How it works

Why did the Ville de Montréal decide to set up a public bike system?

In its transportation plan Réinventer Montréal , the Ville de Montréal wanted to provide different means of getting around Montréal. Given its immense popularity in Europe, the Ville de Montréal decided to make a public bike system one of the measures included in the plan. BIXI is viewed as a complement to the public transportation system and as an alternative to the car for residents and tourists throughout the city. The mandate to create, develop and exploit this new service was entrusted to Stationnement de Montréal.

Is the system in service throughout the year?

The system is in service three seasons of the year (spring summer, fall) from May to November. The stations are removed during harsh winter months.

Who can use BIXI?

You have to be at least 14 years of age and measure at least 1.24 metres (4'1") in height to use BIXI. BIXI users who are minors must be subscribed by their legal guardians and remain under their responsibility.

How long can I take a bike out?

You can take a bike out for a maximum of 24 hours. After that time, the bike will be considered stolen and a fee of $1,000 will be charged to your credit card.

Can I lend my BIXI-key to someone else?

No. Your BIXI-key is yours and yours alone and is not transferable.

If I purchase a 24-hour access, is my unlocking code valid for the entire period?

No. For each new trip, you must return to the pay station, choose the Rent a bike option and insert your credit card to identify yourself (the system will recognize you and no supplementary fees will be charged to your card). The pay station will print a new ticket with a new unlocking code on it.

How do I take a bike out of a bike dock?

Enter the five-digit code you obtained at the pay station (choose the Rent a bike option and follow the instructions) or insert your BIXI-key in the reader at the bike dock. A yellow light will come on indicating that the code or the BIXI-key is being validated. A green light comes on when the validation is completed and the bike dock unlocks. You then have 15 seconds to remove the bike by grasping the handlebars and pulling the bike firmly towards you, after which time the bike dock will lock again. If the code or the BIXI-key are invalid, or if the bike is damaged, a red light will come on and the bike will remain locked in the bike dock. If you experience repeated difficulties, try another bike dock or call customer service at 514-789-BIXI (2494) or 1-877-820-2453 to notify us of any defect.

How do I return a bike to a bike dock?

Push the front wheel of the bike firmly into the slot of the bike dock until you hear a mechanical "click ". If the bike has been properly locked in, a green light will come on. It is very important to ensure that the green light comes on before leaving your bike. If the bike isn't properly locked in, a red light will come on and you will have to repeat the process. If the red light on the bike dock stays on and your bike is not accepted, you must remove the bike and try another empty bike dock. The bike remains your responsibility until it is properly locked in at a bike dock: a bike that is improperly locked in could result in additional charges.

What is the maximum weight a BIXI bike can carry?

120 kg (265 lbs) for the bike and 8 kg (18 lbs) for the carrying rack.

Am I required to wear a helmet?

The law does not require people to wear a helmet when riding a bike. However, it is the only effective means of protection against head injuries. The Sociétéd'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) and BIXI therefore encourage you to wear a helmet when biking. For more information, consult Bicycle Safety on the SAAQ Web site.

Subscription/Fees

Are the first 30 minutes are at no cost only on the first trip I make?

The first 30 minutes of use are always at no cost for each trip you make.

I only want to use BIXI from time to time: can I do it without subscribing?

24-hour access is available for $5 (only at the pay station of each bike dock), which may suit occasional users. However, keep in mind that all you have to do is use BIXI 6 days a month for the 30-day, $28 subscription to end up being more worthwhile! As for the 1-year subscription for $78, it is still your best deal if you use BIXI 16 days a year or more.Subscription and Fees

How do I subscribe or obtain 24-hour access?

1-year and 30-day subscriptions are available online. 24-hour access is available at the pay station of every BIXI bike dock. Payment can be made with VISA or MasterCard.

How will I be billed for my usage fees?

For BIXI subscribers, usage fees (over and above the 30 free minutes for each trip) are billed on the 27th day of the month. A statement detailing your trip charges can be viewed at My BIXI space. As for 24-hour access, the basic fees will be billed to your credit card at the time of the first transaction while the usage fees will be billed to your credit card at the end of the 24-hour period or when the bike is returned after the 24-hour period has expired.

I subscribed online. Can I use the service right away?

You can use the service once you have gone online to activate your BIXI-key, which you should receive promptly.

Can I take out more than one bike with my BIXI-key or my credit card?

No. You cannot take out several bikes with your BIXI-key or credit card, since they are both used to identify a single and unique user.

For 24-hour access, the user may rent a maximum of two (2) bikes with the same credit card. Should the case arise, the basic fee applies for each rented bike.

Can I subscribe if I don't have Internet access?

Yes. You can also subscribe by contacting customer service at 514-789-BIXI (2494) or at 1-877-820-2453. However, an email address is required for any subscription made over the phone.

Is it possible to subscribe if I don't have a credit card?

A holder of a credit card can pay for your subscription to the service, whether they subscribe to it or not. This person must fill out the subscription form and click on the Add a co-subscriber button and enter the pertinent information. Subscription and usage fees will be charged to their credit card.

Solving problems

What do I do if there are no empty bike docks when I want to return my bike?

You can obtain an additional 15 minutes free of charge from the pay station to give you enough time to return your bike to another nearby bike station. You will need your credit card (24-hour access) or the 7-digit number on the back of your BIXI-key (1-year and 30-day subscriptions) to identify yourself. You should consult the map posted at most stations to find nearby bike stations, or the online map. You will also soon be able to check the map at the pay station to find out the real-time availability of bikes at nearby stations.

What do I do if there are no bikes available at my station?

You should consult the map posted at most stations to find nearby bike stations, or the online map. You will also soon be able to check the map at the pay station to find out the real-time availability of bikes at nearby stations.

My BIXI bike has been lost or stolen? What happens now?

You must notify us of the loss or theft of a bike as quickly as possible. Contact customer service at 514-789-BIXI (2494) or at 1-877-820-2453. A penalty of $1,000 may apply.

My BIXI-key has been lost or stolen? What do I do?

Contact customer service at 514-789-BIXI (2494) or at 1-877-820-2453 as quickly as possible to deactivate your BIXI-key and prevent fraudulent use, as well as to obtain a new key. You will be charged a fee of $5.

My BIXI-key is broken. What do I do?

Your BIXI-key can be replaced. A $5 fee will be charged to the credit card linked to your account. Contact customer service at 514-789-BIXI (2494) or at 1-877-820-2453.

I've had an accident involving my BIXI bike. What do I do?

In the case of an incident or accident involving your BIXI bike, you must notify us of the facts by calling customer service at 514-789-BIXI (2494) or at 1-877-820-2453 within 24 hours. The bike remains your responsibility until it is properly locked in at a bike dock, or if that is not possible, handed over to a BIXI representative. Otherwise, you must secure the bike.