EcoBici is a Bicycle-sharing system in Buenos Aires, Argentina which began operating in 2010. The service is free of charge to both residents of the city and tourists, and is available 24 hours a day.
You have to register and then you manage everything from the associated app or with Tarjeta Vos. Register here: http://www.buenosaires.gob.ar/…/sistema-ecobici/turistas. (also in English).
It also entitles you to some discounts.
I have been using the system for two months and I noticed the following:
- The map with the available bicycles is not always up to date. Sometimes it will show there is no bike available when there are actually several.
- The post at each station are fed by said map and also do not reflect the actual situation. If you access the Ecobici App you are able to take one of the available bikes even if the local post says there is no bike available.
- You can ride the bike for 1 hour only, failure to do so will penalize you and multiple infractions will result on a ban from the system.
- On special occasions the time allowance is increased to 2 hours, for example for event taking place at night (like Noche de los Templos)
Rumors has it that the government would like to privatize this service, although maintaining it free. I would love if it was possible to close the basket with a hook. I hate riding with my bag on me, but putting it in the front basket seems to call attention.