BIXI FAQ
How to use the BIXI service
Interested in renting a BIXI bike, but not sure how to go about it?
You’ve come to the right place! Here, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions.
If your question has not been included in the BIXI FAQ, you can always submit it by contacting us through our regular channels. Our customer service representatives will be happy to answer any questions you may have. This BIXI FAQ will be updated regularly, so don’t hesitate to consult it from time to time!
Anyone 14 years of age or older and over 1.24 metres (4’1”) can operate a regular BIXI. In order to rent an electric BIXI, users between 14 and 17 years of age must have a Class 6D licence authorizing them to drive a moped. Their membership is the responsibility of their legal guardian and must be purchased by the latter.
It’s a bike that has been equipped with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery in order to help you pedal. They are easy to spot thanks to their blue colour. To take advantage of the electric assistance and activate the propulsion, all you have to do is pedal! The motor will instantly provide just the right amount of power to boost your speed up to 32 km/h.
The mobile application makes it simple!
- Purchase a one-way pass or a BIXI membership by clicking on “Rent a bike.” If you already have a membership, log in to your account and start at step 2.
- Click on the “Unlock” button at the bottom of the station map.
- Scan the QR code on the bike of your choice. (The yellow light will turn on to indicate that the request is being validated. The green light will turn on when the bike is unlocked).
- Firmly pull the unlocked bike out of the docking point by its handlebars. It’s that easy!
At the terminal:
- Insert your credit card at the terminal and follow the instructions to buy a one-way pass or have your membership recognized.
- Memorize or print the 5-digit unlocking code that appears on the screen at the end of the transaction.
- Enter your 5-digit code on the keypad at the docking point. (You will see a yellow light indicating that the code is being validated. The light will turn green when the bike is unlocked.)
- Firmly pull the unlocked bike out of the docking point by its handlebars. It’s that easy!
Notes :
If the red light comes on, the bike is still locked. The entered code may be invalid, the bike may be damaged or the electric BIXI battery may not be charged. Try another docking point or call customer service at 514-789-BIXI (2494) or 1-877-820-2453 to report any malfunction.
Firmly push the front wheel of the bike into the bike dock slot until a mechanical “click” is heard.
- If the green light comes on, the operation was successful, and the bike dock is locked!
- If the red light comes on, the bike is not properly locked, and you must start over. If the light remains red after several attempts, return your bike to another available bike dock.
In the event of repeated failures, please contact customer service at 514-789-BIXI (2494) or 1-877-820-2453. The bike remains your responsibility until it is properly returned to a docking point. An improperly locked bike could result in over-billing. It is particularly important to make sure the light is on before leaving the station! For added security, download our mobile application. You will receive a notification once you have properly returned your bike.
Yes, 24 consecutive hours! This lengthy time limit allows you to ride your BIXI for as long as you want, without worry.
However, you must always ensure the bike’s safety, as it is your responsibility. We therefore recommend returning your BIXI to a station as soon as you are finished riding it. After 24 hours, the bike will be presumed stolen and you could be charged up to $2,000.
Remember that you will be billed for every minute the bike is borrowed (with the exception of the first 45 minutes for regular BIXI bikes if you are a member) and that BIXI bikes are primarily used to increase mobility in the city. To this end, they must be shared!
No, it is not possible to reserve a BIXI. You can, however, identify in real time the stations that host them via the BIXI application.
120 kilograms (265 pounds) for the bike and 8 kilograms (18 pounds) for the basket.
Yes, you can rent a maximum of 4 bikes with the same credit card at a station terminal. In this case, the rates indicated are applicable for each bike rented. Please note that a security deposit of $100 per bike is charged to your credit card and is held for 10 days.
According to the Highway Safety Code, it is mandatory to wear a helmet when renting an electric bike, but not when riding a regular bike. Nevertheless, it is the only effective protection against head injuries. BIXI therefore recommends that you wear a helmet on every ride.
Yes. Failure to wear a helmet constitutes a violation of the Highway Safety Code. The fine can be up to $100.
According to the Highway Safety Code, it is allowed to travel on public roads, with the exception of highways and their access roads. The electric BIXI is also authorized on cycle lanes. The sidewalks are reserved for pedestrians.
