Top 5 best bicycle rentals in Shanghai

Shanghai reveals itself best from a saddle. Pedal along the Bund as the Pudong skyline lights up across the Huangpu River, then dip into the Old City for a slower loop around Yu Garden and its bazaar streets, where the pace drops and the alleys open into courtyards you'd never find on a bus tour. One bike, one afternoon, and you've covered centuries.

Few cities reward two wheels quite like this one. Shanghai is flat, its bike lanes are wide and genuinely separated from traffic, and the distances between the Bund, the French Concession and Xintiandi are short enough to link into a single ride. A car or taxi gets stuck at the same intersections you'd glide past, and the metro can't drop you on Wukang Road between two villas or along Suzhou Creek's quieter stretches. If you want to rent a bike in Shanghai, this is a city built for exactly that.

Top 10 things to see in Shanghai by bike

1. The Bund (Waitan) — the riverside promenade with Pudong skyline views, especially striking at dusk.
2. Pudong Skyline / Lujiazui waterfront — cross via the Bund for a close-up of the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao and SWFC.
3. Yu Garden (Yuyuan) and Old City area — a classical garden and bazaar streets, perfect for an unhurried cultural loop.
4. Former French Concession (Wukang Road, Anfu Road, Xinle Road) — tree-lined streets, historic villas and cafes made for meandering.
5. Tianzifang — a maze of shops, galleries and cafes tucked into old shikumen housing.
6. Xintiandi — restored shikumen lanes turned dining district, near People's Square.
7. Century Park (Shiji Gongyuan) — Shanghai's largest park, with wide paved loops ideal for cycling.
8. Zhongshan Park — a quieter Changning park, a good breather from city traffic.
9. Suzhou Creek (Wusong River) waterfront path — a riverside route through renovated industrial and residential stretches.
10. Shanghai Disneyland / Chuansha area — a longer-distance ride out into Pudong for visitors after a full day trip.

What do you need to rent a bike in Shanghai?

A regular bicycle needs no licence at all, and no IDP either — you just need to be at least 12 years old, though most rental operators will ask that riders be older. If you want an electric bike instead, the minimum age rises to 16, and in many Chinese cities compliant e-bikes must be registered and carry a plate, which your rental company will normally sort out. A deposit is standard practice, usually held against your card or passport details, with the amount varying by operator and bike.

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

Expect around CNY 23 per day in low season, climbing to roughly CNY 40–60 per day in peak season. Electric or higher-spec city bikes run higher, typically CNY 70–100+ per day.

• Cheapest window: December to February, outside the Chinese New Year holiday.
• Priciest window: October's National Day holiday and the Chinese New Year period in January or February, when domestic tourism peaks.

When to book a rental bike in Shanghai?

Book ahead if you're arriving in October for National Day or around Chinese New Year — both are high season, with prices and demand climbing fast. Outside those windows, December through February is low season and the easiest time to find a bike without planning far in advance, even if the weather is cooler. Spring and autumn generally offer the most comfortable riding conditions if your dates are flexible.

Local traffic rules in Shanghai

China drives on the right, so keep to that side on shared roads. Helmets aren't legally required for ordinary bicycles, though they're a sensible habit in city traffic, and are compulsory for electric bike riders in most cities under national rules. Urban speed limits generally sit between 30 and 60 km/h for motor traffic, but as a cyclist your main job is staying alert at intersections and respecting dedicated bike lanes, which Shanghai has in abundance. The blood-alcohol limit for any motor vehicle is effectively zero at 20 mg per 100 ml, though this doesn't apply to pedal bicycles.

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!