Exploring Cologne's Rental Bike Options For Tourists And Locals

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is a biking haven. The city boasts dedicated bike lanes and a flat landscape, making it an ideal place to explore on two wheels. Visitors to the city can choose from a variety of rental options, including e-bikes, city bikes, trekking bikes, children's bikes, and even tandems. Rental companies like Radstation Köln offer high-quality bicycles at fair prices, with central locations near the main train station and Cologne Cathedral. With its versatile cityscape, renting a bike is a great way to discover Cologne's highlights, such as the famous Dom and the Rhein promenade.

Where to rent bikes in Cologne

Cologne is a bike-friendly city with dedicated bike lanes and flat terrain, making it a great place to get around on two wheels. Here are some options for renting bikes in Cologne:

KVB-Rad

KVB-Rad offers a convenient bike-sharing service in Cologne and over 300 other cities worldwide. You can rent their bikes using the nextbike app or with a VRS chip card. The rental process is simple: use the app or card to unlock the bike, and you're ready to ride! Their bikes are affordable, with the first 30 minutes of each rental included and each additional half-hour charged at a low rate. KVB-Rad also offers special tariffs for enthusiasts, students, and VRS chip card holders.

Radstation Köln

Radstation Köln is a social project that offers a wide range of rental bikes, including city bikes, trekking bikes, children's bikes, youth bikes, and tandems. They also offer pedelecs, hand bikes, and wheelchairs, ensuring that people with physical disabilities can also enjoy the city. Radstation Köln is conveniently located in the city centre, right next to the main station and the Cologne Cathedral. The rental process is straightforward, but they do require a deposit and valid identification.

Call a Bike

Call a Bike provides an easy and quick bike rental service with numerous locations across Cologne. Their exact locations can be found on their website.

CCT Bike Rental

CCT Bike Rental offers a range of road bikes and e-bikes for rent in Cologne. They have a user-friendly booking process, but it's important to note that bookings must be made at least five days in advance, with a minimum rental period of five days. Their website provides detailed information on the various bike models available, including specifications and rental rates.

Bike Stations

According to a review on TripAdvisor, there is a "Bike Station" just outside the train station in Cologne. The reviewer mentions that the rental price was €10 per day or €20 for three days, and they provide bike locks and baskets with each bike. This bike station seems to be a popular choice, given its convenient location and affordable rates.

Types of rental bikes available

Cologne is a bike-friendly city with bike lanes everywhere and a flat landscape, making it a perfect city to explore on two wheels. Here are the types of rental bikes available in Cologne:

City Bikes

City bikes are an excellent option for those who want to explore the city of Cologne. They are perfect for cycling through the city's streets and paths, and you can easily lock them up while exploring attractions. These bikes often come with a basket, making it convenient to carry your belongings. You can rent city bikes from places like the "Bikestation", located just outside the train station, for as little as €10 per day.

Electric Bikes (E-Bikes)

Cologne offers a range of electric bike options for those who want a more effortless riding experience. These include the Canyon E-Bike Precede On 5 St, which provides powerful electric support and is equipped with features like integrated lights, a stand, and mudguards. The Cube E-bike Trapeze frame 500Wh is another option, known for its lightweight yet strong aluminium frame and full integration of motor and battery.

Road Bikes

For those who want a more traditional cycling experience, road bikes are also available for rent in Cologne. These include options like the Ridley Kanzo Adventure, which offers different gear setups and frame materials to suit your preferences.

Mountain Bikes

While Cologne itself may not have many mountains, Germany offers excellent mountain biking opportunities in the southern regions. You can rent mountain bikes in Cologne and explore the country's vast network of cycling routes, including those in nature reserves and mountainous areas.

Children's and Youth Bikes

Families travelling with children can take advantage of the various options for younger riders. Radstation Köln, for example, offers children's bikes, child seats, and child trailers. They have small bicycles with 20-inch and 24-inch wheels, as well as adult cycles with child seats and trailers.

Tandems

For those who want to cycle together, tandems are a fun option. Radstation Köln offers tandems, and you can explore the city with a partner, steering your way through Cologne's streets and paths.

Pedelecs

Pedelecs, or pedal electric cycles, are also available for rent in Cologne. These bikes provide electric assistance, making it easier to cycle longer distances or tackle challenging terrain.

