Top 5 best bicycle rentals in Novara

Novara doesn't announce itself the way Rome or Venice does, and that's exactly why a bicycle suits it so well. Pedal out from the centre and within minutes you're circling the base of the Basilica di San Gaudenzio, its dome rising over rooftops and, on a clear day, framing the Alps in the distance. From there the city opens onto flat country lanes running through the rice paddies of the Baraggia — especially beautiful in spring, when the flooded fields turn into long mirrors of sky. This is a place made for two wheels: unhurried, low-traffic, and full of routes that reward a bit of curiosity.

What makes Novara particularly good for a bike rental is the contrast packed into one region. The historic core is compact and largely flat, so you can cover Piazza della Repubblica, the Broletto and the old castle in an easy morning loop without breaking a sweat. But the surrounding countryside is where things get interesting — canal towpaths, rice-country roads toward Vercelli, and longer rides out to Lake Orta all sit within reach of a fit rider in a single day. A car can't take you along the Naviglio Sforzesco, and a bus won't stop so you can photograph the paddies at sunset. A bike does both.

Top 10 things to see in Novara by bike

1. Basilica di San Gaudenzio — Novara's landmark dome, designed by Alessandro Antonelli, just a short ride into the historic centre and worth climbing for the view over the city and the Alps.
2. Piazza della Repubblica and Broletto — the medieval civic heart of the city, with the Broletto's courtyards and the Duomo alongside — a natural place to start or finish a ride.
3. Castello Visconteo Sforzesco — the old fortress-castle, now home to museums, reached by an easy, flat pedal from the centre.
4. Risaie della Baraggia and the Novara rice paddies — flat, quiet lanes between flooded fields toward Vespolate and Casalino, at their best in spring light.
5. Naviglio Sforzesco towpath — a historic canal running out of the city, its flat towpath a favourite with local cyclists.
6. Sacro Monte di Orta — a UNESCO-listed pilgrimage hill above Lake Orta, roughly 30–35 km away and a popular longer day-ride destination.
7. Lago d'Orta (Orta San Giulio) — a lakeside town with its own lap-the-lake cycling route, a classic Piedmont day trip.
8. Vercelli rice-country route — flat provincial roads through the paddies connecting Novara to its rice-growing twin city.
9. Parco del Ticino, near Certosa di Pombia — shaded, flat paths along the Ticino river, ideal for a relaxed family ride.
10. Isola di San Giulio via Orta — an extended loop for stronger riders, out to the lake and back through farmland and foothills.

What do you need to rent a bike in Novara?

No licence is required for a standard bicycle or a pedal-assist e-bike (up to 25 km/h and 250 W) — these are treated as ordinary bicycles under Italian law, with no registration or insurance needed. Rental shops set their own minimum age, so bring photo ID when you collect your bike. A deposit is standard practice, usually held on a credit card, and no International Driving Permit is needed for pedal bikes.

How much does it cost to rent a bike in Novara?

Expect to pay 3–8 EUR per day in low season, rising to roughly 10–18 EUR per day in high season. A premium model, such as an e-bike or a higher-end road or gravel bike, runs about 20–30 EUR per day.

• Prices climb in June, July and August, when demand across the lake district peaks.
• November through February are the cheapest months, with quiet roads and the lowest rates.
• Booking a premium e-bike ahead is worth it if you're planning the Lake Orta loop, since these sell out first in summer.

When to book a rental bike in Novara?

High season runs June to August, when prices sit at their peak and the countryside routes are busiest. Low season stretches from November to March, with the lowest prices but colder, wetter riding conditions. If you want the best of both, aim for May, June, September or early October — mild weather, quieter roads and easier availability, without midsummer's heat. If you want to rent a bike in Novara for a lake-district day trip, book at least a few days ahead once summer approaches.

Local traffic rules in Novara

Italy drives on the right. Cycle helmets aren't legally required for adult riders, though they're sensible on faster country roads. Bicycles must have working lights and reflectors from dusk and in poor visibility, and a reflective vest or jacket is required if you're riding outside built-up areas at night or through a tunnel. General speed limits are 50 km/h in town and 90 km/h on roads outside built-up areas, figures worth knowing if you're sharing a lane with local traffic on the way to Lake Orta. The drink-drive alcohol limit of 0.5 g/l doesn't apply to cyclists, but common sense on shared roads still does.

Types of bikes available

On our website you can rent the following types of bicycles: classic bikes, tandems, road bikes, carbon, cyclocross, touring, trekking, hybrid, mountain bikes (MTB), cruisers, comfort, city, commuter, urban, Dutch bikes, lady, bike for kids, folding, tricycles with three wheels, bikes with basket, with gears, with suspension, with rear rack, fat-tire bikes, electric bicycles.

Models of bicycles available

On our website you can hire a bike of the following manufacturers: Avanti, Batavus, Bianchi, Trek, Cannondale, Cube, Diamant, Felt, Scott, Gazelle, Genesis, Giant, GT Bicycles, Ideal, K2, Diamondback, Schwinn, Jamis, Raleigh, Kona, Kross, Merida, Mongoose, Next, Orbea, Órbita, Murray, Roadmaster, Rocky, Miele, Rover, Shimano, Vélo, Specialized.

Which insurance is provided with my rental bicycle?

Bicycle rentals typically come with basic cover for third-party damage, but theft and damage terms vary from one provider to another. Some include simple loss or damage protection in the price, while others cover it through your deposit; always check the exact terms on the booking page before you confirm.

Extra services available

When you make a reservation of a bicycle you also can order the following extra services and equipment: helmet, GPS navigation, clip pedals, side cases, rear rack, basket, light, gloves, speedometer, individual guide or tour, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to the address of your choice.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Find the best deals for bicycle hire in the city;
• Compare prices of bicycle rental companies;
• Read reviews of previous customers;
• Reserve a bicycle online with the Best Price Guarantee!

Most of our local bicycle rentals have many years of experience and will provide you with a well-kept bike, lock, basket and friendly service. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a bicycle, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!