No bike? No problem!

Borrow from a buddy

If you just want to kick the tyres and give biking a go, ask around friends or colleagues to see who has a bike you can dust off or take for a casual spin. They might also have some great pointers for where to get rolling. 

Rent a bike

If you’re just after a bike for a few hours or a day trip, check out the rental bikes at MyRide Wellington (mountain, road and urban bikes), MudCycles (mountain bikes, including electric) or Switched On Bikes (electric, cargo, urban and tandem bikes). During the annual Aotearoa Bike Challenge which has been running every February for the past few years, Switched On Bikes usually offer special deals such as $1 overnight e-bike hire so people can trial an e-bike commute, alongside rental deals throughout February.

Pimp your old bike

Already own a bike but it needs some work? No worries! Most bike shops in Wellington offer workshop services, and some like Get Lost Cycling in Mt Vic specialise in bike maintenance rather than bike sales. 

If you’re keen to get hands-on and learn how to fix your bike yourself, head along to community bike workshop Bikespace or Mechanical Tempest, where you can learn how to do your own basic maintenance.

What about a refurbished bike?

EkeRua ReBicycle are a local charity based at South Wellington Intermediate School (SWIS) in Newtown. They do awesome mahi refurbishing donated bikes and then rehoming them in the community. 

Over the years they’ve found new homes for over 3000 bikes throughout Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Check out their website to find out how you may be able to access one of their refurbished bikes or take a look at their guidance on how to buy a better bike.

Get h-appy on an e-bike 

Public e-bikes are great for when you need a quick way to get around. Download the Flamingo app to check out their how-to guides, find a ride and stay safe while you travel. 

Grab an e-bike subscription 

Switched on Bikes offer an e-bike leasing scheme, in which you pay weekly for your wheels. 

Owner Ryan O’Connell says it’s a no-hassle way to get your hands on a bike. 

“An electric bike subscription allows you to take one home each day, and you ride it like you own it. Each bike comes with a helmet, lock, rear pack and is GPS tracked. We take care of all the maintenance too. We have four-week or three-month minimum options starting from $59 per week.  Electric bike leasing has been really popular with those who work in town and want a fast and predictable way to commute from the suburbs.”

Make the most of workplace schemes

Some employers offer purchase support schemes for bikes and scooters, so you pay less or you can pay the cost off gradually from your salary. Kōrero with your manager to find out if this is an option for you, or find out more on our sustainable workplace travel page.

Suss out second-hand

Sites like Trade Me and Facebook Marketplace often have bikes for sale, but before you buy second-hand it’s wise to ask the seller for the serial number first. Then you can do a search on the Project 529 website to make sure it’s not listed as stolen.

If you’re not sure what to look for in a second-hand bike, the Cycle Wellington Facebook group is a great place to ask for some pointers. You could also head to Bikespace where the team can check out a listing with you, and share some thoughts.

Visit your local bike shop

Some local bike shops specialise in different kinds of bikes, like e-bikes, cargo bikes, mountain bikes and road bikes, while others offer a bit of everything! 

Your best bet is to pop into a shop that has the type of bike you’re interested in and have a chat to the knowledgeable staff. Do a test ride before you make your final decision. 

Dan Mikkelsen, owner of Bicycle Junction in Te Aro says their goal is to help people find the right bike for their needs. 

“At Bicycle Junction, we have over 10 years’ experience finding families the perfect bike match. We offer multi-day test rides on our fleet of Cargo and Utility bikes. We do this because Cargo Bikes are a big purchase that requires input from all family members to get right and we want families to have the chance to test their bike where they’ll be riding it.”

Check out local bike shops here.