Places to Hire Bikes, e-Bikes and e-Scooters in Melbourne and Regional Victoria
When we go overseas we often hire a bike to explore the local area. Its a great way to find some out of the way places and get some healthy exercise. Melbourne has a network of well maintained bike paths for cyclists to enjoy. It's not only visitors to Melbourne who should rent a bike. Locals can do the same and explore the wonderful delights of Melbourne.
It should be noted that all bike riders, adults and children must wear a properly fitting and fastened helmet that meets Australian safety standards. Also, across Victoria, you can only ride on a footpath if you are under 13 or are accompanying a child under 13. A recent law change means adults over 18 can now ride on a footpath with a child in a child seat. See a summary of road rules for cyclists.
If your bike has some mechanical problems, there are many free to use bicycle maintenance stations throughout Melbourne.
For some inspiration check out our guide 19 Best Bike Trails for Kids & Families in Melbourne.
Melbourne's original bicycle sharing system, Melbourne Bike Share, which operated from 2010 was shutdown in 2019 due to lack of patronage. The oBike dockless scheme was was stopped in June 2018, less than a year after it began after there were more bikes dumped in rivers and creeks than were on the road. Then the Uber-backed e-bike scheme, Jump, started but floundered during COVID lockdowns.
Now the current incumbents are Lime and Neuron which provide e-scooters. From February 1, 2022 the City of Melbourne, City of Yarra and City of Port Phillip are participating in a one year trial which could be extended pending the outcome of the trial.
E-scooters travel up to a maximum speed of 20 km/h on bicycle lanes, shared paths and low speed roads, and are not allowed on footpaths. Riders must adhere to most of the same rules as bike riders, including wearing a helmet and slowing down to give way to pedestrians on shared paths. You can use an app to find available scooters near you, and you can reserve one for 15 minutes while you get to your ride. There is a $1 charge to get the scooter started and 45 cents per minute, or you can rent them for a day for $15.
If you want to explore the full extent of Melbourne then hire a bike at one of these locations.
Melbourne by Bike is located in the Docklands and has a fleet of light, 21-speed hybrid bikes. They provide personal service, helmets, locks and a unique free map of Melbourne's Top 5 Rides with every hire. Hire costs are $140 per week with a helmet, lock and map. One day is $50, two days $80, three days $90.
The Melbourne Bicycle Centre located at 179 High Street, Prahran (5km from the CBD) hires the Marin Fairfax SC3 which gives riders a good balance of urban commute toughness and fast-pedalling for weekend adventures. The rental includes a helmet and lock and prices range from $40 for one day to $150 for 7 days. Call (03) 9529 3752.
Blue Tongue Bikes runs bike tours from Federation Square and also hires bikes with a delivery and pick up service from hotels/hostels. 4 hour relaxing bicycle tours are $65-75 per person. Bike hire is $25-40 for 2 hours and $35-55 for all day/overnight. Based at Batman Park, 20 Rebecca Walk, Melbourne.
Why hire a traditional bike when you can rent a fun electric bike, from Melbourne Electric Bicycles at 382 St Kilda Road, St Kilda. The hire shop is only a short distance from the Melbourne CBD and three minutes from the beach. Nearby are the iconic Beach Road, Botanical Gardens, Acland Street, MCG, Yarra River and much more. Prices range from $49 for 2 hours, $79 for a day and $299 for a week. A helmet, lock and basket can be supplied. Call (03) 9939 9894.
Velo Cycles hires quality bikes, electric bikes, Brompton folding bikes and trailers for a maximum 7 day period. Standard bikes are $40 per day and $20 per day thereafter, cargo/kid trailers are $40 per day and $20 per day thereafter, electric bikes are $100 per day and $50 per day thereafter and Brompton folding bikes are $50 per day and $20 per day thereafter. The pickup location is 815 Nicholson St, Carlton North which is just off the Capital City bike path. Call (03) 9381 0088.
Livelo hires high-performance road bikes which are the perfect bike for crushing Strava segments on Beach Road or the climbs in the Dandenong ranges. Your bike will be set up to your rider profile, including pedals, helmet and accessory options. Pickup from Livelo or have your bike delivered to your hotel concierge the evening before your ride. Livelo also offer 3 hour or all day guided rides.
If you are looking for a longer term hire Zoomo offers a variety of subscription plans for e-bikes. The entry plan costs from $39/week and has no lock-in subscription, servicing within three days and 150km per week included.
Jot Bikes also has electric bike rental plans from $39/week with accessories, maintenance and up to 80km included (minimal rental terms apply).
Ride Time Yarra Valley in Warburton & Lilydale has a wide range of bikes for hire (electric mountain bike, electric hybrid bike, gravel bike, dual suspension mountain bike & standard mountain bike). They can transport the hire bikes to you.
Cog Bikes has bike hire locations at Emerald, Warburton & Seville (Carriage Cafe). Prices are Standard Bike Hire - Up to 2 hours $25, Up to 4 hours $40, All day hire $50. E-bike Hire - Up to 2 hours $50, up to 4 hours $75, All day hire $95. Kids Bike hire (Balance bike, 16, 20 & 24 inch bikes) - Up to 2 hours $15, Up to 4 hours $25, All day hire $35. Trailer & Baby seat hire available at all locations excluding Emerald @ $15 each.
Note: Prices were correct as at March 2022.
Regional Victoria
The Bike Hire Company can provide your bikes, transport, maps, panniers and logistical support for your own tour of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail and surrounding region and back roads of the High Country region in North East Victoria. This is based out of Beechworth.
Beechworth Cyclery has bike hire, sales, serving and repairs.
Myrtleford Cycle Centre offers bike hire and repairs in Myrtleford on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail in NE Victoria.
Welcome Nugget Bike Hire has bicycle (and two-person inflatable dinghy) hire in Ballarat.
Ballarat Bike Hire hires mountain bikes with delivery of bikes from Buninyong to Black Hill, Lake Wendouree to Creswick, Skipton or Daylesford.
Inverloch Bike Hire has a fleet of Trek & Electra ebikes, mountain bikes and beach cruisers in Inverloch. Delivery and collection of bikes is possible.
Super Cruzer Hire at Phillip Island hires Super Cruzer e-Bikes (fat tyre e-Bike) and Urban Cruzer E-Bike (Mountain e-Bike). Standard hires last 3 hours.
Great Southern Ride E-bike Sales & Hire based at Meeniyan in South Gippsland along the Great Southern Rail Trail hires e-bikes and offers a shuttle service.
Halls Gap E-Bike Hire offers visitors the chance to view the scenery from an E-Bike or push bike along a shared bike path through the Fyans Valley.
