Everything about App-Based Bicycle Rentals in Barcelona
Thinking about cycling around Barcelona but don't want to deal with a traditional rental shop?
You're in luck.
This city's packed with app-based bike rentals that let you grab a ride, unlock it with your phone, and cruise off all without talking to a single person.
Whether you're a local or just visiting for the weekend, this guide will help you figure out which service fits your plans best.
Table of Contents
- 1. Bicing - Only for Residents
- 2. AMBici - Suburban E-Bikes
- 3. Donkey Republic - Tourist Friendly
- 4. RideMovi - Scan and Go
- 5. How It Works - Using the Apps
- 6. Tourist Tips & Warnings
- 7. Parking Rules Matter
- References
- Images Sources
1. Bicing - Only for Residents
If you're a local with a Spanish DNI or NIE, Bicing is probably your go-to.
But heads up tourists can't use it, so skip ahead if that's you.
Bicing is built right into Barcelona's public transport network and run through the SMOU app.
You'll need a subscription, but it's super affordable at about €47 per year.
That gives you 30-minute rides for free.
Go over that or grab an electric bike, and you'll start getting charged extra.
The coverage is great too.
There are over 500 stations across the city, so finding one nearby is never a problem.
Just make sure to park your bike back in one of their hubs.
No wild parking here.
Quick facts:
| Feature | Info |
|---|---|
| Access | Residents with DNI/NIE only |
| App | SMOU |
| Cost | €47/year |
2. AMBici - Suburban E-Bikes
AMBici is made for the outer Barcelona metro area places like Badalona, L'Hospitalet, and other nearby towns.
It's a sweet option if you're staying outside the city center and want to zip around on electric bikes.
To sign up, you'll need to create a JoTMBé account and use the AMBici app.
It's mainly e-bikes, and they're pretty budget-friendly too around €0.15 per half hour, with a few extras if you go over.
The bikes are all-electric and well-maintained.
Just make sure to return them properly or you might get a little surprise fee later.
AMBici Service Areas:
| Municipality | AMBici Coverage? |
|---|---|
| Badalona | ✅ |
| L'Hospitalet | ✅ |
| Castelldefels | ✅ |
3. Donkey Republic - Tourist Friendly
This one's made for tourists.
Donkey republic is super flexible, available all around the city, and lets you rent a bike for just a few hours or keep it for multiple days.
you use their app to find a bike, unlock it, and you're off.
Wanna park somewhere for lunch and keep the bike reserved?
you can.
it's great if you're planning to stop and explore along the way.
prices are simple expect to pay around €5 for six hours or €12 for a full day.
If you're in town for a couple of days, its a perfect no-fuss option.
Rental Overview:
| Rental time | Cost |
|---|---|
| 6 hours | ~€5 |
| 1 full day | ~€12 |
4. RideMovi - Scan and Go
RideMovi is another good one if you just want to grab a bike and ride.
No subscription needed, just the app and a payment method.
Their bikes are easy to spot and come in two styles: standard pedal bikes and electric ones with a solid range around 80 km on a single charge.
Great for a whole afternoon of riding.
Pricing varies, but you can either pay per ride or buy a pass if you're planning to use it often during your trip.
The app shows you all nearby bikes and parking zones, which is super handy.
Don't forget to lock the bike properly when you're done everything's handled in the app.
5. How It Works - Using the Apps
all of these services work pretty much the same way, which makes switching between them super easy.
here's the general process:
download the app - all services need you to install their specific app.
Register & Add payment info - no ride until your payment method is in.
find a bike Nearby - The app shows live bike locations on the map.
scan & ride - Use your phone to scan the bike's QR code and unlock it.
park & Lock - when done, lock the bike and confirm in the app.
General tips:
some bikes might come with phone holders or helmets.
always check the app for allowed parking zones.
Watch your ride time extra charges sneak up fast!
6. Tourist Tips & Warnings
If you're visiting, you'll wanna avoid bicing it's only for locals.
stick to donkey Republic or RideMovi.
AMBici's great too if you're staying in the suburbs.
Time limits are a thing with most rentals.
go past 30 minutes and you'll pay more.
plan short rides or budget extra if you're exploring all day.
helmets aren't always required, but they're definitely a good idea.
Some services provide them, others dont so check before you ride.
Also, make sure your phone is charged.
you'll need it to unlock, lock, and end your ride.
nothing worse than being stuck with a dead phone and a locked bike.
7. Parking Rules Matter
You can't just park a bike anywhere in Barcelona.
Most services require you to leave it in a designated zone or at a marked hub.
The app will show you where those zones are.
If you leave it outside of them, you might get charged a fine or penalty fee.
Also, don't block sidewalks or entrances when parking.
It's not just about the rules it's about not annoying locals or causing accidents.
If you're not sure, look around there's usually signage or painted areas where it's okay to park.
cycling around barcelona is one of the best ways to see the city especially with these easy app-based rentals.
Whether you're sticking to the beach paths or weaving through old town alleys, having a bike gives you freedom to explore at your own pace.
just pick the service that fits your plans, check the app for rules, and enjoy the ride.
happy cycling!
Sources and References
Images Sources and Attributions
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