While the city of Prague lacks its own public bikesharing system, there are convenient alternatives for renting bicycles in the capital of Czechia. Two primary rental services, Rekola and Nextbike, offer a combined total of 2,000 bicycles (as of summer 2023). Additionally, Lime and Bolt, companies specializing in e-bikesharing, provide several dozen e-bicycles in Prague.
Although there are exceptions, these companies primarily focus on serving the central city area and its most densely populated regions. During winter, bikesharing options are somewhat limited in comparison to the availability during the warmer seasons of summer, spring, and autumn.
Starting from autumn 2021, bikesharing has been integrated into the Prague public transport system. If you hold a long-term subscription (a month or longer) for a Lítačka public transport card, you are entitled to two 15-minute rides per day at no additional cost.
If you’re looking to ride a bicycle in the city center occasionally without worrying about maintenance, consider giving Rekola a try. Rekola is a Czech bikesharing company that offers around 1000 pink bicycles distributed throughout the city (as of 2021). The shortest subscription option is for half an hour and costs 24 CZK (approximately 1 EUR). Alternatively, you can opt for a one-month subscription at the price of 195 CZK, which is slightly under 8 EUR.
All you need is a smartphone running iOS or Android and a valid credit or debit card. The Rekola system operates without traditional docking stations – you simply require an internet connection to locate available bikes on the map and to initiate the rental process. In the city center, you’re not obligated to return the bikes to designated stations; instead, you can leave them within the pink zone, indicated on the map.
Here’s how it works:
Nextbike bikesharing commenced its operations in Prague in 2020. With a fleet of 1000 blue bicycles, these bikes are distributed across the city center as well as some outer areas. Each bike is equipped with a derailleur, a compact storage compartment, and even GPS functionality. Notably, Nextbike bicycles tend to be heavier than those provided by Rekola. The initial 20 minutes of your ride cost 24 CZK (approximately 1 EUR).
Here’s how the Nextbike system operates:
American bikesharing company Lime is operating fleet of aroud 1000 electric bikes and more than 500 e-scooters in Prague. They are available in the broader center of Prague since autumn 2018. Company charges 25 CZK (1 €) for unlocking and then 4 CZK (15 cents) per minute. To rent a scooter or an e-bike, you need to download Lime app. Most of the scooters don’t have suspension system, so they are not a good choice for cobbled roads or crossing the tram tracks.
The bikes are really comfortable, however, it’s not the cheapest option.
Company Bolt is operating fleet of more than hundred e-bikes in Prague since summer 2022. They’re not ideal for the cobble streets in the city center. The company also provides e-scooters.
Are you in need of a bicycle rental for an extended duration or looking for a specific type of bicycle that differs from the standard city bikes found in bikesharing programs? Several conventional rental services offer a range of options, including specialized bicycles and cycling equipment. Here are a few examples:
Bikesharing is not limited to Prague alone; you can also avail yourself of this convenient service in various other cities and towns across Czechia. Particularly noteworthy is the prevalence of Nextbike bikesharing, which extends its reach to numerous smaller municipalities as well (as of summer 2023, covering 35 cities and towns throughout the country).
For those in cities Brno, České Budějovice, or Prostějov, the Rekola bikesharing option is also available, offering another avenue for easy and eco-friendly transportation.
Are you interested in cycling around Prague or exploring the entire country? Feel free to explore our additional English articles or don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have. Be sure to follow us on our social media platforms. We’re here to provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your cycling adventures in Prague and beyond.
