İçindekiler
Barcelona is practically a paradise for cyclists with its flat and wide streets, over 240 kilometers of bike lanes, and year-round sunny climate. Thanks to the city administration’s investments in cycling infrastructure over the last 15 years, Barcelona has become one of Europe’s most bicycle-friendly cities today. It’s possible to explore every corner of the city by bicycle, from the coastline to historic streets, from parks to mountainous regions. In this guide, I will try to explain all bicycle rental options in detail for both tourists and city residents.
How to Use Bicing?
Bicing is the city’s official bike-sharing system, established in 2007 and available only to Barcelona residents. The system consists of 7,608 bicycles located at more than 526 stations throughout the city. To become a Bicing member, you need to have an NIE number and reside in Barcelona. Annual membership fees start at €35, with the first 30 minutes free for mechanical bikes, and €0.70 for electric ones, after which you pay according to your package’s usage rates. You can review current packages on bicing.barcelona, which I’m also sharing below.
I’m sharing the smou iOS and Android applications that you’ll need to use Bicing. Through this app, you can create your account, see the nearest stations, check the number of available parking spaces and available bikes. You can also get information about bike routes and stations under maintenance through the app.
How to Use AMBici?
AMBici, launched in March 2023 in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area, is a new generation bike-sharing system covering 36 municipalities in the region. Unlike Bicing, which only serves Barcelona city center, AMBici can be used in other cities within the metropolitan area. This system is designed especially for people living in the suburbs who regularly travel to the city. You need to have an NIE number to become an AMBici member, but unlike Bicing, it can work integrated with your T-mobilitat account. AMBici annual membership fees start at €40.
AMBici and Bicing systems operate completely independently of each other. Both systems have their own dedicated stations, bicycles, and different pricing policies. Therefore, it’s not possible to leave AMBici bikes at Bicing stations, or Bicing bikes at AMBici stations.
However, considering user convenience, AMBici stations have been positioned near Bicing stations at the borders of Barcelona’s neighboring municipalities including Hospitalet de Llobregat, Esplugues de Llobregat, Sant Adrià de Besòs, and Santa Coloma de Gramanet. This way, users of both systems can easily transition from one system to another, being able to pick up a new bike from one service after dropping off at the other.
I’m sharing the iOS and Android applications for those who want to use AMBici.
Donkey Republic
Donkey Republic is a bicycle rental system that works through a smartphone application and is easily accessible for tourists. Operating in Barcelona since 2016, the system allows you to access bikes at more than 100 locations throughout the city center.
Donkey Republic is very easy to use – just download the app, register, add your card, and start using the bike by unlocking it with a QR code. I’m sharing the iOS and Android applications for those who want to use it.
RideMovi
RideMovi is one of the most widespread electric bike-sharing systems in Barcelona. It’s heavily used especially in the city center and along the coastal strip. Single-use rental or monthly subscription options are available. Finding and renting bikes is quite easy – you can start using them by viewing the nearest bike through iOS or Android apps and scanning the QR code. The bikes are well-maintained and comfortable.
Yego
Yego is known for its green electric scooters that you’ll frequently see on Barcelona’s streets. It’s a popular choice for short-distance transportation within the city. They charge by the minute and are very easy to use. You can find many Yego scooters especially around tourist areas and metro stations. You can start using them through iOS or Android apps.
Scoot
Scoot is a sharing platform that offers both electric motorcycle and electric scooter services in Barcelona. Their motorcycles are slightly more powerful than other alternatives and suitable for two-person use. They have wide coverage within the city and are particularly preferred during rush hours after work. You can start using it by downloading the iOS or Android app.
Bicycle Guide for Tourists in Barcelona
As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, Barcelona is a wonderful city for cycling enthusiasts. Naturally, besides the municipal and private applications, there are quite a lot of places that provide local bicycle rental services. You’ll frequently encounter these places while walking through the streets, but I’d like to share some standout locations with you.
Rent a Bike Barcelona
Rent a Bike Barcelona, which has been in service since 1997, is ideal for tourists who want to tour the city with its location in Barri Gòtic. It offers a wide range of products from classic city bikes to electric bikes, from children’s bikes to tandems.
Website: rentabikebarcelona.com
Barcelona Rent a Bike
Barcelona Rent a Bike, located in the El Born district, has a good fleet of bikes, including professional bikes. They also offer advice on guided tours and special routes.
Website: barcelonarentabike.com
Mattia46
Founded in 2010 by Italian cycling enthusiasts, Mattia46 specialises in road bike and MTB rentals. They also stock carbon bikes for professional athletes.
Website: mattia46.com
Green Bikes Barcelona
Located in the Eixample district, Green Bikes Barcelona stands out for its environmentally friendly approach and sustainable tourism approach. In addition to bikes, you can also find free maps and route suggestions.
Website: greenbikesbarcelona.com
Bike Rental Barcelona
Located near Sagrada Familia, Bike Rental Barcelona offers daily, weekly and monthly rentals, in addition to its affordable prices and flexible rental options.
Website: bikerentalbarcelona.com
Bike Rental Prices
Daily bike rental prices in Barcelona are around €15-20 for mechanical bikes, €25-35 for electric bikes, €30-45 for road bikes and €10-15 for children’s bikes.
Security and Important Information
- Since bicycle theft is common in Barcelona, make sure to lock your bike if you’re leaving it somewhere.
- Follow the bike lanes on streets.
- Ride slowly in pedestrianized areas.
- Helmet use isn’t mandatory but use one if possible.
- Don’t forget to carry lighting equipment for night rides.
Exploring Barcelona by bicycle is one of the best ways to experience the city. Whether for a short city tour or a long coastal ride, you can enjoy cycling in Barcelona by choosing the option that best suits you from the above choices.
