The Abetxuko neighborhood has lost its Mugibike electric bike rental service station, a decision made by the Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council and the managing company. This measure is a direct consequence of the continuous acts of vandalism the station has endured in recent months, rendering its continued operation impossible at the original location.
This station, located on El Cristo Street, has recorded between 8 and 13 incidents monthly since its launch, a figure significantly higher than other installations in Vitoria-Gasteiz. A report details damages to bicycles, tampering with anchoring systems, graffiti, component thefts, and even an attempted robbery that was thwarted by security systems and staff intervention.
“"These are isolated incidents, but absolutely intolerable. We have tools to respond and we are doing so. We act when we detect problems, we protect the service and we make decisions to guarantee its continuity."
Each act of sabotage costs an estimated 45 to 65 euros, resulting in additional monthly costs of 360 to 845 euros for the concessionaire. Other incidents, such as electronic sabotage or successful thefts, exceed 1,500 euros. The City Council has affirmed that the Mugibike service has fulfilled its maintenance obligations, despite the obstacles posed by vandals.
The Abetxuko station will now be relocated to Renfe Square, in the center of Vitoria-Gasteiz. This relocation aligns with a strategic criterion to improve the service, as it is a key mobility hub that will better integrate the MugiBike system into the city's main travel flows and facilitate its use for daily commutes.
