You haven’t really seen Copenhagen until you’ve seen it from a saddle. This is the most cycle-friendly city on earth — 49% of locals commute by bike, and 385 km of dedicated, car-separated cycle track means even a first-timer can glide across town without a wobble. A bike rental here runs anywhere from about 95 DKK a day for a basic ride to 195 DKK for a premium e-bike, and you’ve got two easy routes to a set of wheels: an app like Donkey Republic or the city’s own Bycyklen, or a walk-in shop such as Baisikeli or Copenhagen Bike Rental. Below we compare every option, lay out prices, map the routes worth riding, and cover the rules and theft-proofing that’ll keep your trip smooth.
Cycling is the single best thing you can do to get around here, and it slots neatly into the rest of the network — bikes ride the trains, and the harbour bridges are built for two wheels. For the full transport picture, see our complete guide to getting around Copenhagen; this page is all about getting you on a bike.
Bike Rental at a Glance
| Provider | Type | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donkey Republic | App-based dock-less | 95 DKK/day, 1 DKK/min | Spontaneous trips, multiple short rides |
| Bycyklen (City Bikes) | Dock-based, GPS tablet | 30 DKK/hr, 70 DKK/day | Tourists wanting city-bike convenience |
| Baisikeli | Walk-in shop | 95 DKK/day | Budget multi-day rentals |
| Copenhagen Bike Rental | Walk-in premium shop | 175-225 DKK/day | Premium bikes, e-bikes, families |
| Cykelfabrikken | Walk-in | 150 DKK/day | Vesterbro location |
| Bike Copenhagen Rental | Walk-in tourist | 150-195 DKK/day | Multi-day with helmet and lock included |
The Best Bike Rental Options
Donkey Republic — app-based, best for most visitors
Donkey Republic is the option most travellers reach for, and for good reason: it’s dock-less and app-run, with 30+ pickup points scattered around town. Download the app, register a card, scan a bike’s QR code, and you’re off — 95 DKK a day, or 1 DKK a minute for quick hops. Drop it at any Donkey hub when you’re done. If you want maximum flexibility and no fixed return spot, start here.
Bycyklen — Copenhagen’s city bikes
Bycyklen is the public bike-share: pedal-assist bikes with a built-in GPS tablet, parked at 120+ docking stations. It’s 30 DKK an hour or 70 DKK a day, and you can register online or right at a dock. That little tablet screen is genuinely useful if it’s your first time navigating the city. Bikes are available 06:00-23:00.
Baisikeli — the budget walk-in
Baisikeli is the best-value walk-in, with locations in Vesterbro and Nørrebro. It’s 95 DKK a day or 350 DKK a week, a lock is included, and helmets come free — and there’s a feel-good angle too, since proceeds fund bicycle programmes in Africa. For an affordable multi-day rental in the centre, this is the pick.
Copenhagen Bike Rental — premium
Central and near Tivoli, Copenhagen Bike Rental is the place for better kit: e-bikes (175 DKK/day), cargo bikes (225 DKK/day) and even tandems. Everything is all-inclusive — helmet, lock, lights — with optional GPS for 25 DKK extra. Best if you’re travelling with family or just want top-tier equipment under you.
Cykelfabrikken — Vesterbro walk-in
Cykelfabrikken in Vesterbro is a friendly walk-in with quality bikes at 150 DKK a day, lock and helmet included. Handy if you’re based in that part of town and want to skip the app faff.
