Paris By Two-Wheeler

Thanks to frequent metro strikes, bike shops have come to the rescue of stranded citizens, and an emergent cycling community has approached its dream of an auto-free Paris. If you have never ridden a bike in heavy traffic, however, don’t use central Paris as a testing ground. Bicycles can be transported on all RER lines anytime except rush hour (M-F 6:30-9am and 4:30-7pm) and on metro line 1 on Sunday before 4:30pm. Ask for a helmet (not legally required, but always a good idea) and inquire about insurance.

A new bike hire service, Vélib, has stationed over 20,000 bikes at over 1450 automated stations throughout Paris. With a subscription, bike rental is free for 30min. and very cheap for longer trips. For more info on Vélib and other bike rental companies, see Practical Information.

Scooters

Motorized two-wheelers, called motos or mobylettes, are everywhere in Paris. Everyone seems to own one, and just as many seem to have been injured on one. If you want to sacrifice safety for the speed and style that only a scooter can provide, you can rent one; no special license is required, though a helmet most definitely is. See Practical Information.

More Transportation in Paris

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