FAQ

Metro Bike Share Basics

What is Metro Bike Share?

The Metro Bike Share system makes bikes available 24/7, 365 days a year in Downtown LA, Central LA, Hollywood, North Hollywood and on the Westside. Metro Bike Share offers convenient round-the-clock access to a fleet of bicycles for short trips. Metro Bike Share is one of LA Metro’s multiple public transportation options for Angelenos and visitors to get around.

Who is Metro Bike Share for?

Metro Bike Share is for everyone, whether you are running an errand or heading to work! Locals and visitors alike are able to hop on a bike and ride, provided they are over the age of 16.

Where can I go with Metro Bike Share?

Everywhere! Well, almost. Start and end your trips by getting a Metro Bike at any of the over 220 bike share stations in LA County in these service areas: Downtown LA, Central LA, Hollywood and North Hollywood. Ride for as long as you like, but always end your trip by securely returning the bike to a station, and don’t leave your bike unattended while your trip is open.
Check the map to see station locations and real-time bike and dock availability on the station map. Or, download the Metro Bike Share mobile app!

Is there an app?

Yes! The Metro Bike Share app is available for download on Google Play and App Store. For more information click here.

How were station locations chosen?

Community-selected station locations are assessed for feasibility, including sufficient sun exposure, space availability, and visibility.

Final station locations are identified through a community outreach process. This process includes recommendations from partner agencies, institutions, community groups and stakeholders.

To suggest a station or comment on a proposed one click here.

How do I use Metro Bike Share?

It’s easy!
1. Click on “Sign up” to create account.
2.Enroll into preferred pass type with your credit or debit card.
3.Use the Metro Bike Share app to unlock a bike.
For more information, visit our How It Works page.
You can also walk up to any station kiosk and follow the instructions on the touch screen. You’ll need to use your credit or debit card to pay for trips in 30-minute increments.
To end your trip, return the Metro Bike to any Metro Bike Share station and push the bike firmly into a dock. Listen for three beeps to confirm that the bike is locked. Remember, your trip is not over until your bike is securely and properly returned to a station!

How old do I have to be to ride?

Riders need to be at least 16 years old to use Metro Bike Share. Riders under 18 years old will need to have their parent or guardian purchase a pass for them.

Can I reserve a bike?

Sorry. Bikes are available on a first come, first served basis. You can see real-time bike and dock availability any time on the station map, and in the app. Check the map before your trip!

What if there are no bikes at the station?

If there are no bikes at your station, use the app or the website station map to locate an available bike at the next closest station. Both the app and website map provide real-time information about the number of available bikes and docks at each station.

What if I need to return a Metro Bike and a station is full?

If a Metro Bike Share station is full, you must find an open dock at another station and return the bike. Both the app and website map provide real-time information about the number of available bikes and docks at each station.  If you need additional help with your trip you can contact Customer Service via call or text at (844) 857-BIKE

Pro Tip: Always check the app or website station map before your ride to make sure there is a bike and dock available.

Are helmets required to ride Metro Bike Share?

Helmet use when using Metro Bike Share is strongly encouraged but not required by law for adults. Minors under 18 are required to wear a helmet by law.

Does Metro Bike Share ever close?

Metro Bike Share bikes are available 24 hours a day, everyday. However, the Metro Bike Share system may be forced to close during inclement weather or other major events. If we have to close any station we will alert riders via email, social media or SMS. Our customer service team is on hand from 7am to 8pm every day to assist you.

 

Electric Metro Bikes

How is the Electric Metro Bike different from the Classic Metro Bike?

Electric Metro Bikes include a motor that provides assistance as you pedal. Electric Metro Bikes allow people to travel by bike faster and further with less physical effort.

 

 

How do I find and check out an Electric Metro Bike?

Electric Metro Bikes have “Electric Metro Bike” on both sides of the downtube for easy identification. Sign up and then use your TAP card or look up your account with your phone number at any Classic Metro Bike Share station to check out an Electric Metro Bike. Or use your credit or debit card at any Classic Metro Bike Share station. Check out our How it Works page to learn more.

Classic Metro Bike Stations with Electric Metro Bikes may be found by checking the online station map or in the Metro Bike Share app. Stations that have Electric Metro Bikes docked at them display a green lightning bolt symbol above the station icon.

How fast does the Electric Metro Bike go?

