There are a few ways to start riding! 

Through the app

• Download the app (available for both Android and iPhone users)
• Tap the three horizontal bars in the upper left corner and tap Ride plans
• Select the membership or pass you'd like to purchase
• Follow the prompts to add a credit/debit card* and create an account 
• Once you've purchased your pass, tap on the station icon you’re at in the map
• Select Scan to unlock and allow camera access on your app 
• Scan the QR code located on the front of the bike
• If your phone does not have a camera, please reach out to our support team, now supported by Lyft, to order a bike key.
• When the light on the dock turns green, lift the bike by the seat to remove it from the dock
• Enjoy your ride!

At a kiosk

• Press the "Rent a bike" button on the screen
• Insert your credit or debit card (prepaid or gift cards not accepted)
• Choose how many bikes you'd like – up to 2
• Select your pass type
• Print your ride code, unless you've purchased a bike key
• Type your ride code into the keypad on the bike dock(s) within 5 minutes, or use your key to unlock a bike
• When the light on the dock turns green, lift the bike by the seat to remove it from the dock
• Enjoy your ride! 

Through our website 

• After reviewing the pass and membership options, select the pass or membership you want to purchase. 

Once you’re ready to ride, head to the bike station you'd like to use and tap on the station icon on the map. Insert the credit card associated with your account to get a one-time-use ride code (don’t worry, you won’t be charged again). Once you get your ride code, type it into the keypad on a dock with an available bike to unlock the bike. To ride again, insert the same credit card to get a new ride code. 

NOTE: If you are an international visitor and unable to download the Capital Bikeshare app, we apologize for the inconvenience. We are working hard to increase our global availability. In the meantime, you can access the Capital Bikeshare website on your mobile phone. 

While riding, make sure you stick to the time limits specified in your membership plan: 45 minutes on classic bikes for day passes, monthly, and annual members. Rides that go beyond those times are subject to per-minute charges. All per minute ride prices are rounded up to the nearest minute.