Deutsche Bahn introduces folding bike subscription service

German transportation and logistics business Deutsche Bahn is collaborating with foldable bike manufacturer Brompton Bicycle to create a new sort of membership. Subscribers can rent a foldable bike for €41 per month and use it for free to go on buses and trains. The Brompton bikes fold up, making them easy to bring on public transportation. However, they still weigh around the same as a typical bike.

The monthly subscription includes delivery within Germany, insurance and a comprehensive service check after six months. The subscription is purchased via Brompton and lasts for twelve months. Customers can then keep the folding bike and either extend their subscription or buy a new Brompton folding bike at a reduced price.

With the subscription, Deutsche Bahn is looking to promote the combo of bicycles and trains. As part of a pilot project, DB and Brompton have already tested the folding bike subscription on the Stuttgart S-Bahn for twelve months. The response was overwhelmingly positive, according to the two companies.

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