Should you use a bike to get around in Mexico City as a tourist? Yes! Surprised? While vehicle traffic can be a bit nuts, Mexico City is striving to become more bike-friendly, and many central streets have protected cycling lanes. In 2010, the city introduced a bike share program, and if you’re visiting Mexico, you can sign up to use it. The process is a bit tricky if you don’t speak Spanish, so here’s some guidance on how to use ECOBICI as a tourist.
What is a Bike Share?
Bike-share programs are increasingly common in large metropolitan areas. We first used one in Paris back in 2009 and fell in love with the service. Since then, we’ve used bike shares in several cities, including Rotterdam, Washington, Toronto, and London.
There are two kinds of programs. The traditional model offers commuter-style bikes at several stations throughout the city. Individuals can access the bikes using a credit card or via the program’s smartphone app. You go to a bike station, pay a set amount, take a bike, and you’re on your way. You have a duration of time before you have to return the bike to either the original station or any other one. In most cities, you have 30 minutes to return the bike before additional charges kick in. ECOBICI allows you 45 minutes.
The second bike share model we’ve used is app-based, and there are no stations. You use the program’s app to find a bike that is parked somewhere nearby. You then use the app to unlock the bike via a QR code sticker on the frame and off you go. When you’re done, you leave the bike parked wherever you end your trip.
Mexico City has both bike-share models. ECOBICI follows the traditional model. The advantage of centralized stations for the rider is that, for the most part, you aren’t left hunting for a bike.
How to Sign Up for ECOBICI
Compared with other bike-share programs we’ve used, ECOBICI proved to be the most challenging in terms of signing up. But don’t let that deter you! If you’re a tourist, here’s what you need to do:
#1 Choose Your Plan
You have four plan options—daily, 3-day, weekly, or yearly. We were staying in Mexico City for a month and got the yearly plan, which was about $32 CND. If you are staying longer than a week and intend to use the bikes regularly, this is your most economical option.
If you want to sign up for the daily, 3-day, or weekly plan, the good folks at The Unconventional Route blog have got you covered for instructions. The yearly plan comes with a couple of extra twists. Read on.
#2 Fill Out an Application
This is where it can get tricky if you don’t understand Spanish. On the ECOBICI website, you have the option of an English application, but some fields are still in Spanish. Google Translate is your friend, so have it handy when you are completing the form. The blog mentioned above can also help you decipher some of the fields.
Note, the form asks, “¿Cómo desea obtener su membresía? “, which translates to, “How do you want to receive your membership?” Do not choose “Address” (meaning mail it out) you must go to the ECOBICI office to pick up your access card for the yearly membership.
#3 Enter your credit card information
Pretty straightforward—if you’ve ever bought anything online, you will have filled out the same fields you fill out here.
#4 Complete the Written Road Test
You read that right, you must complete a written test on the website. No other bike share program has required us to do this. Fortunately, the questions are not that hard, and you don’t have to get 100% of them correct. The one question that tripped us up was whether you had to come to a complete stop at an intersection on a red light. If there is no traffic in your way, you are free to go through (sweet!).
#5 Visit the closest ECOBICI Office to Get Your Card
You will get an email from ECOBICI (in Spanish) telling you that you must visit an ECOBICI office to get your card. The website lists the addresses and hours of operation.
Take your PASSPORT with you as your ID – government-issued ID is required, and a passport is the most reliable choice.
You will need to speak to an ECOBICI staff person. Luckily, the day we attended, an English speaker was working. You will need to present the email you received after filling out your application, submit your identification, and sign a contract. After a short wait, you will get your card (yay!). Fun fact: your membership comes with medical insurance.
#6 You’re Ready to Ride
If the above steps seem like a rigamarole, they are. Trying to do them all in an unfamiliar language makes it even harder. Considering all of the English-speaking visitors to Mexico City, you would think ECOBICI could make it easier for them to sign up. Having to visit an office is also a pain. The hassle is worth it, though!
Now, all you have to do is find the nearest ECOBICI bike station, and tap your card at the kiosk. The screen will display which numbered bike is free for you to take and off you go. Once you return the bike, make sure you tap your card again to confirm you’ve ended your ride. You can do this as many times a day as you want!
Every Sunday, major streets are closed to vehicles. This is the best time to ride!
Helpful ECOBICI for Tourists Tips
- Most Mexicans don’t wear a helmet. For short trips on routes that had protected bike lanes, we generally did not wear the ones we packed with us. But, traffic can be hectic, and wearing a helmet makes good sense, especially when riding down streets without bike lanes. I always feel more confident wearing a helmet.
- Before you ride away on your bike, check that the brakes and gears are working correctly. There is nothing worse than getting a block or two away and discovering that something’s not right. If something isn’t working as it should, tap out and check out a new bike.
- The bikes come with front and backlights, so riding at night is possible and actually feels quite safe. Mexico City streets are well-lit.
- On Sundays, Mexico City closes major central streets to car traffic from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity! Get out and explore the 55-kilometre route where you will see loads of other cyclists, rollerbladers, and skateboarders enjoying the ride.
- Check the ECOBICI app when you’re ready to return your bike or when planning your route to save yourself the stress of trying to spot one. Also, make sure that your destination has a closeby station. ECOBICI does not cover outlying areas, so always check that you are not going too far afield. We did this once — ONCE. It was a major pain to double back.
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