Paris offers a unique biking experience with its wide, tree-lined streets and numerous bike lanes. Renting a bike in Paris is a convenient, affordable and eco-friendly way to explore the city.
There are various bike rental companies in the city, offering day passes, weekly or monthly rentals, and Vélib' passes for those planning to bike frequently, which can save money on bike rentals.
However, it is essential to be cautious of traffic, weather, and bike security. By exploring the city on two wheels, you can enjoy the city's eco-friendliness and stay active while exploring at your own pace.
In this article, you learn how this system works, what kind of bicycles you can find, and other useful information about renting a bike in Paris.
Enjoy your adventure in the City of Lights. Let's start exploring!
1. Parisian City Bike App Vélib
Vélib is derived from two words, Vélo (bike) and Libérté (freedom).
Renting a bike in Paris is a great way to explore the city at your own pace. There are several different bike rental companies in Paris, but the most popular is Vélib' Métropole. Vélib' has over 20,000 bikes available at over 1,400 docking stations throughout the city.
To rent a Vélib bike, you can either download the Vélib app or go to a Vélib self-service kiosk. You will need to create an account and pay a refundable deposit. Once you have created an account, you can rent a bike for as little as €1.70. Also, the first 30 minutes are free.
Vélib's bikes are equipped with a number of features that make them easy to use, including a built-in lock, a basket, and a headlight. You can also use the Vélib app to track your bike's location and see how much time you have left on your rental.
Blue color electric bikes make up 35% of Vélib. They run the slowest at level 1 when first started. Then you can increase the speed to 2 and 3 on the keypad.
The system is extremely easy, as you don't even have to return your bike to the station where you rented it. You can go where you want and leave it at any station you would like. There is a docking point every 300 meters in Paris.
Renting a bike in Paris is a great way to see the city and get some exercise. It's also a very affordable option, especially if you're only planning on using the bike for a short period of time
- You can find the current rates on the official website of Vélib.
What Should I Know About Vélib?
Here are some additional tips for renting a bike in Paris:
- Download the Vélib app before you go. This will make it easy to find a bike and track your rental.
- Always use the bikes on designated roads. Cycling on the pavement is prohibited. You can only use the bus route when there is no bicycle path.
- When you park the bike properly you will get green light, indicating that you parked correctly. After leaving, enter the code on your card at the kiosk and check for "bike left in place."
- Make sure you have a valid credit or debit card. You will need this to pay for your rental and for the refundable deposit.
- Be aware of the time limits. You will be charged an additional fee if you exceed the 30-minute limit.
- Return your bike to a docking station when you're finished. This will help to keep the city's bike lanes clear.
How to Rent Vélib?
- Create an account on the Vélib website or app.
- Pay a refundable deposit.
- Choose a rental pass. There are a variety of passes available, ranging from 24 hours to one year.
- Find a Vélib bike and dock.
- Scan your Vélib card or app to unlock the bike.
- Ride your bike!
2. Private Bike Rental Companies in Paris
Paris à Vélo
Since 1993, Paris à Vélo has specialized in cycling tourism. The shop offers more than 150 bikes for rent for all tastes and ages.
You can even book a bike ride of about 3 hours with a tour guide to discover the capital in a unique way. The cost is €35 per adult (+ 20 years old) and this rate includes the service of the tour guide, bike rental and bike insurance.
- Types of bikes: city bikes, mountain bikes/ VTCs, electric bikes, electric cargo bikes, adult and adult/child tandem, child trailers, electric cargo bikes
- Rates: Half a day cost €13 for a city bike and €33 for an electric model.
- For a day it cost €16 for a city bike and €40 for an electric bike.
- The rental of accessories such as child or baby seats, baskets, bags and helmets varies between €2 and €3. All bicycles are equipped with a U-type lock.
- Deposit: €250 per bike
- Address: 22 rue Alphonse Baudin 75011 Paris
- Website: https://parisavelo.fr/
Paris Bike Tour
Paris Bike Tour offers bike rentals. Do not hesitate to ask for a map of the bike paths, it will be kindly offered to you.
The bikes this company offers are light and new, so that you can enjoy your ride. A tour guide can also show you around Paris by bike. Choose one of the tours, each for 3 hours and costing €36 per adult. This price includes the bike rental, tour guide, insurance and accessories (helmet and basket).
- Types of bikes: city bikes, mountain bikes, electric bikes
- The guides can speak French, English and German.
- Rates: Half a day costs €12 for a city bike, €20 for an electric bike and €1 per accessory.
- A full day (8 hours) cost €15 for a city bike and €30 for an electric bike. Accessory rental is included, with the exception of child seats, which cost €5 per day. On weekends the rate is €1 more than at other times.
