A city bike scheme that quietly became part of everyday life: Zagreb's Bajs system has grown so fast that the Croatian capital is adding 1,000 bikes, 20 new docking stations and a fleet of redesigned bicycles just 14 months after launch.

The numbers are striking. In September 2025 the system recorded around 22,000 rentals in a month; by September 2026 that figure had hit almost 400,000 — an 18-fold jump. The city says roughly one in four Zagreb residents now uses Bajs at least occasionally, which is unusual penetration for a scheme this young.

Mayor Tomislav Tomašević and Deputy Mayor Danijela Dolenec presented the expansion, which boosts the existing fleet by 50 per cent. Most extra bikes will go to the busiest stations, while the 20 new locations will push the network deeper into neighbourhoods it doesn't yet reach.

The new-generation bikes bring practical upgrades: comfier seats that no longer spin unwantedly, better handlebars, protected cables and wiring, integrated phone holders and improved baskets for bags and shopping. Frames are built tougher for heavy daily use. Families get a boost too — bikes with child seats will double from 200 to 400.

There's also a cargo-bike pilot, launched during European Mobility Week, with four bikes available for hauling shopping or children. It clocked nearly 500 rentals in six weeks, so expect that to grow. Officials plan to keep refining the system roughly every six months based on user feedback.

For visitors, the practical bits are what matter most: Bajs runs 24/7, stations are deliberately placed near public transport lines, schools and dense residential areas, and at least 95 per cent of bikes must be operational at any time. Prices are refreshingly low — €0.50 for a ride up to 30 minutes, €5 for a monthly subscription or €30 for the year. You register, find bikes and manage rides via the Bajs Zagreb website or app.

Why should travellers care? Zagreb is increasingly a city people explore on foot and by bike rather than just passing through on the way to the coast, and €0.50 for a half-hour ride makes spontaneous two-wheeled sightseeing between the upper town, the main square and the parks an easy call. If you're staying a week or more, even the annual €30 subscription could pay off. The expansion also means better coverage outside the postcard centre, which is handy for reaching parts of the city most tourists skip.