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OV Fiets - Dutch Bike Rental Scheme
The OV-Fiets is a cost-effective annual bike rental membership scheme run by the Dutch national train company NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen). It offers basic bikes for rent at almost 200 stations in the Netherlands for 3 euros per time. Let's take a closer look at the OV fiets scheme - which could be useful for expats or frequent visitors to the Netherlands. |
Fiets means "bike" in Dutch and OV is short for for Openbaar Vervoer ("public transport").
The OV fiets program costs €10 per year - to join you need to fill in a form and send off a copy of your ID. As a member you can either receive an "OV fietspas" card or you can incorporate the membership onto an existing NS train discount card. This scheme is open to both Dutch residents and non-residents with a Dutch bank account who have access to a Dutch address (eg - of a friend or relative).
Bike rental is just €3 per time which gives you up to 24 hours use of the bike. You can rent up to 2 bikes with 1 pass if you want to cycle with a friend or partner. Payment is taken automatically by direct debit.
If you keep the bike for over 24 hours they will charge you another €3 and so on. If you keep the bike longer than 72 hours they will start charging a daily €5 fine. You also have an excess own risk if the bike or key is stolen - €45 if you still have the key, €250 without the bike and key.
Some rental locations have a 24 hour automatic facility where you need a PIN number to use them. Others are manned but you should ask when closing time is or whether you can bring back the bike after hours.
No pre-booking is necessary - at the rental location your pass is scanned and you are given a bike key with a number - find the corresponding cycle, adjust the saddle if necessary and away you go. OV bikes are simple "ladies style" bikes with lights, back-pedal brakes and no gears - they are suited for shorter journeys. |
This scheme is very convenient when you are visiting another town or city by train and need the use of a bike for a few hours. It is quite popular with people travelling around on business visiting clients. (In Netherlands you have to pay to take your own bike on a train - unless it is a folding bike).
OV
Fiets has introduced an electric OV Scooter for rent at major stations
only - €7.50 for 3 hours or €15 for 24 hours, the scooter has a range
of 50km.
OV Fiets Locations in Amsterdam - at all stations and also some other locations around the city.
Amsterdam
Amstel Station Amsterdam
Bijlmer ArenA Station Amsterdam
Binnengasthuis Amsterdam
Zuid-As Amsterdam
Centraal Station Amsterdam
Lelylaan Station - 24h Amsterdam
Muiderpoort Station | Amsterdam
Paradiso - 24h Amsterdam
Pathe De Munt Amsterdam
RAI Amsterdam
Roeterseiland
Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station AmsterdamTimorplein
Amsterdam Zuid Station - 24h |
Also
check out: Cycling in Amsterdam