Tips for renting a bike or e-bike in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city uniquely suited to cycling. Its flat terrain and narrow streets flanking picturesque canals make cycling the quintessential mode of transport.

Visitors to the city have access to a range of rental bikes and e-bikes that are perfect for exploring its charming streets and scenic paths.

However, E-scooters are not available for rent. You are also not allowed to ride a personal electric scooter registered in Germany in Amsterdam. 

Bicycles are the most widely used mode of transportation. According to estimates, there are more bicycles than residents in Amsterdam. It's no surprise that Amsterdam boasts such a well-developed biking infrastructure. With approximately 400 kilometers of dedicated bike lanes, marked distinctly in red and equipped with their own traffic signals and turn lanes, navigating the city on two wheels is seamless. Even at T-intersections, cyclists find continuous lanes integrated into the design, ensuring uninterrupted travel throughout the city.

In Amsterdam, it is not possible to rent a bike on the street for spontaneous and independent use. To rent a city bike or e-bike, you'll need to visit a physical rental shop, which are conveniently located throughout the city.

Major rental companies include Mac Bike, Black Bikes and Yellow Bike.
 

Mac Bike

Mac Bike has 5 rental stations in the centre of Amsterdam. There are various rental options, ranging from several hours to several days.

A credit card or ID is required to rent a bike, as well as a €50 deposit per bike.

The daily rate for a standard bike is €17.50 per day, while an electric option costs €28. Children's bikes, cargo bikes and tandems are also available.

Guided English-speaking bike tours can also be booked at Mac Bike locations.

For more information, visit macbike.nl.
 

Black Bikes

This provider has 16 rental stations in Amsterdam. The advantage: rental bikes can be returned to any of the sites. 

The minimum rental time is 3 hours. 

A three-hour ride on a normal bike costs €13, and €17.50 for a full day. E-bikes cost €19.99 for three hours and €29.99 for the day. There is a 10% discount for those who book online. Tandems, cargo and children's bikes are also available for hire.

To hire an e-bike, you will need to show a credit card with a deposit of €250 per bike. For bikes without electric assistance, an identity card is sufficient.

For more information, visit black-bikes.com.
 

Yellow Bike

Conveniently located near Amsterdam Central Station, this rental station offers easy access to classic yellow Holland bikes.

While e-bikes and other types of bikes are not available, both online and on-site rentals are offered.

The minimum online rental period is one day, while on-site rentals are available for 2 hours at €8. Daily rates for longer rentals are €14.50, with discounts for two-day (€22) and weekly (€70) rentals. 

You'll need to show a valid passport or driving licence to secure your hire, and a deposit of between €50 (with insurance) and €75 will be required.

Guided tours cost €27.50 per adult.

For more information, visi yellowbike.nl.

Amsterdam's public transport ferries offer free travel for pedestrians and cyclists.

However, bikes are not allowed on the city's trams and buses.

On the metro, cyclists can take their bikes with them at off-peak times to ensure they don't disturb other passengers. A separate ticket is required to carry a bicycle. Bicycle transport is restricted during peak hours from 7:00 to 9:00 and 16:00 to 18:30, but is permitted all day on weekends and public holidays.

In Amsterdam, residents rely on bicycles to get from point A to point B quickly. However, even with an extensive cycling infrastructure, bicycle lanes are often crowded with traffic, especially during rush hours. To ensure a smooth ride and avoid mishaps, it's important to follow the rules of the road and behave courteously.
 

Do's and don'ts

• Always signal when turning or overtaking.
• It is forbidden to use a mobile phone while cycling. A fine of €95 may be imposed.
• Ride as far to the right as possible and avoid riding side by side.
• Do not stop on the cycle path.
• Cross tram tracks at an angle, not parallel.
• Park your vehicle only in designated areas - otherwise it will be removed.
• Respect bicycle-free zones (e.g. pedestrian zones).
• The "right of way to the right" rule applies to bicycles as well, unless otherwise specified.
• Lock your bicycle securely.

To prevent Amsterdam from being cluttered with haphazardly parked bicycles, the city has built several indoor parking facilities. The highlight is a huge underground facility at the Central Station that can accommodate up to 7000 bikes.

Parking in these indoor facilities is free for the first 24 hours. After that, there is a charge of €1.25 per day, or €1.35 at the station.

Alternatively, there are designated bicycle parking areas in public spaces. Clear signs indicate the permitted parking zones.

Important: Illegally parked bicycles will be removed. 

More information on parking in Amsterdam.