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 April 25 to October 31.

You need to register in the bike rental system to start using the bike rental service. Ways to do this:

• on the website of the Velobike network;
• via the Velobike mobile app (you can download it in the App Store and Google Play);
• via the Moscow Transport mobile app.

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).

If you want to rent a bike:

• choose a convenient bike station in the Velobike mobile app or Moscow Transport or on the Velobike website;
• select the bike, make sure it is in good condition and click "OK" on its panel;
• enter your username or attach the Troika card linked to the system;
• enter your PIN;
• wait for a sound signal and pick up the bike from the parking lot.

E-bikes are available at some stations. Any users registered in the rental system can take them. Choose a bike that has a sufficient battery level.

All parking racks are numbered at the top. The charge indicators are located on the right side of the parking racks and correspond to the number of the parking rack. If the indicator is green, the bike is charged. If the indicator flashes green, the charging is in process. The electric motor will turn on automatically when you press the pedal: the faster you work the pedals, the more the motor will help you. When you reach a speed of 25 kilometers per hour, the engine will turn off.

Moscow bike rental provides a wide range of tariffs for different purposes and user preferences. Details of all prices and conditions are given on the Velobike website.

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.

A rented bike must be returned to any working Velobike rental station. The main thing is that it has to have free racks of the desired type.

Please note: returning a bike to a wrong type of the rack is prohibited. You will have to pay a fine, and your account will be blocked if you fail to meet this requirement.

To return a bike:

• install the bike in a rack until it stops;
• make sure that the bike is locked in the rack and its display shows the message “Возврат ок”;
• wait for confirmation by push notification or SMS; 
• make sure that you have received confirmation that the system has accepted your bike.

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 16;
• 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:

• 1,000 rubles and blocking of the account for returning a bike to the wrong type of rack;
• up to 15,000 rubles for damaging the bike during the rental period;
• 30,000 rubles for loss or failure of the bike.

Please note! If a bike is not returned to the system within 48 hours or more, it is considered stolen and the user is charged a fine of 30,000 rubles.

Call customer support by phone: 8 (495) 966-46-69, tell the operator the number of the bike and the station and describe the malfunctions. You need to return the bike to the rack and wait for a single sound signal confirming it is locked. The technical service will pick it up for repair.

The support service is open daily from 07: 00 to 24: 00. Hotline operators speak Russian and English.

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: call 8 (495) 966-46-69 or send an email to: info@velobike.ru.