http://www.ecitybikes.fr
€10 for a full day

They also have some trekking bikes and electric bikes!

The idea is you return the bike at the next stop – if you can find one and it has space, there are problems with the scheme.

After 1.5 hours your bill goes up at 8 euro per hour (first 1.5 hours costs 7 euro). A day costs 183 euro! If you cannot get your bike back within 24 hours the 150 euro deposit is taken, just hope you do not to take ill or get lost in the city.

I have just paid 70 euro being 35 euro for 7 hours of Velib for two cycles. The 1.70 euro just allows you to pick up the bike for short time slots within a 24 hours period plus payment for time.

Note the terms and conditions at the stations are in French even after selecting your native language.

Thanks for your comment. Yes, it now looks like Americans can participate in the Velib’ program!

According to the Frequently Asked Questions page on their site (http://en.velib.paris.fr/How-it-works/FAQ2), Visa, MasterCard and American Express are all now accepted.

However, according to Bryan, one of our Paris correspondents, the machines still will not accept American cards. But it’s still possible to use the system: You can now register for a subscription on their Web site. They will then give you a code to tap into the kiosk at the Velib’ station. And you’re set to go.

They also state that a 150 euro deposit will be held (but not charged) when you sign up for a short-term subscription. You must have enough money in your account (for debit cards) or enough credit (for credit cards) to cover this 150 euro “hold.”

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We’re happy about this change!

All the best,
Tom

Good article though, useful for tourists 😉