Bike and e-scooter hire in Paris

Since September 2023, the rental of E-scooters in public streets has been banned in Paris. Private e-scooters, however, are still allowed. City bikes and e-bikes can also be hired on the spur of the moment.

We explain how you can get around in Paris, which providers are available and what rules you need to follow.

Car traffic in Paris has been reaching its limits for years. Vehicles are gradually being driven out of the city. Only cars with a low emission class and an environmental badge are allowed on the roads. Meanwhile, alternative means of transport are being promoted. In just a few years, for example, a large network of new cycle paths has been created, often separated from car traffic.

There is also a wide range of bicycles for hire. Not only Parisians, but also tourists can use them to explore the city on their own.

Velib' is the easiest way to rent a bike in Paris. Its name is a combination of the words Vélo (bike) and Liberté (freedom) and it is the largest provider of self-service bicycles.

In the Paris metropolitan area, there are 1443 stations and around 20 000 bicycles, of which 40 percent are electric. It is easy to recognize the city bikes by their bright green colour; E-bikes, on the other hand, are blue.

The best option is to buy your ticket in advance, available on velib-metropole.fr or with the Velib’ App. Alternatively, there are also pay stations on the street.

You can rent up to five bikes at the same time with one account - but it doesn't make it cheaper.
The tarifs are based on renting duration and whether you choose a bike with or without electric assistance. A credit card is required for payment and the company will hold a 300 euro deposit.

The following prices apply (as of April 2024):

• A ride up to 45 minutes costs €3. After that, €1 (standard bike) or €2 (e-bike) is charged for every 30 minutes.

• You can book a 24-hour day pass for €5. For each rental within 24 hours, the first 30 minutes on a standard bike are free, after that it costs €1/30 min. An e-bike costs €2 for the first 45 minutes, then €2/30 min.

• For €10 you can get a 24-hour e-pass. For each rental within 24 hours, the first 60 minutes with the standard bike are free, after that it costs €1/30 min. For an e-bike you get 5 trips for 45 minutes for free, after that you will be charged €2/30 min.

• You can book a 3-day pass for €20. For every rental within 72 hours, the first 60 minutes with the standard bike are free, after that it costs 1 €/30 min. An e-bike is free for the first 45 minutes (for a maximum of 5 rentals), after that it costs 2 €/30 min pay.

• For people who are staying in Paris for a longer period of time, a subscription may also be worthwhile (minimum term 12 months).

You can use any free docking station to return the bikes.

In addition to Velib, there are other providers in Paris that offer bikes and e-bikes on public streets, albeit with a smaller fleet size. These include Lime, Dott, Zoov and Pony. Free vehicles can be found and activated using the respective apps. The prices and rental conditions are also displayed.

Since September 1, 2023, e-scooters in so-called “free-floating mode” are no longer available in Paris. Companies offering this service, such as Lime, Dott and Tier, have had to stop renting them out on public roads.

Nevertheless, it is still possible to rent an electric scooter from a physical store. Unlike free-floating, the scooter must be returned within the shop's opening hours. A price per hour or a daily flat rate is payable. Protective equipment and riding tips are usually included.  A deposit is often required.

Providers include:

• Location Trottinette (€24 per day) 
• iMooving (€29 per day) 
• Elzascoot (€24.90 per day) 
• Easy Trottinette (€30 per day, €150 per month). Delivery is also possible.
   

When travelling in Paris by bike or private e-scooter, use the cycle lanes wherever possible. You can only use the roads if the official speed limit is 50 km/h or less. It is forbidden to cycle on the pavement. 

More about cycling in France (in German)

More about the rules for electric scooters in France and Europe.

It is not allowed to take bicycles on the metro, trams and buses in Paris. However, private e-scooters can be taken if they are folded up.

Bicycles may be taken on suburban trains (RER) on lines A, B, C, D and E at the following times:

• All-day on weekends and public holidays 

• Before 6:30, between 9:00 and 16:30 and after 19:00

Bicycles are not allowed on train station elevators. 

Additionally, bicycles and e-scooters must be pushed while on train station platforms and transport company facilities.

Paris now has a cycle path network of over 1,400 km.

A beautiful cycle tour leads along the Seine. From the Port de la Gare, for example, you can cycle to the Pont de Garigliano. This approx. 1-hour tour takes you past several sights, including the Île Saint-Louis, the Pont Neuf, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.

The city's historic neighbourhoods are also easy to explore by bike, such as the Latin Quarter, Saint Germain des Prés and Le Marais.

If you want to go a little further afield, a day trip to the Palace of Versailles (approx. 22 km) or the Château de Chantilly (approx. 50 km) is ideal.

Of course, there are also guided bike and e-bike tours. Depending on the duration and scope of services, prices range from €40 to €160 per person.

By the way: once a year, Paris belongs to pedestrians and cyclists alone. Under the motto "Paris Respire", cars are banned from the entire city centre from 11 am to 6 pm. In some neighbourhoods, there is already a traffic-free Sunday once a month. More details at paris.fr.