Australia has plenty of ways to get around, from cars and buses to e-scooters and shared bikes. If you’re a newcomer, figuring out the best way to move through a busy city or a quiet suburb can feel overwhelming.
At Remitly, we understand the challenges of settling in, and we’re here to help make things easier. Whether you need a quick ride to work or want a budget-friendly way to explore, shared transport options like bike rentals and ride-sharing services can save you time and money.
Overview of transport services
Ride-sharing and bike rentals are two pillars of the modern mobility boom in Australia. Instead of driving your car, you can quickly open an app like Uber or pick up a scooter or bike from the footpath. In many Australian cities, you’ll see bright-coloured e-scooters or dockless bicycle fleets waiting to be unlocked.
- E-scooters: Electric stand-up scooters (different from old-school push models) that you can unlock with a tap on your smartphone.
- Public bike share scheme or bike rental: Typically includes dockless or station-based bikes, sometimes e-bike designs, for short commutes or scenic rides.
- App-based rides: Use your phone to connect with a driver, pay in-app, and get dropped off at your chosen location.
Benefits of using ride-sharing and bike rentals
Whether you need a quick ride across town or prefer to cycle at your own pace, these options offer flexibility and convenience; just unlock a bike or book a ride whenever needed. Plus, you’ll save money by avoiding the costs of fuel, maintenance, and insurance that come with owning a car.
Beyond the savings, choosing shared mobility is also a win for the environment, helping to reduce traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions. If you opt for a bike or scooter, you’ll get some built-in exercise, making it a fun and active way to move around. Whether you’re commuting, sightseeing, or just running errands, ride-sharing and bike rentals make everyday travel easier, greener, and more enjoyable.
Popular ride-sharing services in Australia
With fast-paced city living, it’s no surprise that ride-booking apps are thriving across the country. While Uber remains the most recognisable name, other alternatives—like GoCatch and Ola—offer their own perks and pricing structures.
How to use Uber and alternatives
If you decide to use Uber and other ride-sharing apps, you’ll find it a simple and easy way to get around. You’ll need to download the app, set up an account, add a payment method (usually credit/debit card or PayPal), and request a ride. You’ll see an estimated fare before confirming, so there are no surprises.
No matter which platform you choose, the process is the same. You’ll enter your pickup location, watch your driver approach in real-time, and track your trip on screen. You can even share your journey with friends and family for extra safety.
Cost and payment options
- Peak times: Expect surge or dynamic pricing during busy periods like Friday evening or after major events, like concerts or bank holidays.
- Payment: Most apps only accept card or digital wallet transactions in-app, so you don’t need cash.
- Promos and referrals: New users often get a discount code for their first trip. Keep an eye out for loyalty schemes or discount offers around special events.
Exploring bike-sharing schemes
The idea of a bike share scheme is straightforward. You locate a bike near your area, use an app to unlock it, and you’re off. Then, you finish your ride by parking it in an approved zone.
How does bike sharing work?
- Download the operator’s app: For example, if you choose Lime, you can quickly sign up with your personal details and payment method.
- Find a bike: The app’s map reveals all available bikes around your location. You can also track e-scooters if that’s your preference.
- Unlock: Some bikes require scanning a QR code. Others might have built-in codes you type into your phone. Once you’re all set, the lock opens, or you get a beep indicating you’re ready to go.
- Ride: Start riding to your destination. Speed limits vary on roads and paths, so remember to follow local laws and watch for pedestrians.
- Park properly: Don’t skip this step! Most companies request that you park the bike upright in a sensible location, not blocking the footpath or driveways. In select cities, you’ll find designated parking areas. Be sure to check in the app.
Lime’s bike share scheme
Lime is one of the biggest names in e-scooter and e-bike rentals, operating in several Australian cities with large fleets of easy-to-use, app-based bikes and scooters. Whether you need a quick ride across town, or a little extra help on a hilly route, Lime’s electric-assisted bikes make cycling more accessible and fun.
Pricing is simple. There’s usually an unlocking fee plus a per-minute charge, which you can check in the app based on your city. Safety is key, so always wear a helmet. You’ll see that some Lime bikes and scooters have one attached, but you can also bring your own if you prefer.
Alternatives to Lime bikes
- Beam or Neuron: E-scooter providers in certain cities with similar pay-as-you-go pricing.