- Deposit: €250 per bike
- Address: 13 rue de Brantôme 75003 Paris
- Website: https://parisbiketour.net/
Vélo Paris
Vélo Paris offers bikes for rent and purchase (second-hand models), as well as repair services for routine checks and overhauls.
A tour guide is also available for guided bike rides. The price is €35 per person for a city bike or mountain bike, including the tour guide, any accessories you need, and a free drink on departure and arrival.
- Types of bikes: city bikes for men and women, electric bikes, mountain bikes
- Rates: Half a day cost €10 for city bikes and €15 for electric bikes.
- A whole day (from 9 am to 6 pm), cost €15 for city bikes and €20 for electric bikes.
- It is possible to rent a bike for 24 hours and even for a week
- Deposit: €150 for classic bikes and €300 for electric bikes
- Address: 44 rue d'Orsel 75018 Paris
- Website: http://www.veloparis.com/
Attention: The store is located in Montmartre, which is ideal for visiting Montmartre but a little further from the other attractions in the center. The Latin Quarter is 5 km away and the Eiffel Tower is 8 km away.
Allo Velo
Allo Velo is a shop offering a bicycle repair service as well as bicycle rentals. You can choose from their 200 available bikes and get some fresh air in the capital. You can also buy bicycles, both new and second-hand, in the shop.
- Types of bikes: city bikes, electric bikes, racing bikes, mountain bikes / VTCs, cargo bikes, tandems and two-carrier bikes
- Rates: Cost €20 per day for city bikes (€15 per additional day) and €65 per day for electric bikes (€40 per additional day).
- You can also rent a bike for a week either 5 or 7 days for 80€ for classic bikes and 225 € for electric bikes, even per year (some models only, see their website).
- Your helmet and lock are included in the price.
- Deposit: €250 per bike by credit card and ID required
- Address: 2 rue Beauregard 75002 Paris
- Website: https://www.allovelo.paris/
Ecox
Ecox is a chain of shops specializing in electric bikes. They offer a wide range of models for sale and rent (city bikes, mountain bikes, cargo bikes, etc.). They are 100% electric and a low-cost rental option. You can also have your bike repaired.
- Types of bikes: electric bikes only
- Rates: Half a day cost €15 for a city bike and €35 for an ATV.
- A whole day, cost €25 for a city bike and €50 for a mountain bike.
- It is possible to rent a bike for a full month for €290.
- The deposit can be paid by credit card only and an identity document is required for each rental.
- Deposit: €250 per bike
- Addresses:
- 23 rue de Rivoli 75004 Paris
- 84 boulevard Davout 75020 Paris
- 136 avenue du Maine 75014 Paris
- 82 rue Lafayette 75009 Paris
- 125 avenue de Versailles 75016 Paris
- 117 boulevard Auguste Blanqui 75013 Paris
- Website: https://www.ecox.fr/location
Guided Bicycle Tours Of Paris, Is It Worth It?
Guided bicycle tours in Paris are a great way to see the city and learn about its history and culture. A knowledgeable guide can point out hidden gems and tell you stories about the city that you might not otherwise know.
There are many different guided bicycle tours of Paris available, so you can find one that fits your interests and budget. Some tours focus on the city's most famous landmarks, while others take you to lesser-known neighbourhoods and attractions. There are also tours that are designed for families and those who want a more leisurely pace.
Some benefits of Parisian guided bicycle tour:
- You'll get to see the city from a different perspective.
- You'll learn about the city's history and culture from a knowledgeable guide.
- You'll be able to discover more places than you would on foot.
- It's a fun and active way to see the city.
We have listed below special and popular tours for you:
- Charming Nooks and Crannies Bike Tour
- Highlights 3-Hour Bike Tour
- Guided Bike Tour Like a Local
- Paris Highlights Segway Tour
- Skip-the-Line Palace of Versailles Bike Tour
- Paris Night Bicycle Tour & River Cruise
- Tickets for Paris Highlights Bike Tour
- Tickets for Paris Evening Bike Tour with 1-Hour Boat cruise
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
You might want to avoid using Velib during the morning hours and late afternoon hours (roughly 7-10 and 5-7:30 p.m.) on weekdays as most of the bikes will likely be picked up. Weekends are better for sightseeing in the early morning and later in the evening. It can be difficult to find a bike during peak daylight hours.
It is possible to make your payment online and get your password before you come to Paris. This way, all you have to do is to enter your password directly and you get your bike without dealing with the registration process at the vending machine.
It is possible to rent a bike with 1&7 day passes for occassional users.
You can download the application from the Apple Store or Play Store for Vélib to find out the nearest available bike or docking place.