Bicycle rental guide Singapore
As someone who only picked up cycling recently, seeing Singapore on a bike has felt like exploring a whole new world. Bicycles take you to spots that cars zoom past and legs can’t reach without feeling too tired.
If you don’t have a bike or don’t fancy hauling yours all the way from home to further cycling destinations, bicycle rentals offer an easy and affordable way to cruise through Singapore. Here’s an all-in guide to everything you need to know about bike rentals, sorted by parks with price comparisons included.
East Coast Park
With an 11KM-long stretch of coastal PCNs to cycle though, East Coast Park is one of the most popular places to cycle in Singapore with pit stops like Coastal Playgrove, Bedok Jetty and several water sports facilities. It’s no surprise that they have plenty of bicycle rental shops with a wide variety of bikes and skates to choose from.
Image credit: @steelysan
GoCycling is a name you’ll see a lot in this article – they’re the largest bicycle rental chain with 10 outlets islandwide, including two in ECP. For those interested in embarking on a long-distance cycling route through several of the following nature parks, it’s one of the best options available as you can return your bikes at any of their outlets islandwide, except self-serviced outlets.
Just be sure to let the shop know beforehand and prepare a $50 cash deposit, which will be returned once you return the bicycle.
Image credit: Coastline Leisure
Great for those coming from Marine Parade, Lifestyle Bike N Skate has the most affordable rates of $10/hour. They used to have another outlet at ECP itself, but it recently closed down. Coastline Leisure – a.k.a. Bike Stop – on the other hand, has two shops – one at either end of ECP – both with single, tandem, and quad family bicycle and skate rentals. Top up an extra $2 for transport fees if you want to return your bike at a different outlet.
Punggol and Coney Island
Despite the fact that the town is filled with BTOs upon BTOs, Punggol has plenty of green spaces from the quaint rivers of Punggol Waterway to the panoramic waterfronts of Coney Island. Try to find Coney Island’s secret beach while you’re there!
The bicycle rental shops are pretty spaced out, so it depends on where you plan to start your journey. Jomando Adventure and Recreation and GoCycling @ Punggol Jetty are the two closest bicycle rentals to Coney Island.
Punggol Waterway & Lorong Halus Bridge
But with the extensive Northeast Riverine Loop PCN that snakes through the area, you can consider starting your journey from Bikes @ Waterway, near SAFRA Punggol, or Cycling @ Punggol, near Sengkang Riverside Park, before making your way through the area’s many attractions.
For things to do in and around Punggol:
Changi
There’s no place in Singapore that exudes rustic charm quite like Changi does. With quiet stretches of beaches, shophouses from the 70s and of course, Changi Village Hawker Centre, the area is a cycling destination worth travelling to this ulu corner of Singapore for.
* Restrictions apply during Phase 2 Heightened Alert.
Image credit: @nppc.cc
The only bicycle rental service here is GoCycling with three outlets – two near Changi Village and one at Changi Airport T2. The latter is near Hub & Spoke Cafe, where there’s a clean toilet to shower* and wash away the sweat and grime from your journey.
Hub & Spoke showering facilities near GoCycling
Image credit: Changi Airport
Pass by Changi Boardwalk, Changi Point Ferry Terminal and the spooky Old Changi Hospital – if you dare.
Note: GoCycling @ Changi Beach Park C7 is a self-service facility. Call the contact provided at the outlet to rent a bike.
Jurong Lake Gardens
One of the newest parks we have to explore is Jurong Lake Garden, flanking one end of the extensive 36KM Coast-to-Coast Trail. Rent a bike from GoCycling to explore the garden’s dreamy lalang fields, IG-worthy Lone Tree and treehouse-themed playground.
Lone Tree
Those with energy to spare can follow the PCN Coast-to-Coast trail all the way to Coney Island, with another GoCycling outlet where you can return your bike.
Sentosa
Beach clubs, theme parks and adrenaline-inducing activities may be Sentosa’s forte, but you’ll also want to consider a bike expedition through the island to explore the harder-to-reach areas like Sentosa Cove and Quayside Isle. GoGreen, located near the last monorail stop of Beach Station, offers bicycle rental from $15/hour for a single bike, or $18/hour for bi-pedals you can share with your boo.