- Local council schemes: For instance, Brisbane’s city-run cycle scheme, and certain Melbourne suburbs partner with smaller operators for advanced or standard bicycle rentals.
- Traditional rental shops: If you prefer a classic approach, standard shops let you hire bikes for a day or a week. You’ll typically sign a contract and pay a deposit.
Whenever you hop on a bike, you should keep safety at the top of your mind. The same goes for e-scooters or when you ride with an app-based driver.
Safety tips for bike riders
- Helmet requirement: In Australia, wearing a helmet while cycling is mandatory in most states. If you’re caught riding without one, you risk a fine.
- Road rules: While e-scooters are a new phenomenon, a good principle is to treat them like bikes. You’ll need to follow traffic lights, use designated lanes if available, and give way to pedestrians in shared zones.
- Check your gear: Make sure the seat’s at a comfortable height, the brakes work, and the tyres are inflated.
- Cyclists in traffic: When you ride on roads, keep left, remain visible, and use hand signals for turns. Don’t forget that the default speed limit in built-up areas is 50km/h, so stay vigilant about surrounding traffic.
Guidelines for bike share operators
When using a bike share service, parking responsibly is essential. Remember not to leave bikes in the middle of footpaths or block access for pedestrians. Many bike share companies provide in-app instructions or geo-fenced zones to guide you on where to safely end your ride.
Each city also has its own rules about riding on footpaths, so it’s worth checking local guidelines before you ride. Some states allow it under certain conditions, like for children or specific areas, while others have stricter restrictions. If you’re concerned about hygiene, especially in shared e-bike or scooter programs, wiping down handlebars with sanitiser before riding can give you extra peace of mind.
Whether you’re after quick errands or scenic explorations, there are a few best practices to follow in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth.
Melbourne bike-sharing schemes and trails
Melbourne is well-known for its vibrant laneways, cafe culture, and strong cycling network.
- Cycling routes: The Capital Trail or the Main Yarra Trail let you safely pedal around iconic sights, from the MCG to the Abbotsford Convent.
- Helmets: The police occasionally conduct checks, so make sure you have a helmet. Most shared bikes come with one, though they can sometimes go missing.
- E-scooters: These are no longer available to hire in Melbourne.
Bike rental and share options in Sydney
- Areas to avoid: Some operators exclude the large harbour bridge area from their official usage zones, though you can cycle on shared paths if you’re experienced.
- Park life: From Centennial Park to the Domain, there are scenic spots for a relaxed Sunday ride.
- Public transport synergy: If your journey is too long for a single ride, combine trains or ferries. Bikes are allowed on trains in off-peak times with few restrictions.
Exploring Brisbane and Perth
- Brisbane: Known for its sunny weather and riverside boardwalks, Brisbane historically had a city-run bike share scheme. Now, private bike or e-scooter companies flourish. You can walk along the riverside routes and see the Story Bridge or South Bank with minimal traffic hassles.
- Perth: This capital city of Western Australia is proud of its laid-back lifestyle, with plenty of wide boulevards and oceanfront paths. You’ll find e-scooters from brands like Lime that often cluster around central tourist spots.
FAQs
How do you use bike sharing?
Most systems follow a similar pattern. Download the operator’s app, create your account, and locate a bike or e-scooter near your position. Then, you’ll unlock it, often by scanning a QR code, and start riding. End your trip by parking in an authorised spot, and be sure to confirm you’re correctly parked in the app. The fare will then be automatically charged. This also applies to e-bike rentals if you’re using an electric model.
How much is the Lime bike in Australia?
Usually, you pay Lime an unlock fee plus a per-minute cost. The final total depends on how long you ride. Keep in mind that e-bikes can be slightly pricier than standard pedal bikes. The exact fees vary by location and time of day, so check your Lime app for up-to-date pricing.
How do bike-sharing systems work?
A bike share scheme is designed for short journeys. Operators like Lime or others place bikes across a city, usually trackable via an app. When you locate one, scan to unlock, and pay as you go. You’re billed by the minute or in increments set by the brand, and you must park responsibly once you’re done.
How does Uber e-bike work?
In some regions, Uber once operated a shared bike platform called Jump. If it’s available in your city, you open your Uber app, switch to the e-bike or scooter tab, and locate a ride on the map. After you scan the code to unlock, you can start your trip. Payment and timing work similarly to other e-bike services. Keep in mind that services can shift over time, so check the app or local announcements for the newest features.