Specialised Bikes

Cologne also caters to physically handicapped individuals with a range of specialised bikes. These include hand bikes and wheelchairs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the city and its surroundings.

With such a diverse range of rental bikes available, Cologne is an ideal city to explore by bicycle, offering something for riders of all ages and abilities.

Rental costs

There are several options for renting a bike in Cologne. The Radstation Köln, located conveniently in the city centre, offers a wide range of bicycles, including city bikes, trekking bikes, children's and youth bikes, and tandems. They also provide pedelecs, hand bikes, and wheelchairs. The rental prices vary depending on the type of bike chosen. For example, the deposit for a city bike is 50 Euros, while a pedelec requires a 100 Euro deposit. Reservations for pedelecs must be made 24 hours in advance by phone.

Another option is the KVB-Rad bike-sharing service, which can be accessed through the nextbike app or with a VRS chip card. The first 30 minutes of each rental are included, and each additional half-hour is charged at 1 Euro, with a maximum daily rate of 15 Euros. This service is available in Cologne and over 300 cities worldwide, providing flexibility for travellers.

Additionally, according to a 2011 review on Tripadvisor, there is a bike rental station called "Bikestation" located just outside the train station, offering rentals at 10 Euros per day or 20 Euros for three days. They provide a bike lock and baskets, making it a convenient and affordable option.

For those looking for a more extended rental period, CCT Bike Rental offers a range of bikes, including e-bikes and road bikes, with rental periods starting from five days. The cost varies depending on the bike type and model, ranging from 150 Euros to 300 Euros for five days. This option may be suitable for those planning a cycling holiday or an extended stay in Cologne.

Rules and requirements for renting a bike

Cologne, Germany, is a great city for cycling, with more than 70,000 kilometres of long-distance cycling routes and many more short cycling routes. The city is very versatile, with many attractions that can be easily reached by bike.

Rules and Requirements

• It is necessary to book at least five days in advance and for a minimum of five rental days.
• In some cases, a €1 deposit is required to verify your account. This will become rental credit.
• You can rent a bike using the nextbike app by scanning the QR code on the bike, or by tapping your VRS chip card at the rear of the bike.
• If you want to park your bike during the rental, you must activate the park mode in the app and then press the FrameLock lever to lock the bike.
• You must return your bike within the blue zone and at an official station to avoid extra costs.
• If you return the bike within the pink zone, there is a €1 charge.
• Returning the bike away from the designated zones or stations will incur a service fee of at least €20.
• You can rent up to four bikes with one customer account, but subscriptions and special conditions usually apply to the first bike only.
• The basic rate is €15 per 24 hours.
• The first 30 minutes of each rental are included in the cost, and each additional half hour is charged at €1 (up to a maximum of €15 per day).
• VRS chip card holders and students receive a discounted rate of €9 per 24 hours, with the first 30 minutes included and each additional half hour charged at €1.

Benefits of renting a bike in Cologne

Renting a bike in Cologne is a great way to explore the city and its surroundings. Here are some benefits of renting a bike in Cologne:

• Ease of transportation: Bikes are a great way to get around Cologne, as the city is very flat and has dedicated biking lanes, making it easy to travel to any attraction you like. Bikes are also faster and cheaper than other modes of transport, so you can save money and time on your sightseeing.
• Accessibility: Renting a bike in Cologne is made easy by services such as KVB-Rad, which allow you to rent bikes through a simple app. The Radstation Köln also offers a wide range of rental bikes, including city bikes, trekking bikes, children's bikes, and even hand bikes or wheelchairs for physically handicapped individuals.
• Flexibility: With a rental bike, you can explore Cologne at your own pace and make stops whenever and wherever you like. You can lock your bike up anywhere while you have lunch, sightsee, or take a break. This flexibility allows you to create your own itinerary and explore the city according to your interests.
• Environmental sustainability: Renting a bike is a sustainable and eco-friendly way to get around. By choosing a bike over a car or other motorized transport, you can reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy the quietness of a zero-emissions ride.
• Health benefits: Cycling is a great form of exercise, offering health benefits for both young and old. Adults can take on more challenging routes, while families with children can opt for relaxed cycling paths. Cycling is a fun way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors during your time in Cologne.

Frequently asked questions