Electric Metro Bikes provide pedal assistance up to speeds of 17 miles per hour. The motor in the Electric Metro Bike only provides assistance when you pedal.

How long does the battery last?

The battery life for the Electric Metro Bike depends on many factors including terrain, riding style, temperature, and the weight of the rider and cargo being transported. Under ideal conditions, a full charge allows Electric Metro Bikes to travel about 30 miles before they need to be recharged. Electric Metro Bikes indicate how much of their total battery life remains on their display. We regularly monitor and charge batteries as needed.

What happens if the battery dies and what do I do if the battery runs out while I’m riding?

In the unlikely event the battery on an Electric Metro Bike dies, the motor will stop providing pedal assistance. Fortunately, the motor does not add any noticeable drag when turned off. The lights on the bike will still function and you will still be able to shift gears, dock, undock, brake, and pedal like on a traditional bike.

If an Electric Metro Bike runs out of battery while you’re riding, you can either finish your trip or dock the bike at the closest station and undock another bike. Please call or text us at 844.857.BIKE or email us at support@bikeshare.metro.net to alert us that the battery has died.

How old do I have to be to ride an Electric Metro Bike?

Just like Classic Metro Bikes, riders need to be at least 16 years old to use Metro Bike Share and to ride an Electric Metro Bike. Riders under 18 years old will need to have their parent or guardian purchase a pass for them.

On what part of the street should I ride an Electric Metro Bike?

The laws for riding an Electric Metro Bike are the same as the laws for riding a traditional bike. Every lane is a bike lane, people on bikes may use a whole lane. Different municipalities have different laws regarding sidewalks, but we recommend to minimize riding on the sidewalk. Always yield to pedestrians. A bicycle is a vehicle, follow and obey all traffic lights and signs.

How much does the Electric Metro Bike weigh?

Electric Metro Bikes weigh about 50 pounds, which is only 3 pounds heavier than our Classic Metro Bikes.

How much does it cost to use an Electric Metro Bike?

Casual riders can unlock Electric Metro Bike for $1. The standard riding fare of $1.75 each 30 minutes applies thereafter. 30-Day, 365-Day, Business and Reduce Fare pass holders can continue to unlock Electric Metro Bikes for no additional fee!

 

TAP Card & Interoperability

Will my TAP card work with Metro Bike Share?

Yes! But first you need to enroll in Metro Bike Share.
If you are enrolling on metro.net/bikeshare, you can register a TAP card to your account by logging into your account online or in the Metro Bike Share app and selecting “Edit TAP card.”
If you are enrolling on TAPtogo.net/metrobikeshare, enroll in Metro Bike Share and select the option to “Use an existing TAP card” when purchasing your Metro Bike Share pass. After checkout and to ensure your TAP card is registered to your account, navigate to the “My TAP Cards” menu and click the “Register Card” button enter the 16- or 20-digit code on the back of your TAP card.
Once registered, your TAP card can be used to unlock Metro Bikes at any station. To do this, press the silver button on the dock of the bike you want to release, and hold your TAP card to the lighted panel.
Note: Stored cash value on a TAP card may not be used for Metro Bike Share at this time. The credit card or debit card associated with your Metro Bike Share pass will be used for Metro Bike Share charges.

What if I don’t already have a TAP card?

No problem. You have two options:
1. You can order a TAP card online for $2 at TAPtogo.net.
2. You can ride on Metro Bike Share without a TAP card: Download the Metro Bike Share app and log in to your Metro Bike Share account to access mobile bike check out. You can also walk up to a Metro Bike Share station and use your phone number at the kiosk to unlock a bike.

What if I already have a TAP account?

Great! Log in to your existing TAP account and enroll in Metro Bike Share. Once you have enrolled, you can start riding!

Can I use TAP Card stored value to check out a bike?

Stored cash value on a TAP card may not be used for Metro Bike Share at this time. The credit card or debit card associated with your Metro Bike Share pass will be used for Metro Bike Share charges.

Who do I contact if I have a problem with my TAP account?

For issues related to your Metro Bike Share account contact Metro Bike Share customer serviced:
Email: support@bikeshare.metro.net
Call or text: (844) 857-BIKE

 

Please contact TAP Customer Service for issues related to your TAP account:

Email: customerservice@taptogo.net
Phone: 866.TAPTOGO (1.866.827.8646)
Mailing Address:
TAP Customer Service
One Gateway Plaza
Mail Stop 99-2-3
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Will my TAP Card expire?

