How to rent a bike

Velobike is a network of urban public bike rental in Moscow. Moscow bike rental operates 24/7, usually in the period from March to October.

You need to register in the bike rental system to start using the bike rental service. This can be done through the Velobike web application or the Velobike mobile application.

When registering, you will need to enter your first name, last name, email address and mobile phone number, to which an SMS with a login and PIN code to access the system will be sent.

To get access to the bike rental for the first time, log in to the Velobike system using the received username and PIN, select the appropriate tariff and pay it with your bank card (Visa, Mastercard, or Mir).

Electric bicycles 2.0 and mechanical bicycles (painted in bright orange) are not linked to bike rental stations. To find them use the Velobike application. To take a bike: scan the QR code on the handlebar of the bike and follow the prompts in the web application.

The electric motor of the Velobike 2.0 will turn on automatically when you press the pedal: the faster you pedal, the more the motor will help you. When the speed reaches 25 km/h, the motor will turn off.

Children’s mechanical bikes can only be rented by a child’s parent or guardian.

Moscow bike rental provides a wide range of tariffs for different purposes and user preferences. All prices and conditions are given in detail on the website and in the Velobike web application.

It is better to ride on bike paths — this is the most convenient and safe when traveling around Moscow by bike. There are bike paths in parks, natural areas and along the streets of the city.

Bike paths can be intra-district or laid on streets connecting neighboring districts, and the periphery of the city with the center. Some bike paths approach transport hubs, where you can park your bike in the parking lot and transfer to other modes of transport. Bike rental services are available near many bike paths.

To return a bike: finish the ride at one of the "P" signs on the map in the Velobike application, then follow the instructions in the application.

A cyclist must comply with all traffic rules related to vehicles.

You can not drive a bicycle while in a state of intoxication, transfer control of the bicycle to persons who are in a state of intoxication, and ride a bicycle that has a faulty brake system or steering.

You can drive a bicycle at any age, but the rules of cycling differ depending on the age.

Cyclists over 14 are allowed to travel on bike paths, bike lanes, the right lane of the roadway, the wayside or the sidewalk. Do not forget about the priorities: if there is a bike path and a roadway, then you need to move along the bike path; if it is possible to go on the roadway or sidewalk, you need to go on the right lane of the roadway.

If you are transporting a child under 7 or accompanying a small cyclist, you can also ride on the sidewalk. Cyclists aged between 7 and 14 are allowed to travel on sidewalks, bike paths, and within pedestrian zones. Children under 14 are not allowed to ride on bicycle lanes, on the roadway and on the wayside.

Before starting the movement, changing lanes, turning (U-turn) and stopping, you need to give signals. When riding on sidewalks, you need to remember that cyclists should not interfere with pedestrians. In case of an accident on the sidewalk, the cyclist will in any case be recognized as a guilty person.

Cyclists are prohibited from:

• driving a bicycle without holding on to the steering wheel with at least one hand;
• transporting cargo that protrudes more than 0.5 meters in length or width beyond the bike dimensions;
• transporting cargo if it interferes with the bike control;
• transporting passengers, if this is not provided for by the bike design;
• transporting children under seven without a special seat;
• turn left or make a U-turn on roads with tram traffic and on roads with more than one lane for traffic in the same direction;
• cross the road at pedestrian crossings (dismount your bike and cross the road on foot).

The following fines are applicable for violating the rules:

• 800 rubles for any violation of traffic rules;
• 1,000-1,500 rubles for violation of traffic rules in a state of intoxication;
• 1,000 rubles for violating traffic rules and creating obstacles to traffic;
• 1,000-1,500 rubles for a violation that caused minor or moderate damage to the health of another road user.

The rules for carrying bicycles depend on the type of transport. Learn how to carry a bike in the metro, train, bus or trolleybus from the instructions.

It is prohibited to:

• rent a bicycle to persons under 18;
• rent a bicycle in a state of intoxication;
• transport other persons, including children, on a rented bicycle, as well as loads exceeding five kilograms in weight;
• ride a rented bike on the highways.

In case of violating the rental rules, fines are as follows:

• use of a bicycle by a person under the age of 18 — 8,000 rubles;
• completion of the rental of an electric bike 2.0 outside the zone allowed for use, marked in the mobile application on the map — 500 rubles;
• violation of the speed limit in the speed limit zone — 1,000 rubles.

Write to the chatbot and provide the bike number, parking number from the app and report any malfunctions. The technical service will pick it up for repair.

The support service is open daily from 07:00 to 24:00.

In Moscow, you can also rent a scooter (if you are 18 years or older). To do so, you need to:

• download an app of a suitable operator;
• register;
• find a scooter on the map and start its rental.

To start a rental, you usually need to scan the QR code, select a rate, inspect the scooter for damage, take a picture of them if any, and click “Начать аренду”.

To complete the rental, you need to attach the scooter to any working rental station listed in the app and take a photo of it if necessary. Make sure that it doesn't bother anyone and that the rental is complete.

While renting a scooter, it is prohibited to:

• ride on the same scooter for several people;
• perform acrobatics on a scooter;
• leave the scooter unattended;
• go down with a scooter in the subway.

To prevent damaging the scooter, slow down and avoid obstacles, such as curbs, pits and puddles. Let pedestrians pass.

Detailed rules and rates for scooter rental can be found in the apps or on the websites of the operators.

Questions about the operation of the Velobike bike rental system can be directed to the support service in the chatbot or send an email to: info@velobike.ru.