The bicycle-sharing systems or public bicycle scheme, is a service in which bicycles are made available for shared used by individuals on a short term basis a fee or even for free. One would find special bike dock racks that lock the bicycle, and only release it by a computerized mechanisim. Bike sharing has been around in Malta since late 2016, pioneered by NextBike. Bikes are usually parked in a dock and secured with a lock, they are usually found in public areas and can be rented for a pre-assigned period of time. In 2018, Malta Public Transport introduced tallinja bike, making it the second public bike sharing system to be phased in Malta. Sadly, this notion has not yet been introduced in Gozo.
Tallinja bike
Tallinja bike, managed by local public transport service provider Malta Public Transport, is not only an alternative means of navigating from Point A to Point B, but also an environmentally friendly initiative enabling all of the public to borrow bikes found in three docking stations in Valletta, which are to be returned to docking stations of the same bike sharing system within twenty-four hours. Tallinja card holders are entitled to a discount, otherwise rates start from €3. Rates are inclusive of 7% VAT. One can ride anywhere in the capital city and its vicinity. The newly incorporated tallinja bike functionality in the tallinja application displays all available stations and the total amount of free bikes, as well keeps track of all past journeys and allows users to register for an account if they do not have one already. Maps can be obtained online via their website or by visiting the sales and information offices. Wearing helmets is not mandatory but strongly recommended for safety reasons. They can be purchased from Malta Public Transport at €30. Although manually powered, bikes can be used manually. One must be aged eighteen and over to be able to utilize this bike sharing system. In no way shall Malta Public Transport be held accountable should any minor suffer casualties. Bikes are rented exclusively on first-come, first-served basis. Tallinja bikes are guaranteed safe, it is ultimately all up to the renter to abide to traffic and safety regulations. There are no deals for students.
Docking Stations: Valletta Terminus, St. Elmo, Barrakka (coming soon in St. George’s Square and Sliema Ferries)
Customer Care: (+356) 2095 8855
Website: https://www.publictransport.com.mt/en/tallinja-bike
NextBike
With a total of four hundred bikes available 24/7 and sixty docking stations found in Pembroke, Sliema, St. Julian’s, San Gwann, Ta’ Xbiex, Msida (adjacent to bus stop Qroqq 4), Gzira (one next to Sparkle Image and another at Empire Stadium next to bus stop Enrico), Swatar, Naxxar, Swieqi (next to bus stop Rigord), Vittoriosa (Birgu), Valletta, Bugibba, St. Paul’s Bay, and more, NextBike allows you to beat the traffic at reasonable prices. You can also consider the four membership options, all of which are applicable exclusively for standard bikes. A great deal of credit and debit cards are accepted for payment. Although the registration is free of charge, €5 are initially deducted from your account for activation purposes prior to renting your first bike. The balance remains on your account indefinitely. You are free to change your preferred payment methods later on. One can rent and return bikes by using the mobile application (iOS, Android and Microsoft), website, hotline (for registration too), or any of the six terminals situated in St. Paul’s Bay, Bugibba Square, Qawra Bus Terminus, Bay Street and Skyparks. The website can also be used to keep track of your account. In the case of further queries, please contact NextBike on the contact media below. The hotline is also available 24/7.
Address: UB 033, San Gwann Industrial Estate, San Gwann SGN3000, Malta
Docking Stations: https://www.nextbike.com.mt/en/malta/locations/
Telephone: (+356) 2099 6666
Website: https://www.nextbike.com.mt
Email: [email protected]