Planning to explore Montreal by bike and wondering whether BIXI or a dedicated rental shop like Ça Roule Montréal is the better choice? Both are excellent options — it all depends on what you want to do. Here’s an honest comparison. Visit our bike rental page for full details on our fleet and rates.
Source : BIXI Montréal, rapport annuel 2024
BIXI: the perfect tool for short city trips
BIXI is Montreal’s public bike-sharing system, with hundreds of stations across the city. It’s a brilliant solution for short daily trips under 45 minutes — commuting, getting between neighbourhoods, or anyone who needs total flexibility for brief rides. BIXI’s strengths are real: city-wide accessibility, practical per-trip pricing, drop-off at any station.
However, BIXI has significant limitations for visitors exploring the city in depth: bikes are heavy and built for short trips, no helmet is provided, no route advice is given, and beyond 45 minutes extra charges apply rapidly.
Bike rental: ideal for exploring and for families
Our bike rental service meets a fundamentally different need: exploring the city at your own pace, for several hours, on a bike suited to your profile with complete equipment. Choose from Opus city bikes, Louis Garneau electric bikes, Opus Fortitude hybrid performance bikes, Argon 18 carbon road bikes, or children’s bikes with trailers and Tag-Along bikes. Everything included — helmet, lock, map, advice.
Full comparison: BIXI vs Ça Roule Montréal
| Criteria | BIXI | Ça Roule Montréal |
|---|---|---|
| Bike type | 1 heavy utility model | 5 types: city, electric, hybrid, road, kids |
| Helmet | No | Always, fitted |
| Ideal duration | Under 45 min | Half-day or full day |
| Map included | No | Always |
| Route advice | None | Personalized |
| Family options | Limited | Trailers, Tag-Along, kids bikes |
Source : Statistique Canada, Base de données sur le réseau cyclable canadien, 2025
How to choose based on your situation？
- Short city trip under 45 minutes, point A to B → BIXI is perfect.
- Exploring Montreal for 2-8 hours with a comfortable bike and expert advice → Ça Roule Montréal.
- Travelling with young children → Ça Roule (trailers, Tag-Along bikes, children’s bikes).
- Sport cyclist wanting a hybrid or road bike → Ça Roule (premium fleet).
- Want a guided tour included → Our guided tours include the bike in the price.
For most tourists and visitors, bike rental offers the best value, comfort and freedom for discovering the city. Book online with a 10% discount.