How to Rent a Bike in Paris as a Tourist in 2024

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Renting a bike in Paris is easy with options like Velib’, Paris à Vélo, Fat Tire Bike Tours, Cococharge, Lime, Dott, and Holland Bikes. Moreover, you can easily choose from city bikes, electric bikes, cargo bikes, tandem bikes, Dutch bikes, and adapted bikes for disabilities.

As Paris has already a 1000-km biking route, set to expand to 1500 km soon, you can even venture on the outskirts of the city beside the canals like Saint-Denis or the beautiful parks of Bois de Boulogne.

So, ready to turn those cycling daydreams in Paris and beyond into reality?

Key Takeaways:
Popular bike rental options in Paris include Velib’, Bizebike, Paris à Vélo, Paulette, Holland Bikes Tours, and Cococharge cargo bikes.
Rental costs vary based on bike type, duration, and provider.
While not legally mandatory, bringing your helmet is advisable for safety and comfort.

Complete Process of Renting a Bike in Paris as a Tourist

Renting a bike in Paris can be a fantastic way to explore the city and its outskirts.

However, to make the most of your trip, one must know the exact way to do so. Otherwise, it will be of no use. Here is a short breakdown of the entire process of renting a bike in Paris as a tourist.

Where Can You Rent a Bike in Paris?

Paris has lots of biking options for bike ride lovers, as it is extremely popular there.

• Velib’—Paris’s official bike-sharing system—offers 16000+ bikes across 1400 stations citywide. Being the cheapest option, the first 30-45 minutes of each ride are free, with additional fees for longer rides.
• Private Rental Shops—like Paris à Vélo, Fat Tire Bike Tours, Bizebike, Paulette, and Cococharge provide the city with various bike options to choose from.
• Hotels and Hostels—many accommodations offer bike rentals or can recommend nearby rental services.
• Bike Tours—companies like Paris Bike Tour offer guided tours including bike rental, ideal for exploring Paris’s landmarks.
• Specialized Rentals—like Holland Bikes Tours and Rentals offer Dutch bikes and electric cargo bikes, while Veligo provides long-term electric bike rentals.
• Adapted Bikes for people with disabilities include low-seat, folding, three-wheelers, or cargo bikes for wheelchairs. Check out Vélo Handicap, AICV, Espace Vélo pour tous, Cyclable, and Axsol Location.
• Bike Cafes offers a cafe atmosphere at Steel Cyclewear and Coffee Shop (11th arrondissement), Peloton (Marais), and Jour de Vélo (12th arrondissement), known for their cyclist-friendly vibe and advice.

Choosing the Right Bike 

When renting a bike in Paris, you’ll find a range of options to suit your itinerary –

• City Bikes—ideal for urban exploration, these bikes are sturdy and designed for comfort over short to medium distances.
• Electric Bikes—perfect for tackling Paris’s hilly terrain with ease, electric bikes provide pedal-assisted riding for longer journeys.
• Tandem Bikes—great for couples or friends exploring together, tandem bikes offer a fun and sociable way to see the sights.
• Mountain Bikes—for adventure beyond the city limits, these bikes are great for tackling rougher terrain or exploring parks and outskirts.
• Cargo Bikes—designed for carrying heavy loads or children, cargo bikes provide a practical solution for families or anyone needing extra storage capacity during their ride.

Now, let’s see what some of the popular bike rentals will give you – 

• Velib’ – Classic/mechanical (green) & Electric bikes (blue)
• Paris à Vélo – city, mountain, electric, cargo, and tandem bikes
• Fat Tire Bike Tours – classic city bikes
• Holland Bikes Tours – elegant Dutch city bikes, tandem bikes and electric bikes
• Cococharge – cargo bikes

So, before choosing the bike –

• Duration – Consider whether you need the bike for a few hours, a full day of sightseeing, or longer.
• Terrain – Evaluate the terrain you’ll be covering—city streets, parks, or potentially uneven surfaces—and choose a bike that suits you.
• Budget – Factor in rental costs, additional fees for accessories or insurance, and any discounts for extended rentals.

The Process of Hiring a Bike in Paris

Bike rental in Paris is like enjoying a good meal at a restaurant.

Here’s how:

• Choose a bike rental provider based on your needs—whether it’s a city-wide bike-sharing service like Velib’ for short-term use or a private rental shop such as Paris à Vélo, etc. for longer or specialty bike rentals.
• Online Registration: For services like Velib’, register online or via their app. Provide necessary details and payment information.
• In-Person Registration: At private rental shops or Bike Cafes, visit the location and register in person. You may need to provide an ID and payment method.
• Select the type of bike you need—City bikes, electric bikes, tandems, or specialty bikes like cargo bikes.
• Check availability and ensure the bike meets your requirements for size, features, and accessories (e.g., helmets, locks).
• Required documents include ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, and a credit card for security deposit purposes.
• Pay for your rental via credit/debit card or cash. Prices may vary based on the duration and type of bike.
• Some rentals may require a deposit, which is refunded upon returning the bike in good condition.
• Receive Instructions provided by the rental service. This may include safety guidelines, how to adjust the bike, and rules for bike usage in Paris.