Regular TAP cards expire after 10 years. Reduced Fare TAP card expiration dates vary, depending on the type of card. Check your card’s expiration date by logging into your TAP account, at a TAP Vending Machine or at a TAP Vendor location.

 

Reduced Fare TAP cards

I'm a K-12 student. Can I get a Reduced Fare TAP card?

K-12 students are eligible to receive a Reduced Fare TAP card. To qualify, you must submit a Reduced Fare Application. Please read the instructions carefully and gather all supporting documentation before you begin the application process. You may expect to receive your Reduced Fare TAP card in approximately 20 business days.

If you currently have a Reduced Fare TAP card that will expire in the next 45 days, you may re-apply online at taptogo.net. Gather all supporting documentation before you begin the application process.

I'm a college/vocational student. Can I get a Reduced Fare TAP card?

College and vocational students are eligible to receive a Reduced Fare TAP card. Submit a Reduced Fare application online at taptogo.net. Please read the instructions carefully and gather all supporting documentation before you begin the application process. You may expect to receive your Reduced Fare TAP card in approximately 20 business days.

If you currently have a Reduced Fare TAP card that will expire in the next 45 days, you may re-apply online at taptogo.net. Gather all supporting documentation before you begin the application process.

I have a disability. Can I get a Reduced Fare TAP card?

As a person with a disability, you may be eligible to receive a Reduced Fare TAP card. To qualify, you must submit a Reduced Fare Application. Please read the instructions carefully and gather all supporting documentation before you begin the application process. You may expect to receive your Reduced Fare TAP card in approximately 20 business days.

If you currently have a Reduced Fare TAP card that will expire in the next 45 days, you may re-apply online at taptogo.net. Gather all supporting documentation before you begin the application process.

I'm a senior. Can I get a Reduced Fare TAP card?

Seniors* are eligible to receive a Reduced Fare TAP card. To qualify, you must submit a Reduced Fare Application. Please read the instructions carefully and gather all supporting documentation before you begin the application process. You may expect to receive your Reduced Fare TAP card in approximately 20 business days.

If you currently have a Reduced Fare TAP card that will expire in the next 45 days, you may re-apply online at taptogo.net. Gather all supporting documentation before you begin the application process.

* The qualifying age of a Senior may vary with each regional transit agency.

 

Pricing

How much does Metro Bike Share cost?

1-Ride passes are just $1.75 for each 30 minutes you spend riding. Electric Metro Bikes are an additional $1 to unlock for casual riders.
Frequent riders can save money with our 30-Day and 365-Day Passes. With these passes, the first 30 minutes of all trips are included for free and the Electric Metro Bike unlocking fee is waived. See more information about passes and pricing.

I don’t want to buy a pass, I just want to ride. Can I do that?

Of course! You can walk up to any kiosk or download the Metro Bike Share app to purchase a pass with your credit or debit card.

I’ve purchased a pass. How soon can I ride?

Almost immediately. Give us a few minutes for your account to process and then you’ll be good to go. Once you have purchased your pass you are ready to ride! Just download the Metro Bike Share app to access mobile bike checkout. You can also walk up to a Metro Bike Share station  and use your phone number at the kiosk to unlock a bike.

When does my 30-Day and 365-Day pass period begin?

Your pass period begins as soon as you purchase it. Download the Metro Bike Share app to access mobile bike checkout. You can also walk up to a Metro Bike Share station and use your phone number at the kiosk to unlock a bike.

How often is my card charged?

Pass fees are charged when Metro Bike Share enrollment occurs. Depending on your pass type, you may opt-in to auto-renewal. Auto-renewal can be updated at any time by logging into your account online or in the app.
If you enrolled through metro.net/bikeshare, in the app or at a kiosk, usage fees are charged 24 hours after your trip ends.
For passes purchased through TAPtogo.net, usage fees are charged once bike is docked and trip is completed.

How do I switch my pass type?

Contact Metro Bike Share Customer Service at (844) 857-BIKE and we will be happy to help.

Can I take out more than one bike at a time?

You may only take out one bike at a time. However, you can take out up to four bikes at a time when purchasing 1-Ride trips with your credit or debit card at the kiosk.

When will I be charged for a 1-Ride purchase?

If you purchase a 1-Ride at the kiosk you will be charged immediately for your first 30 minutes. Usage fees for trips over 30 minutes will be charged 24 hours after your bike is returned.