Why Copenhagen Is the World’s Most Cycle-Friendly City
It’s not just a nice reputation — the numbers back it up, and you feel the difference within five minutes of pedalling:
- 49% commute by bike — over 750,000 daily bike trips, more than New York’s entire transit ridership
- 385 km of cycle tracks — physically separated from cars
- Bike traffic lights — many junctions have their own bike signals
- Right-hand priority — cyclists turn right freely without yielding
- 30,000+ cargo bikes — Christiania Bikes, Bullitt and Larry vs Harry are all local
- Cykelslangen (the Bicycle Snake) — the iconic elevated cycle bridge in Vesterbro
- Inderhavnsbroen — the pedestrian-and-cycle bridge linking the centre to Christianshavn
- 5x more cyclists than cars in the centre during the morning rush
- Year-round riding — the city plough clears cycle tracks within two hours of snowfall
The Best Cycling Routes
Once you’ve got wheels, here’s where to point them. These five routes cover everything from a gentle first spin to a proper day out.
1. Harbour Loop (10 km, ~1.5 hours)
The classic, and the one to do first. Start at the Little Mermaid, roll south along Langelinie, cross Inderhavnsbroen to Christianshavn, carry on down to Reffen, then loop back over the Cykelslangen into Vesterbro. It threads together the big sights and the best bits of the cycle network in one go.
2. Refshaleøen Industrial Tour (8 km)
From the centre across Inderhavnsbroen to Refshaleøen — a former shipyard reborn as a street-food and culture hub. Poke around Reffen, the climbing wall, the old shipyard sheds and Noma. Head back the way you came, or push on to Amager Strand for a swim.
3. Amager Beach + Naturpark (15 km)
Ride from the centre via Christianshavn out to Amager Strand, then loop through the Amager Fælled nature park. It’s flat, easy and the pick of the bunch on a warm summer day.
4. Frederiksberg + Carlsberg + Tivoli (12 km)
A westward spin through Vesterbro to the Carlsberg district, up to the leafy Frederiksberg Have, and back down the grand Frederiksberg Allé. Tree-lined the whole way, with cafés at every excuse to stop.
5. North to Klampenborg + Bakken (35 km)
The big one. Follow the coast north through Hellerup to Klampenborg, Dyrehaven (the royal deer park) and Bakken, the oldest amusement park in the world. Give it 4-5 hours; it’s flat, and you can put the bike on the train back into town when your legs give out.
Cycling Rules and Etiquette
Copenhageners ride by the rules, and they’ll let you know (with a ring of the bell) if you don’t. Learn these before you set off:
- Right-turn signal — extend your right hand straight out before turning right
- Stop signal — raise your left hand straight up before stopping
- Keep right on the track — leave the left lane clear for faster riders
- Never ride on the pavement — it’s illegal and a 1,000 DKK fine
- Don’t jump red lights — locals obey the signals, and it’s a 1,000 DKK fine
- Lights after dark — white front, red rear, required by law; 700 DKK without
- Helmets are optional for adults — recommended, not required
- Kids under 7 must wear a helmet; children in cargo-bike bins are exempt
- One person per bike — no doubling up, except on cargo bikes
- Yield to pedestrians — they have right of way at crossings
Bike Theft and Security
Here’s the one real downside of a bike city: theft is rife, with 16,000+ bikes stolen every year. A little care goes a long way, so always:
- Use a U-lock — cable locks won’t cut it; rentals usually come with a U-lock
- Lock to a fixed object — a rack, lamppost or piece of street furniture, never just to itself
- Avoid Nørrebro overnight — it has the highest theft rate; park in Vesterbro or Frederiksberg if you can
- Don’t leave it in remote spots overnight — a hotel or hostel courtyard is far safer
- Photograph your bike — useful for the police or insurance if it walks
- Add theft insurance — most rentals offer it for an extra 25-50 DKK a day, and it’s worth it
Cargo Bikes and E-Bikes
The cargo bike is peak Copenhagen — how locals haul kids, groceries and the occasional Christmas tree. The brands to know:
- Christiania Bikes — the iconic three-wheeler with the big front box
- Larry vs Harry Bullitt — a Copenhagen-designed long, fast cargo bike
- Bullitt — the sleek, lightweight model from Larry vs Harry
- Babboe — a Dutch brand that’s caught on here for family hauling
You can rent a cargo bike from Copenhagen Bike Rental (225 DKK/day) and some Donkey Republic locations (250 DKK/day). E-bikes come from Donkey Republic, Bycyklen (with a built-in motor) and Copenhagen Bike Rental (175 DKK/day). Riding with little ones? Our Copenhagen with kids guide has more on family cycling.
