Frías regulates the rental of electric bicycles for sustainable tourism

An ordinance designed for visitors and residents

The Plenary of the Frías City Council (Burgos), in an ordinary session held on July 11, 2026, approved the amendment of the regulatory agreement on conditions and public prices for the provision of the electric bicycle rental service. The text, published on Tuesday August 18, 2026 in the Official Bulletin of the Province of Burgos (No. 155), enters into force on the same day of its publication and will remain in force until its amendment or express repeal is agreed upon.

The regulation is part of the Garoña Tourism Sustainability Plan (PSTd Garoña), a territorial strategy seeking the economic, social and environmental improvement of the municipality and its surroundings. Frías, integrated into this plan, takes advantage of the improvement of connected natural trails to promote sustainable mobility alternatives to replace combustion vehicles, contributing to the reduction of emissions and noise.

The agreement was signed by the mayoress-president, Silvia Quintana Rosales, on July 15, 2026, and is based on articles 41 to 47 and 127 of the consolidated text of the Law Regulating Local Finances, approved by Royal Legislative Decree 2/2024, of March 5 (reference: BOPBUR-2026-03444).

Public rates for all users

The ordinance establishes a differentiated pricing system between individual users and groups, all with 21% VAT included:

• Individual users:
  • Half-day rental (5 hours): €12.00.
  • Full-day rental: €20.00.
• Groups (from 3 people):
  • Half day (5 hours): €10.00 per person.
  • Full day: €15.00 per person.

In addition, each user must pay a deposit of €30.00 per bicycle, which is refunded after verifying the correct condition of the equipment. In case of return outside the scheduled time, an additional charge of €6 per hour of delay will apply.

Reservation and conditions of use

Reservations are made exclusively through the digital platform www.burgosruralmarket.es, hosted on the city council website. The process includes selecting the day, size and number of bicycles, registering personal data and accepting a contract, followed by electronic payment. Cancellations with the right to a refund are not accepted, except for causes attributable to the city council or the managing entity.

Reservation time slots are from Monday to Sunday, in two periods: from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The reservation and contracting of the service may only be carried out by adults, although minors may use the bicycles under adult supervision. The service is for individual use, and shared use of bicycles is prohibited.

Likewise, the city council will provide a premises for storing and charging the bicycles, as well as staff for delivery and return. The helmet and reflective vest, mandatory in low-visibility conditions, will be provided together with the bicycle.

Penalty regime

The ordinance classifies minor, serious, and very serious infractions, with the following fines:

• Minor infractions: fine of €30.00 to €750.00 (for example, parking the bicycle outside designated areas or failing to report changes to personal data).
• Serious infractions: fine of €751.00 to €1,500.00 (lending the bicycle to third parties, failing to comply with traffic rules, or causing damage through improper use).
• Very serious infractions: fine of €1,501.00 to €3,000.00 (use for profit, serious deterioration of the facilities, abandonment or unjustified loss of the bicycle, or failure to report the theft within the deadline).

Damage caused by misuse will not be covered by the city council. The maximum repair cost at a workshop will be €20.00 per hour, and parts not covered by warranty will be charged at cost price. Users must report any theft or robbery within a maximum of four hours to the Civil Guard or Local Police, and submit a copy of the report to the city council within a maximum of 10 hours.

A boost for rural tourism

With this regulation, the Frías City Council takes another step toward consolidating a sustainable tourism model linked to the natural environment of the region. Integration into the Garoña Tourism Sustainability Plan provides the municipality with a reference framework that connects green mobility, improvement of natural trails, and local economic development. The rental of electric bicycles is presented as a tool to attract visitors seeking responsible rural tourism experiences, without sacrificing comfort or environmental sustainability. The launch of the service will help diversify the municipality’s tourism offering and boost local commerce and hospitality, while promoting a more respectful relationship with the landscape and natural resources of the Ebro Valley as it passes through Burgos.

Source: Official Gazette of the Province of Burgos, No. 155, August 18, 2026, Section III. Local Administration (official reference: BOPBUR-2026-03444).