Dockless bikes can be found as well via an app. I use mobike in Berlin. They have a map in their app that you can use in the unlikely case there aren't multiple bikes in visual range.

Berlin has a ridiculous amount of competing bike share companies. Multiple companies put many thousands of them on the street. Docking is not an option at that scale.

The article seems to imply some inherent advantage of the docked variety that I just don't see. Also despite success and excellent safety numbers the article is calling for regulations. Why?

From my point of view, dockless is clearly winning in Berlin. Getting people moving is a good thing. Ensuring every steet corner has plenty of bikes means grabbing one is a no brainer.