Vélib' - Bike Share & Tracking Stations

Blue bike or green bike?

Vélib' is available in almost 60 cities in the Greater Paris area.

Locate a docking station, map out your cycling route, check your statistics, purchase a pass, or handle your account through the Vélib' app.

Quick intro

Vélib' is a self-service bike system provided by the city of Paris. It offers a visual interface for checking the availability of bikes and parking spots on a real-time map. This service provides two types of bikes: regular and electric. Additionally, users can manage their accounts, subscriptions, and view statistics about their bike journeys.

5 things to know about Vélib’ bikes

1. The blue Vélib' is electric, the green Vélib' is mechanical.

2. To pick up or return a Vélib', use the electronic box inserted in the handlebars of the bike.

3. To change the level of assistance on electric Vélib', press buttons 1, 2 or 3 on the box.

4. Pay attention to the symbols displayed on the screen: they indicate the steps and actions to be taken.

5. Download the Vélib' app to view the stations map and available bikes.

Key Highlights:

Seamless identity

I updated the Velib' brand with a fresh, modern palette and clean design elements, aiming to incorporate a dynamic touch while still retaining the essence of the previous colors.

Intuitive UI Design

My focus was on creating a user interface that enhances interaction, inspired by GPS and map apps like Google Maps and Apple Maps. In this case, users can quickly check bike availability on the map and see what type of bike is available.

New personnalized profile

On your profile page, you can find all your previous journeys, check statistics for each one, unlock badges based on bike usage, and manage your subscription.

Vélib’ in numbers : 

1464 docking points in Greater Paris area

19,000 bicycles, including 40% of electric bikes

390,000 subscribers in 2022

4.7 million journeys made in October 2022 

212,000 journeys made on October 10th 2022 

When you come to Paris, here's the trick to Vélib:

1. You have to pay online for 1 or 7 days of use. That's the first trick, see. There is no card that spits out of the Vélib kiosk vending-machine style. You have to do it online.

2. You'll be given an 8 digit number. And you'll have to create a password. Remember, you do this online.

3. Approach the row of Vélib bikes and choose one. You do this BEFORE you head to the kiosk, otherwise you'll freak out at the kiosk when it asks you to give your bike number. Your bike will be locked up but it will be parked in a numbered spot. Remember the number. Pick a bike that has good tire pressure, not too many dings and a seat that is already adjusted to your level. You can adjust it yourself but you've got enough to think about on your first bike trip.

4. Approach the Vélib kiosk with confidence. And when you get there, search for the English option. You can learn French another day. For the first day, just use the English option. CAUTION: Not all kiosks offer a language option. You'll know that on the front screen. You may instantly start sweating if it's all in French. Try to stay calm. And maybe look for another station. They are everywhere.

5. Follow the instructions on the screen. You'll have to input the number you received online, your password and the number that corresponds with the bike you choose. NOTE: There is no card you'll receive. This confused me before because it appeared that some people had cards with scan codes on them. These are local people who can add Vélib use onto their monthly Metro subscription. These people are cool and confident. You'll be slightly jealous that they have a card and you have a slip of paper.

6. Go get your bike. You'll have to press a button to release the bike. It will slip out of the magnetic lock thingy. This is when you'll want to do a dance of joy but you can't because you're holding a bike.

7. Ride your bike for 25 minutes FREE. Yes, every bike trip starts with 30 minutes free. After that, it's a Euro, then after time, it's another 2 Euros and so on. The trick is to ride the bike for 25 minutes, take 5 minutes to find and park it at another kiosk, walk around that area, then grab another bike and continue on. If you wanted to ride from my place in the 5th to the Eiffel Tower, it would take two or three bike swaps but it would be free. Sweet!

NOTE: You will easily find a kiosk. There are 20,000 bikes sitting at 1,800 bike stations located 300 meters apart. If you stop at a bike station and it's full, you can score an extra 15 minutes at the kiosk to find another bike stand.

ANOTHER NOTE: You're not being stealthy by riding for 30 minutes then doing a bike swap. The Vélib people want the bikes back so another person can use it for another 30 minutes. That's how they roll here in Paris. It's not all about making big bucks, people.

8. Park your bike at an open slot in the station. If you've insert your bike correctly, there is a a green light that will turn amber then flash green twice. If you haven't inserted your bike correctly, the green light will turn red and you will instantly start to sweat. This happened to me but Huey gave my bike an extra push to park it in the slot correctly. There is no sweeter sight then when the light on the parking spot blinks green twice.

HIRING A VÉLIB' WITH MY CODES

1. Press the ✔ key.

2. The bike's screen comes on.

3. Enter your access code (8 digits) and validate by pressing ✔.

4. Enter your secret code (4 digits) and validate by pressing ✔.

5. The GO symbol appears.