| BikeMi | |
| Locale: | Milan, Italy |
| Transit Type: | Bicycle sharing system |
| Began Operation: | 3 December 2008 |
| Vehicles: | 5,430 |
| Stations: | 325 |
| Ridership: | 15,890 (2013 average) |
| Operator: | Clear Channel ATM |
BikeMi is a public bicycle sharing system in Milan, Italy. It was launched on 8 December 2008 and is contracted to and operated by Clear Channel on the basis of its SmartBike system.[1] The scheme encompasses 4,650 bicycles (including 1,000 electric bicycles and bikes for children)[2] and 325 stations.[3]
The service is active every day from 6 AM to 2 AM and had a daily ridership of about 15,890 in 2013. The operating hours are sometimes extended for special events.
The system is based on 1-day, 1-week or 1-year subscriptions, which allows users to rent a bike. Rentals are free for the first 30 minutes (3 for electric bikes). After that time, in order not to pay more, the bike has to be returned in a station. However, unlimited number of rentals are allowed in a day. The scheme is similar to the Vélib' one. As of November 2015 there are 43,213 users with an annual subscription.[4]
Prices range from €4.50 for a 1-day subscription to €36 for the annual one. An additional rental fee is charged, which varies depending on whether a pedal-powered or electric bike is used.[5]
Electric bikes are free for the first 3 minutes. A €0.25 per half hour fee is then charged. This fee doubles every half hour, until 2 hours, where a fixed fee of €4.00 per hour is paid.[5]
Pedal powered bikes are free for the first 30 minutes. A €0.50 per half hour fee is then charged rentals not exceeding 2 hours. After this, the rate rises to €2.00 per hour.[5]