Which bike to choose for short-term rental in Paris?

Do you know how many pairs of skis sit in a garage all year long, only to see snow for a few days in February? Neither do we. But let's admit it: doesn't it lack a bit of logic to let those poor skis gather dust for 360 days a year?

The alternative is simple: renting.

The same goes for biking. If you're craving adventure on two wheels, short-term bike rental in Paris caters to all your desires - whether it's to stroll between Montmartre and the Luxembourg Gardens for a day, zip off to Giverny for an impressionist weekend, or ride all the way to the ocean… or even London, if your calves are up for a cup of tea.

The advantage? No need to buy a bike (and a good bike can be pricey), maintain it (brake pads don’t change themselves), or store it (carrying a bike up five flights of stairs in a Haussmannian building without an elevator is fun for five minutes - or not).

The cherry on top? You can switch models according to your adventures and current moods!

Now, you just need to choose the right steed for your getaway. Whether it's for a one-day, weekend, or a few weeks bike rental, we’ll guide you.

1. Define your desires for your short-term rental in Paris

The perfect bike doesn’t exist… but the perfect bike for your needs does! To choose your short-term rental bike, it all depends on your playground:

The city bike: urban stroll

To wander along the banks of the Seine, pose in front of Notre Dame, or get lost in the Marais, rent a classic city bike, it’s your best ally. Light, practical, and no fuss.

• Ideal for: short trips, leisurely tourism, Instagrammable strolls.
• Advantages: basket or rack to hold the baguette and macarons. Comfortable seat, upright position to admire the Haussmannian facades without contorting.
• Disadvantages: not made for sprinting up to Montmartre.

The hybrid bike: the SUV version of bikes

A bit of city, a bit of countryside, do you want to explore beyond the terraces of the Marais? You need a hybrid bike (Vélo Tout Chemin) for short-term rental.

• Ideal for: getting out of Paris for a weekend, riding on small roads and towpaths, or heading to Versailles.
• Advantages: sturdy tires, comfort on roads and paths. The right compromise between a leisurely ride and a micro-adventure.
• Disadvantages: a bit heavier than a city bike, so less agile for zigzagging through traffic.

The electric bike: the number one excuse buster

The last time you pedaled, Michael Jackson was still alive? No problem, and definitely no excuses.

With an electric bike, you pedal with a magic potion (without Panoramix).

• Ideal for: climbing Montmartre or zipping to the Fontainebleau forest without ending up in a crumpled heap, or even taking a detour to Mont-Saint-Michel - without your thighs giving up.
• Advantages: cycling made accessible to everyone, extended distances, turbo effect like Mario Kart that lets you admire your surroundings.
• Disadvantages: a bit more expensive, a bit heavier… but so liberating.

The gravel bike: the biking adventure

It’s the “Swiss army knife” of bikes: half road, half trail, 100% fun. The gravel bike is a favorite among cyclists who love to go off the beaten path… literally.

• Ideal for: combining road biking, small country paths, and rocky forest trails without stress.
• Advantages: versatile, fast on roads, tough on paths, stylish adventurer look, preferred model for bikepacking.
• Disadvantages: not as light as a road bike, less comfortable than a hybrid bike.

The cargo bike: the VW combi of families on two wheels

Are you heading out on an adventure with kids, a dog, or the equivalent of a giant picnic? The cargo bike is your van life on two wheels.

• Ideal for: families!
• Advantages: super stable, large cargo capacity. And honestly, crossing Paris with two giggling kids in front is the kind of memory that beats any postcard.
• Disadvantages: bulky, not ideal if you need to weave through crowded terraces in the 11th.

2. Essential criteria for a successful short-term bike rental

Here are your check-points before heading out on your adventure to choose your rental bike:

Comfort of the bike

A poorly adjusted bike guarantees back pain. Test the seat height and handlebar position, and make sure you’re comfortable braking and putting a foot down. If in doubt, ask the rental provider for advice.

Maneuverability of the bike

Whether for a few days or a few weeks, your rental bike will be your trusty steed for your getaway. It’s better to be comfortable handling your Tornado: give your rental provider your itinerary and desires, and they’ll know how to advise you based on the types of terrain.

Safety of the bike

Check the brakes and tires. The advantage of opting for a short-term bike rental is that maintenance is done for each bike. At DolceVia, each bike is pampered by our mechanic, who treats them like Formula 1 cars before a Grand Prix.

Robustness and reliability of the bike

Between the cobblestones + sidewalks in Paris, the bumpy paths in the forest, and the weather that can play tricks on you, it’s better to have a solid bike that can take the bumps without flinching. For example, we chose the brand Riese & Müller for our electric touring bikes: high-end, stable, reliable.

Flexibility of the rental provider

Take a close look at what your rental provider offers: insurance, assistance, accessories included or optional? At DolceVia, the helmet and lock are included in the rental, and you can add waterproof bags, a repair kit, and a smartphone holder. You can also request delivery of the bike directly to your door (in Paris).

Not to mention the one-way option, which allows you to return your short-term rental bike at any train station in France, for a hassle-free return by train.

The advantages of short-term rental in Paris

• Total freedom: 1 day, 1 weekend, 3 weeks… you choose the duration of your bike rental.
• Flexibility: you can try different models according to your desires (electric bike one day, hybrid the next).
• No logistical hassle: no need to disassemble a bike to take it on the train, or play Tetris to store it in your Parisian apartment. You return the keys, and that’s it.
• No maintenance: the mechanics? We take care of it. You just pedal and enjoy.

Short-term bike rental is a bit like Netflix for bikes: you consume on demand. Except instead of watching an adventure, you live it - and that’s definitely bicyclettement better.

Short-term bike rental at DolceVia

At DolceVia, we specialize in bike rentals and bike trips because we love spontaneous getaways and joyful low-carbon adventures.

You can rent:

• City bikes → perfect for exploring Paris gently.
• Electric city bikes —> to zip around without sweating.
• Hybrid bikes → ideal for getting out of the city and into the countryside.
• Gravel bikes —> to explore off the beaten path.
• Electric touring bikes —> for longer adventures.
• Cargo bikes → to carry kids, groceries… or friends.

Ready to pedal?

Choosing the right bike for short-term rental in Paris is primarily a matter of needs and desires: a romantic stroll along the Seine, a sporty trip to the countryside, a family weekend, or a getaway with friends.

So, are you more of a “leisurely city bike” team or an “electric bike that packs a punch” team? In any case, at DolceVia, we already have the keys to your next two-wheeled adventure.