The propulsion speed is limited to 32 km/h to provide a safe user experience.
Yes. Wearing a helmet that meets safety standards is mandatory, and users 14 to 17 years of age must, at minimum, have a Class 6D licence authorizing them to drive a moped. No licence is required for users 18 years of age or older.
Users must obey the Highway Safety Code at all times.
Yes! You can start using your membership with the BIXI app or your credit card associated with the account.
No. Your BIXI membership is linked to your personal account in our mobile application and, consequently, to your credit card. You are responsible for all trips made using your account. BIXI memberships are non-transferable.
Since the 2021 season, the BIXI key is no longer be offered upon purchase of a first membership. All users, members and occasional riders, are invited to download the app to unlock BIXI bikes at the stations. This decision was taken out of environmental concern, to avoid wasting plastic, but also to offer a better BIXI experience.
The app doesn’t only allow you to rent bikes, but also to check their availability, consult stations’ maps, calculate the duration of your trip, receive promotions, join the AMI BIXI program and access your account.
Yes! Your BIXI key is linked to the membership of your choice. You can also logging in to your account on the app to take a bike.
Contact our customer service line immediately at 514-789-BIXI (2494) or at 1-877-820-2453. The red light indicates that the bike was not returned properly. The green light is the only signal you can rely on when you return a bike.
The bike remains under your responsibility until it is properly locked in a dock or, if this proves impossible, until the bike is handed over to a BIXI representative.
You can request a 15-minute time credit at a station kiosk, free of charge. This should give you enough time to return your bike to a nearby station. You will need your credit card (short-term access) or the 7-digit number on the back of your BIXI key (members) to identify yourself at the station kiosk. Please note that the Time Credit option is only available when the station is full and you are not able to return your bike.
Refer to the station kiosk to have a list of the three closest stations and the number of docks available in real time. Refer to the BIXI app to see where all the stations are and to see how many docks are available in real time.
Otherwise, you can contact our customer service at 514-789-BIXI (2494) or 1-877-820-2453 for immediate assistance.
Check the system map available on the BIXI app or the list at the kiosk to see where all the stations are and to see bike availability in real time.
You must notify us of the loss or theft of a bike as quickly as possible. Contact our customer service at 514-789-BIXI (2494) or at 1-877-820-2453. A penalty of $1,000 for a regular BIXI or $2,000 for an electric BIXI may apply.
As soon as you feel well enough to do so, you must report the incident to customer service at 514-789-BIXI (2494) or 1-877-820-2453 and lock the bike to a docking point. If this is not possible, you will need to return it in person to a BIXI representative. We will be able to retrieve the bike and assess it before it is used by another user.
We also strongly recommend that you file a police report and provide us with the report number.
Remember that until the bike is locked or returned to BIXI, it remains your responsibility.
Simply lock your bike at a station and report the situation by pressing the red button located on the docking point or via your last rental in the BIXI app so that a technician can take care of the problem. If you encounter any difficulties, contact customer service at 514-789-BIXI (2494) or 1-877-820-2453.
We invite you to verify with your financial institution. Please note that there is a $100 security deposit per bike when you join BIXI with a one-way trip. Contact our customer service line at 514-789-BIXI (2494) or at 1-877-820-2453 for further details.
Simply return the bike to a BIXI station and take another to continue your journey. The team on the road or the electrified station will charge it.
To deactivate electric assistance manually, simply press and hold the button on the top of the stem for 5 seconds. The button emits a blinking blue light when the engine is off.
Note that it is not necessary to turn off the power assistance after each use. It automatically turns off after 5 minutes when not used.
Users are free to pick up and return BIXIs at any station of their choice, which means that regular BIXIs and electric BIXIs can be found all over the city, or concentrated in certain areas at certain times. Rest assured, however, that BIXI monitors the distribution of bikes and ensures their redistribution throughout the BIXI network.
In the Greater Montreal area, the fleet is composed of 75% regular BIXIs and 25% electric BIXIs.
In Sherbrooke, the fleet is composed of 20% regular BIXIs and 80% electric BIXIs.
Following the BIXI year-round pilot project during the winter of 2023-2024, the service is now available 12 months a year in 10 boroughs of Montreal and in Westmount. Full details here.