Moscow Information Guide |Rus-a| Rent Bicycle in Moscow

A popular thought is that Moscow’s bike rental system is rather complex to use. In reality, it is automated, and, once you get the hang of it, nothing could seem simpler.

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Bicycles' rental was launched in 2013 by the Moscow government. At first, there were only 79 pick-up points across the city, which was quite a lot, but still not enough with the 10-million population. Bank of Moscow, one of project’s biggest supporters, was joined by Sberbank in 2015, and ever since then the system has been growing considerably.

 

The project was intended to become a non-traditional, unique bike rental system, an alternative to personal and public transport, and it is just that: some even say that at the present moment, if the weather is right, one can forget about any other means of transportation, - today we have over 300 pick-up and drop-off spots across entire Moscow.

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So, how to get started with Velobike? The first step would be going to http://velobike.ru/, registering there as a user, and adding personal information and bank details to the account. Afterwards login and pin code will be send to one’s email or phone via SMS.

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When all the formalities are over with, one can find the closest bike rental station through either the website’s interactive map or the Velobike mobile app which is compatible with both Android and Iphone devices. At the station, any available bike can be accessed by simply logging to the machine using the previously received registration details and then entering the number of the bike itself.

 

The latter is to be taken from the stand shortly thereafter, as there is only 20-second waiting period before it is locked back in. When the ride is completed, the bike is to be left at the closest station after pressing “okay” on its panel. One then receives a text that confirms that the transportation device has been returned in an orderly fashion, and this is imperative, because otherwise a considerable fee might be charged. 

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As far as the payment itself goes, the first 30 minutes on a bike are free, and with regards to any additional riding time, there are two options to choose from: either being charged “on the go”, so that one pays for every separate ride, or picking the tariff system with a daily, monthly or even seasonal charge.

Overall, Velobike seems to be the initiative that combines the best of the regular means of transportation coupled with health benefits and the opportunity to get acquainted with the city from the different perspective, and thus is absolutely worth trying it out.

By Dilyara Gafurova