to transport multiple children, shopping, or larger purchases, while also significantly extending the range of movement to 10-20 km.

Service Details

Both initiatives have a similar offer of a free on-demand rental service for cargo bikes. To utilize the service, users must register on the website, browse the available items, and select their desired “Pick-up date” and “Return date” from the booking calendar. Rentals are available for up to three consecutive days, with a maximum of 1-2 bookings per month encouraged for fairness. Once reserved, the chosen bike is picked up at the designated hire station on the specified date, used, and returned. Users can cancel if needed, as availability may vary over time.

Financial Details

The services are financed through donations and membership fees and are free of charge to users. To finance the running costs for care, maintenance, insurance, and minor repairs, the project relies on donations totaling around EUR 3,000 per year. The project for Buchholz is funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety and has so far received further financial support from various organizations and individuals. The bikes of Dein Deichrad cost around 10,000 EUR which were all financed by donations.

Users Experience

"We were able to pick up the cargo bike at the Radcafé on May 30, 2023 and use this opportunity to get to know not only the cargo bike and an Urban Arrow Family, but also the Radcafé. The Radcafé is very cozy, with delicious hot and cold drinks as well as homemade cakes and desserts - yummie!"

Family Weingart (refering to Lastenrad in Buchholz)

About the Service Providers

"Heidschnucke - Lastenrad für Buchholz" is a project financed by donations from the non-profit organisation Buchholz fährt Rad e.V.

The non-profit organization "Dein Deichrad e.V.", founded in 2017, finances cargo bikes and makes them available to citizens to borrow free of charge.

Both organisations are committed to resource-conserving and environmentally friendly mobility in the interests of environmental protection, as well as promoting the idea of sharing instead of owning.