Covid-19 has kept us all in our flats more than we’d like this past year, so why not go on a bike ride throughout the city rather than a walk? Biking is a quick alternative to walking or waiting for the bus and an eco-friendly and affordable option compared to Ubering. Throughout Edinburgh there are stores to buy secondhand bikes, bike stands for hourly or daily rentals, and online groups that sell bikes for an affordable price.
Stores that sell used bikes
Located close to Edinburgh Uni’s central area, Soul Cycles in Tollcross is a bike shop which sells a wide variety of used bikes in great condition ranging from £150-200+ depending on the brand and inventory.
Closer to Leith, there is Pedal Forth, which buys used bikes as well as servicing and selling them at around the £140-180+ range. They have a variety of different brands from vintage city bikes to speedier types.
The Bike Station sells refurbished bicycles and also have an online options of fixing your own bike. They have a variety of different makes and models ranging from £100-200 while also selling a few around £85.
Buy used bikes online
For a more affordable alternative, there are options like the mobile application Gumtree where individuals sell bikes at their own price discretion. Sometimes bikes in good condition could be sold for £50. Another place to get used bikes from an individual is the Facebook group, Meadows Share. Keep an eye out and often times people will give away items for free or for a very cheap price.
Bike Rentals
For rentals, Just Eat Cycles bike stands can be seen all throughout the city. They have the options to choose from a standard bike and an electric version. Students can rent bikes for an hourly rate of £1.50 or a daily price of £3 and can return the bike to any station available by using their mobile app.
For a wider variety of bikes, Bike Trax in Tollcross has the option to reserve a bike online and rent a bike for days at a time.
If you'd like to find some new cycling routes in and around Edinburgh, check out this link!
Bike safely and make sure to ask for student discounts!