Istanbul is getting a fresh micromobility option. hop says it has received a 10-year license from İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi and will launch shared e-bikes in the city starting May 2026. The company’s opening target is 1,000 e-bikes, with plans to grow the fleet during 2026.
This matters because Istanbul is not just testing bikes again. The city is rebuilding bike sharing around a license model, with clear criteria and a public framework. It is designed to scale, while staying controlled.
The headline details, in plain language
hop’s message is simple. A 10-year license is in hand. The first 1,000 e-bikes are planned for May 2026. Growth should follow through the year.
That puts a real date on something people have wanted for a while. A practical, assisted way to ride longer distances. Also, a better option for hills and mixed terrain.
hop also frames this as “multimodal” mobility. In other words, e-scooters plus e-bikes in one ecosystem, inside one app.
Why Istanbul’s new license approach changes the game
Istanbul’s bike-share plan is not an informal rollout. The city published an official application notice for “Paylaşımlı Bisiklet İşletmeciliği,” including requirements and timelines. It also states this is not a classic tender notice under State Tender Law 2886.
A few details from the city’s notice give you a feel for the structure:
- Operators must be a legal entity established under Turkish law, with an HQ or branch in Istanbul.
- They must be registered with a chamber of commerce and have a bike rental activity code that includes e-bikes.
- They must show specific ISO certifications.
- They must meet a minimum capital requirement listed in the notice.
- Applications were set for late 2025 through early 2026, and results were planned to be announced on 16 February 2026.
This kind of setup usually means fewer surprises. It also means stronger expectations on parking behavior, support, and ongoing operations.
Where the first e-bikes might show up
hop has not published a district map that I can confirm. It did say it plans to start in high-demand coastal areas, then expand based on data and user demand.
So, early coverage will likely focus on places where rides are frequent and straightforward. Think leisure routes, flatter corridors, and dense areas where a short trip replaces a car ride.
Still, I cannot confirm exact launch neighborhoods. That detail has not been formally published by hop in what I can verify.
What we still cannot confirm about the bikes
People will immediately search for the same things:
- Are the e-bikes dockless or station-based.
- What is the top assisted speed.
- How long does a charge last.
- What is the pricing. Unlock fee, per-minute fee, passes.
- Are helmets required.
- What are the parking rules and fines.
Right now, hop has not disclosed full technical specs for the e-bikes in its public statement.
There is also no confirmed public pricing table yet. When that arrives, it will likely be the biggest driver of adoption for commuters.
Istanbulkart integration is a big potential win
Here is one feature that could make a real difference. İstanbul’s transport unit has said the new shared bike system is planned to work with Istanbulkart. It also said licensed private companies would operate the system.
If this lands the way it is described, it lowers friction fast. Many residents already rely on Istanbulkart daily. That makes bike sharing feel like an extension of public transport, not a separate product to learn.
It also supports the “first mile and last mile” use case. Get to metro or ferry faster. Avoid short taxi rides. Save time in traffic.
Safety, parking, and the reality of street-level operations
Shared e-bikes are not just scooters with pedals. They are heavier. They can go farther. They may shift riding behavior toward longer trips.
That makes three things critical:
- Clear parking rules that keep sidewalks usable.
- Fast removal of badly parked or broken bikes.
- Consistent enforcement, so the rules actually work.
The other obvious topic is theft and vandalism. Riders worry about it, and operators plan around it.
If you are curious how theft trends can shift over time, this quick piece on ScooterPick is a useful reference point: moped theft in the Netherlands is at a 13-year low. It is a different market, but the theme is the same. Good enforcement and smart prevention can move the needle.
Competition is heating up in Istanbul micromobility
hop is not the only name in the mix. Separate reporting has also pointed to other operators receiving long-term approval to run shared e-bikes in Istanbul, including Tripy.
More operators can be great for riders. It usually means better coverage and more service pressure. It can also bring clutter if the city does not keep parking organized.
That is the tradeoff Istanbul needs to manage well.
What to watch between now and May 2026
If you want to track this story like a local, these are the practical checkpoints:
- Service area clarity. Which districts first, and why.
- Pricing transparency. Especially passes for frequent riders.
- Parking model. Station-based, hybrid, or fully dockless.
- App flow. Registration, payment options, support response time.
- Fleet quality. Brake feel, lighting, tire choice, maintenance cadence.
hop says it wants a reliable, high-quality service in year one, while scaling responsibly. That sounds good, but riders will judge it in the small moments. Can you find a bike quickly. Does it work. Can you end the ride without hassle.
If those basics are solid, shared e-bikes can become a real part of daily life in Istanbul. Not just a tourist thing, and not just weekend fun.
