10 Best Apps That Show Bike Rental Locations Along Cycling Routes Near Me

Finding a bike to rent is easiest when your map also shows stations and availability along your route. These 10 apps help you plan cycling routes near you and spot nearby bike-share docks or dockless bikes so you can roll without detours.

1) Google Maps — Bike-share directions and real-time availability in select cities

  • What it does: Shows nearby shared bikes/scooters and, in supported cities, provides docked bike-share directions including walking legs to and from stations.
  • Why it’s great along a route: You can preview station availability and pick start/end docks that align with your cycling directions.
  • Coverage: Available in many cities worldwide; availability varies by provider and city.
  • Platforms: iOS, Android, web
  • Source: Google Maps Help explains how to find and rent shared bikes/scooters and use bike-share directions in supported locations: https://support.google.com/maps/answer/10101510

2) Citymapper — Live bike-share docks plus cycling-friendly routing

  • What it does: Aggregates docked and dockless bike options with live availability; offers cycling and multimodal routes.
  • Why it’s great along a route: Toggle bikes on the map to see docks and availability right on top of your cycling route.
  • Coverage: Major metro areas worldwide where Citymapper operates.
  • Platforms: iOS, Android, web
  • Source: Citymapper’s Bikes & Scooters page details real-time availability and coverage by city: https://citymapper.com/bikes-scooters

3) Transit — Plan trips with bikeshare and see dock counts in real time

  • What it does: Displays live bikeshare station availability and can plan end-to-end trips that include bikeshare legs.
  • Why it’s great along a route: You can route with bikeshare from A to B and pick stations with enough bikes/docks en route.
  • Coverage: Hundreds of cities with supported bikeshare systems.
  • Platforms: iOS, Android
  • Source: Transit’s bikeshare page describes real-time docks/bikes and in-app integrations: https://transitapp.com/bikeshare

4) Moovit — Bike-share layer plus multimodal directions

  • What it does: Adds bike-share stations to the map with availability in supported cities; plans mixed-mode trips.
  • Why it’s great along a route: Overlay bike-share stations on your planned path and choose the best pickup/return points.
  • Coverage: Global, city-dependent.
  • Platforms: iOS, Android, web
  • Source: Moovit’s help center explains the Bike Share feature and availability: https://moovitapp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002069854-Bike-Share

5) Lyft — Official app for Citi Bike, Divvy, Bay Wheels, and more

  • What it does: Shows station maps and real-time availability for Lyft-operated bike-share systems; unlock directly in the app.
  • Why it’s great along a route: Accurate, first-party station data and turn-by-turn cycling directions via integrated maps.
  • Coverage: Multiple U.S. cities and select markets where Lyft operates bikeshare.
  • Platforms: iOS, Android
  • Source: Lyft Bikes & Scooters describes finding and unlocking bikes and viewing stations in the app: https://www.lyft.com/bikes-scooters

6) Lime — Dockless e-bikes with live locations

  • What it does: Shows dockless e-bikes on a live map; reserve and unlock within the app.
  • Why it’s great along a route: Drop a pin on your route and see the nearest bike to minimize detours.
  • Coverage: Cities across North America, Europe, and beyond (varies by city).
  • Platforms: iOS, Android
  • Source: Lime’s help article shows how to find vehicles on the in-app map: https://help.li.me/hc/en-us/articles/360010260838-Finding-a-Lime

7) Nextbike by TIER — Extensive docked networks across Europe and beyond

  • What it does: Displays stations, shows availability, and lets you start/stop rentals.
  • Why it’s great along a route: Station maps make it easy to plan pickup and drop-off near the path you’re riding.
  • Coverage: Widespread in Europe and select additional regions via TIER’s network.
  • Platforms: iOS, Android
  • Source: Nextbike’s support explains renting and locating bikes via station maps: https://support.nextbike.net/hc/en-us/articles/360011739639-How-do-I-rent-a-bike

8) Donkey Republic — Hub-based rentals with route-friendly station mapping

  • What it does: Shows hubs (virtual or physical) with available bikes; unlocks via Bluetooth.
  • Why it’s great along a route: Hubs are mapped across city centers so you can choose ones directly on your planned line.
  • Coverage: Many European cities and growing.
  • Platforms: iOS, Android
  • Source: Donkey Republic’s guide shows how to locate hubs and rent in the app: https://donkeyrepublic.com/how-it-works/

9) BCycle — U.S. docked bike-share networks with station availability

  • What it does: Shows station maps and real-time bike/dock availability across participating BCycle systems; unlock via app.
  • Why it’s great along a route: Easy to spot stations near greenways and bike lanes before you roll.
  • Coverage: Dozens of U.S. cities where BCycle operates.
  • Platforms: iOS, Android
  • Source: BCycle explains station-based rentals and how the app maps bikes and docks: https://www.bcycle.com/how-it-works

10) Beryl — UK-focused bikes with mapped bays and e-assist options

  • What it does: Displays Beryl Bays with available bikes/e-bikes; pay and unlock in-app.
  • Why it’s great along a route: Densely placed bays in supported cities make on-route pickup/return straightforward.
  • Coverage: Select UK cities and regions.
  • Platforms: iOS, Android
  • Source: Beryl’s how-it-works page covers finding bikes and bays on the map: https://beryl.cc/how-it-works

Tips to choose the right app for your ride

  • Start with an aggregator if you’re new to a city: Google Maps, Citymapper, Transit, and Moovit show multiple operators and help with routing.
  • Use the operator’s app for the final mile: First-party apps (Lyft, Lime, Nextbike, Donkey Republic, BCycle, Beryl) usually have the most accurate availability and unlock tools.
  • Check real-time availability: Look for live bike/dock counts to avoid empty or full stations.
  • Mind coverage: Not every app covers every city—open each app’s city list before you roll.

How to use these apps to see rentals along your route

  1. Pick your destination and choose cycling directions.
  2. Toggle the app’s bike-share layer or open the bike/scooter tab.
  3. Scan the route for stations or dockless bikes near your start, midpoint, and destination.
  4. Select stations with adequate bikes/docks and adjust your route if needed.
  5. Reserve/unlock per app instructions and ride safely.

Note: Availability, features, and pricing vary by city and operator. Always check the app’s current coverage for your location.