How do I use a promo code to sign up for a pass?

Promo codes can be entered at the checkout page. The discount will be immediately applied to the pass purchase if using a valid and eligible promo code.

How do usage fees work and when does my trip start and end?

A “trip” begins when you remove a bike from any station dock point, and ends when you return it to any station.
Regular riding fare is $1.75 for each 30 minutes you are riding. The first 30 minutes of all trips are included for FREE if you are a 30-Day or 365-Day Passholder.
Electric Metro Bikes can be unlocked for an additional $1. This unlocking fee is waived for 30-Day and 365-Day Passholders.

 

Troubleshooting

What if a bike I checked out has a problem?

If you check out a bike and it has a problem, please return the bike to the nearest station. Call us at (844) 857-BIKE immediately so we can fix it and so we can make sure you can continue to ride!

What if I damage a bike?

Metro Bike Share bikes are going to experience regular wear and tear, and we have a team of mechanics working to keep the system in good working order. However, if you cause obvious damage to a Metro Bike Share bike, you are responsible for the cost of repair. Please call us immediately at (844) 857-BIKE.

What if my pass is lost or stolen?

If you lose your TAP card, call us immediately at (844) 857-BIKE so we can cancel the card. Or, log in to your TAP account and report your lost or stolen TAP card by clicking “My TAP Cards”, navigate to the drop-down menu next to the card you wish to suspend and click “Report Lost or Stolen Card.” Make sure you do this quickly to avoid unauthorized use on your account.

What if my bike is lost or stolen?

Immediately call us at (844) 857-BIKE. The Rider must report the bike disappearance or theft to the local Police Department where theft occurred within 24 hours. Metro Bike Share will consider timely reporting of a stolen or lost bike and a police report when assessing any cost associated with the Rider’s responsibility for the bike.

The Customer Service representative you speak with will ask you to fill out a Theft Report form. In addition, you MUST call or visit the police precinct in which the theft occurred within 24 hours and file a theft report. Your account may be charged for the cost of recovery or replacement of the bike. Please note, you must contact Metro Bike Share immediately.

What if I’m involved in a crash?

If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. You should also call the police department in the jurisdiction the crash took place and file a report with an officer. This will help assure all important information is documented.

Within 24 hours of the incident, you must notify us of the crash by calling Customer Service at (844) 857-BIKE. The bike remains your responsibility until it has been properly locked at a dock, or handed over to a Metro Bike Share representative. Otherwise, you must secure the bike until you are able to return it to Metro Bike Share.

 

Managing Your Information

How do I receive (or stop) text notifications?

When signing up for a pass, you can choose to receive text notifications. This preference can be changed anytime by logging into your Metro Bike Share account and changing your Profile settings.

How do I change or update my credit card or TAP card information?

You can update this information online or in the Metro Bike Share app by logging into your account and selecting “Billing Info” or “TAP Card.”
If you are enrolled through TAPtogo.net, log in to your TAP account and go to “My Account” and then “Payment Options.” To update your TAP card information, select “My TAP cards.”

How does Metro Bike Share track my trip information?

Our system uses RFID technology in your card, the bikes, and at the station to track your trip’s start and end points. The system then uses algorithms to estimate calories, miles, and carbon emissions.

Am I financially responsible for the bike while I have it checked out?

Yes. As detailed in the User Agreement, you are responsible for the bicycle while it is checked out under your account. If something happens to the bicycle during your check-out, your account will be charged accordingly.

Can I loan my Metro Bike Share pass to someone else?

You are responsible for any bike checked out with your Metro Bike Share pass, as detailed in the User Agreement. If you lose your TAP card, call Customer Service immediately at (844) 857-BIKE so we can suspend your TAP card and prevent anyone else from using it to gain access to a bike for which you are financially responsible.

How do I cancel my pass?

We’re sad to see you go!
To cancel your pass on TAPtogo.net, log into your TAP account, navigate to “My Programs”, and select “Cancel Pass” on the menu below your active Metro Bike Share pass. If you are enrolled in pass auto-renewal, opt-out by selecting “Change” under Auto-Renew and toggle the button to “Off”.

How do I switch my pass type?

To change your pass, log into your TAP account, navigate to “My Programs”, and select “Change” below your active Metro Bike Share pass.

Or, contact Metro Bike Share Customer Service at (844) 857-BIKE and we will be happy to help.