Once you have your bike and equipment, start exploring and make use of Paris’s extensive network of cycle paths and lanes. 

So, once you’re at the end of your bike tour, return the bike at the designated time and location:

• For services like Velib’, return the bike to any station within the service area.
• Private bike rental companies in Paris like Paris à Vélo, Fat Tire Bike Tours, Holland Bikes Tours, and others allow you to pick up and return the bikes at their respective rental locations.
• Some companies, like Cococharge, even offer delivery and pickup of the bikes directly to your hotel or home.

You can choose from different bike rental payment options, like:

• Hourly Rentals—quick for neighborhood spins or museum visits, offering flexibility with return times.
• Daily Rentals—ideal for full-day exploration, allowing unlimited travel across the city without time constraints.
• Weekly Rentals—perfect for exploring Paris at a relaxed pace, covering both landmarks and other important places throughout the city.

Things to Consider While Renting an Electric Bike

I know that after knowing about this type of adventurous trip, you have already started planning an e-bike rental in Paris.

But before hiring one, there’s a bit to keep in mind. They are as follows:

• Weight: Electric bikes weigh 50–70 pounds due to the motor and battery.
• Components: They include a motor, battery pack, throttle for assistance, and an LCD console for speed and battery monitoring.
• Ease of Riding: Despite the weight, they are easy to ride and provide a good workout with pedal assistance.
• Battery Life: Fully charged batteries last 10–60 miles, depending on riding style.
• Preparation: Dress comfortably, wear a helmet for safety, and consider accessories like baskets or locks for stops along your ride.

Exploring Paris & Beyond by Bike

Well, you have your bike now. So, let’s get some popular routes and details for biking in Paris:

• Paris offers nearly 1,000 kilometers of cycle paths, set to expand to 1,500 kilometers soon.
• Major Routes: Safe cycling routes include Rue de Rivoli, Avenue des Champs-Elysées, and the expansive Parc Rives de Seine along the Seine River.
• Paris Respire: Neighborhoods are car-free on Sundays and holidays, ideal for exploring Montmartre, the Villette canal basin, and the Marais.
• Extended Routes: Cyclists can explore further along the river Marne or the canal Saint-Denis, discovering natural landscapes and street art. Also, you can explore the beautiful cycling route in the Bois de Boulogne area. 
• Safety and Gear: Adhere to the Highway Code, equip with a bell, two brakes, rear lights, and insurance. Helmets are strongly recommended, along with an anti-theft security device.

This format should provide a clear and structured overview of cycling options in Paris.

Tips for Riding Bikes in Paris

Riding an electric bike in Paris is an exhilarating experience, but a few tips can make it even more enjoyable:

• Prioritize safety by wearing a helmet throughout your ride.
• Follow traffic signals and stay in designated bike lanes.
• Always keep an eye on your surroundings, especially when navigating busy streets.
• While e-bikes are fun, avoid excessive speeds, especially in crowded areas.
• Ensure the battery of the e-bike is fully charged before setting it off.
• Use a sturdy lock on your bike to prevent theft.
• Paris’s charm lies in its hidden corners, alleys, and backstreets. So, don’t miss them.
• Take in the sights, sounds, and smells of this beautiful city as you pedal.

Things to Be Aware of When Biking in Paris

In general, Paris is absolutely safe for biking as a tourist. But you need to take a few precautions:

• Follow the local traffic rules to keep your ride smooth.
• Be alert in the bustling city streets and know how to lock your bike securely against theft.
• Also, consider safety gear, bringing your helmet is a smart move, as helmets aren’t always provided by rental services.
• Use designated bike lanes and obey traffic lights and signs.
• Yield to pedestrians at crossings, avoid sidewalks, and bike on cobblestones carefully.
• Signal when there’s a turn and avoid bus or taxi lanes.
• Prepare for changing weather conditions.
• Secure your bike with strong locks in populated, well-lit areas.
• Use a U-lock combined with a cable lock.
• Anchor your bike to an immovable object.

Concluding Words

Now, you are all set to go on a bicycle tour in Paris with a clear idea of how to rent a bike in Paris as a tourist.

This journey in Paris will indeed open up a different adventure, right at your fingertips. It’s more than just renting a bike; it’s about embracing the strange and beautiful sides of Paris, the things you would miss out on if not for a bike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)