Segway rentals ($39.90/30min) are also available if you’re feeling too lazy to work your quads that day.
For more to explore in Sentosa:
Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin’s bike rental stores are clustered around the jetty area so they’re impossible to miss – you’ll spot them the moment you leave the pier.
The two main bicycle rental outlets here are N.o. 25 Bicycle Rental and Comfort Bicycle Rental, with rates much cheaper than the mainland, from $5/day. However, the cheapest options often aren’t in tip-top condition, and if you’re cycling around the island’s bumpy and hilly roads for the first time, you might want to invest in the stores’ sturdier bikes, typically priced ~$8/day.
Ketam Quarry – a quaint spot for a picnic
The uncles renting out the bikes are not pushy with sales and from what we experienced, and are more than happy to help you pick out a bike for your island cycling expedition. Those conquering the island’s Ketam Mountain Bike Park can also rent mountain bikes here from $35/day.
Pasir Ris Park
Cycling at Pasir Ris Park is almost a staple for every class chalet held there. Take a ride down memory lane by renting a GoCycling bike to explore the park’s horse stables, hedge maze and the supposedly haunted bird watching tower. Cycling here takes you along the waterfront, and Downtown East lies nearby for easy access to BBT and lunch.
Pasir Ris Park at sunrise
Image credit: Kezia Tan
From here, it’s also easy to head to both Changi and Punggol via PCN.
Note: GoCycling @ Pasir Ris Park is a self-service facility.
West Coast Park
The lesser-known cousin of East Coast Park is West Coast Park, with scenic cycling trails near the sea, promenade lookout jetties, and archery ranges. A ride from WCP’s tip to tail takes only a short 10-20 minutes without stopping, but you can easily follow a PCN trail to Jurong Lake Gardens for an extended bike adventure.
CBD
CBD offers urban views of the city for a change, and while many choose to jog or bring their own bikes, you can cruise through the area fuss-free with these three bike rental stores. If you’re going beyond the waterfront loop around Marina Bay (~5KM), you’ll want to opt for day rates instead with City Scoot at $25/day or Bicycle Hut at $45/day.
GoCycling @ Marina Bay also recently opened a new outlet in the area, in mid-2021. Snag rates as low as $4/hour during the weekdays, as second hours are F.O.C.
Read our guide to cycling trails in the city.
Chestnut Nature Park
Perfect for those with an appetite for adventure is Chestnut Nature Park. The largest nature park in Singapore is home to 8.2KM of mountain biking trails that winds through the jungle, up and down hills and past rocky terrains.
Experienced bikers can rent mountain bikes at AIRE MTB by Fixie from just $15/hour here to challenge themselves to the tricky routes – split into four different levels of difficulties – or check out Singapore’s first pump track, with slopes for bike tricks.
Islandwide – pay-per-use bike apps
Rental shops aside, you’ll definitely have spotted pay-per-use bikes scattered around Singapore. It all started with the OGs of OFO and oBike years ago. While those brands have come and gone, other pay-per-use bike services are still around in Singapore.
Image credit: SG Bike
The biggest provider at the time of writing is SG Bike with rates from as low as $0.03/minute after the first 30 minutes. Half a day of cycling will only set you back around $5. Other options include Anywheel and Mobike.
These apps are great, especially for beginner cyclists, as you can rent them any time of the day, and easily pick them up and drop them off almost anywhere around the island. If you’ve cycled to the other end of SG or are too shag to cycle back to your starting point, wrapping up your journey is as easy as locking your bike at one of the many designated parking spots islandwide.
While great for weekdays, these bikes are notoriously hard to find during the weekends as people snatch them up like hotcakes – especially near MRTs and in popular parks. Try starting your journey early to avoid fighting with everyone else for the bikes.
Guide to bicycle rentals in Singapore
Cycling is fast becoming a hobby for many of us, offering an alternative experience with the outdoors besides going on a hike. Try these bike rental options the next time you head out on a cycling adventure!
Cover image adapted from: @steelysan, @nppc.cc, TheSmartLocal