Taking Your Bike on the Metro and Trains
One of the joys of cycling here is that you don’t have to pedal both ways — bikes ride the metro and S-tog, outside the peaks:
- Metro — bikes allowed except 07:00-09:00 and 15:30-17:30 on weekdays; 12 DKK supplement
- S-tog (suburban trains) — bikes any time outside peak; 12 DKK supplement
- Long-distance trains — book a bike ticket, 60-80 DKK depending on distance
- Ferries — bikes welcome, usually free or a small charge
See our Copenhagen Metro guide for the full transport rundown, or the train travel guide for the longer routes out of the city.
Bike Rental FAQs
How much does a bike rental cost in Copenhagen?
Expect roughly 95 DKK a day at the budget end (Baisikeli, Donkey Republic) up to 175-225 DKK a day for premium bikes and e-bikes (Copenhagen Bike Rental). Bycyklen city bikes sit in between at 30 DKK an hour or 70 DKK a day.
Where can I rent a bike?
Donkey Republic (app-based, 30+ pickup points), Bycyklen (city bike-share, 120+ docks), Baisikeli (Vesterbro and Nørrebro walk-ins), Copenhagen Bike Rental (central and premium) and Cykelfabrikken (Vesterbro). All show up on Google Maps.
Do I need a helmet?
No — helmets are voluntary for adults across Denmark, and most shops include one free with a rental. They’re worth wearing if you’re not used to dense city cycling. Children under 7 must wear one.
Is Copenhagen safe for cyclists?
Very. This is about the safest place in the world to ride, thanks to separated tracks, dedicated bike signals and clear right-of-way rules. It’s far less nerve-wracking than New York, London or Paris.
Can I cycle here as a beginner?
Absolutely — it’s the most beginner-friendly cycling city there is. Quiet residential streets and separated tracks suit every level. Get a feel for the rules on calmer Frederiksberg streets before tackling the busy harbour route.
How do I lock my bike?
Use a U-lock (your rental should include one) and secure the bike to a fixed rack, lamppost or piece of street furniture — never just to itself. Theft is highest in Nørrebro overnight, so aim for secure hotel parking after dark.
Are e-bikes legal?
Yes — pedal-assist e-bikes (up to 25 km/h) are legal, use the cycle tracks and need no licence. Throttle-only e-bikes count as mopeds in Denmark and require separate registration. Bycyklen’s city bikes are pedal-assist.
Can children ride on the cycle tracks?
Yes — kids aged 6 and up can ride independently, while under-7s must wear a helmet or travel in a cargo-bike bin. Our Copenhagen with kids guide has more family cycling tips.
Related Reading
- Crossing to Malmö — the Øresund train, the bridge, and what a day in Sweden costs.
- Getting in from the airport — the 13-minute Metro, the train, and when a taxi is worth it.
- Copenhagen walking tours
- Copenhagen Card review
- Sample itineraries for Copenhagen
- Transport tickets and zones — zones, ticket types and which fare works out cheapest.
- Things to do in Copenhagen
- Taxis and ride-hailing in Copenhagen
The Verdict
Renting a bike genuinely changes the trip. With 385 km of separated tracks, rentals for every budget, and infrastructure that forgives beginners, this is the best city in the world to try urban cycling — even if you haven’t ridden in years. Grab Donkey Republic for spur-of-the-moment hops, Bycyklen for the city-bike experience, or a walk-in shop for a multi-day set of wheels. Ride the Harbour Loop, take the Cykelslangen at least once, clamp on a U-lock, and you’ll fold right into the 750,000 locals who already know their city is best seen from the saddle.
Last updated: July 2026. Photo credits: images via copenhagentourism.org media library.
