Bike shelter or bike locker: where to find them, how to access them, and at what price?

In an urban context where cycling, especially electric cycling, is becoming increasingly popular, the issue of secure parking is crucial. A poorly locked bike, left unattended, or simply exposed to the elements, is an easy target… or an investment that deteriorates faster than expected.

The good news? There are now effective solutions to park your bike with peace of mind, whether for a few hours or all year round.

Bike box, secure shelter, shared garage: in this article, we help you understand what options are available, who they are for, and especially how to access them depending on the city you live in.

What options exist in the city?

Not all bike shelters are equal. In practice, there are three main types of parking offered by local authorities:

Simple racks

Available for self-service in most city centers. They allow you to lock your bike to a fixed point but offer no protection against theft or rain. They are the most common but also the riskiest for an electric bike.

Covered shelters

Usually installed near train stations, tram stops, or intermodal zones. They offer partial protection from rain and are sometimes locked, but remain open to multiple users and do not always have controlled access systems.

© https://www.lametropolemobilite.fr/velo

Bike boxes

Today, this is the most secure solution for parking a bike (classic or electric). These enclosed shelters are accessible only to subscribers, via a badge, key, or mobile app. They can accommodate 5 to 10 bikes, sometimes with a reserved spot (like in Paris or Bordeaux), sometimes without (like in Marseille or Montpellier).

Some boxes also offer charging outlets for e-bikes, lighting, or video surveillance. All within a closed, shared but controlled space, reserved for identified users. These are the features we will explore in more detail later in the article.

What are the advantages of bike boxes?

If you use your bike daily, whether to commute to work, combine modes of transport, or simply for getting around town, the secure bike box completely changes the experience.

First, it protects against theft: restricted access, solid locking, sometimes a personalized badge or personal key. The vast majority of opportunistic thefts are prevented by the mere presence of controlled access.

Then, it protects against the weather: an electric bike left in the rain, even well locked, can quickly suffer damage to the battery, brakes, motor, or control screen. In the long term, a good shelter extends the bike’s lifespan.

Finally, some systems go further by including:

• A secure charging outlet, to recharge your e-bike during the day
• Interior lighting
• Or a structure adapted to the needs of a community or condominium

The setup can vary by city: some offer a guaranteed named spot in a shared box, others shared access without assigned spots. But in all cases, these facilities provide a concrete, sustainable, and reassuring solution to park your bike stress-free.

How to access a bike box?

Access to a bike box varies by city, but the principle is almost always the same: you must identify yourself, subscribe, and use a secure opening method. It’s not free parking like a rack or open shelter: here, the goal is to guarantee controlled access to a closed space.

In most cases, access is via a physical badge, a transport card, or a mobile app. This system both manages access and ensures minimal traceability in case of break-in attempts or damage.

Regarding registration, some cities offer a fully online process (form, documents, payment), while others require a visit to an agency, especially to receive a badge or key.

Prices vary widely: in some major cities, parking is free if you are already subscribed to the local transport network. Elsewhere, the annual subscription can reach 50 to 90 euros per year. In all cases, this cost remains modest compared to the average price of an electric bike.

It is also common for registration to come with a waiting list, especially in high-demand areas like downtowns or train stations. So it’s worth signing up early, even if you don’t immediately need the spot.

Summary by city: access, price, and operation of bike boxes

Before diving into the city-by-city details, here is a concise summary of the main information to remember: system name, access conditions, annual price, and local specifics.

For more details (addresses, procedures, registration links), see the specific sections for each city below.

Bike box in Paris

In Paris, bike boxes are called Vélobox. These are metal modules installed directly on the street, often along sidewalks or on repurposed car parking spaces. Each Vélobox can accommodate up to 6 bikes, in a closed, secure space reserved for subscribers.

© https://abris-securises-velos.paris.fr/

Where to find them?

More than 50 Véloboxes are spread throughout central Paris. They can be found, for example, in the 10th, 11th, 12th, 15th, 18th, and 20th districts, near residential areas, metro stations, or bike lanes. Each box is installed on the surface, easily identifiable, with a specific metal cladding.

The complete map of locations is available on the official site: abris-securises-velos.paris.fr.

Accessibility

Access to Véloboxes is reserved for subscribers. Each user has a personalized badge that allows unlocking the box 24/7. It is assigned to one person only, for a single spot in a given box.

Note: the number of boxes is still limited compared to demand, and some areas are full. It is therefore possible to be placed on a waiting list.

Registration and price

Registration is done directly online at abris-securises-velos.paris.fr, via a simple form. You will be asked for:

• an identity document,
• proof of residence in Paris,
• and information related to your bike.

Once registration is confirmed, the badge is sent by mail or can be picked up at a relay point. The subscription costs €75 per year, with no badge or deposit fees.

Bike box in Marseille

In Marseille, cyclists can park their bike in one of the many secure communal shelters called Abrivélo, deployed as part of the Métropole Mobilité service. These are not boxes with assigned spaces, but closed shelters accessible only to subscribers.

© https://www.lametropolemobilite.fr/velo

Where to find them?

Abrivélo shelters are located throughout the city, near metro stations, tram lines, or park-and-ride lots.

Each shelter can accommodate up to 24 bikes, with a secure structure (stands + locked door). In total, 23 sites are directly managed by the Metropolis, but the network includes 179 shelters if all connected or affiliated devices are included.

👉 List of locations: https://www.lametropolemobilite.fr/velo/#abrivelo

Accessibility

These shelters are communal, without assigned spaces. Access is 24/7 via a personal transport card (MaCarte), which is also used for public transport.

Registration and price

To subscribe to the Abrivélo service, you must hold a personal Métropole Mobilité transport card. The Abrivélo service is free for all RTM or Métropole Mobilité subscribers. No specific subscription or deposit is required.

Two options to get it:

• Online, via the contact form on lametropolemobilite.fr, attaching an ID and a photo.
• In store, at one of the 10 Métropole Mobilité sales points or RTM agencies, with the same supporting documents.

Once your registration is confirmed (confirmation by email), your card gives you access to all Abrivélo shelters, at no extra cost.

Bike box in Lyon

In Lyon and Villeurbanne, cyclists have access to a network of secure bike boxes installed on the street, managed by the Lyon Metropolis via SPL Lyon Parc Auto (LPA). This system is aimed at residents as well as regular workers who want long-term, secure parking accessible 24/7.

© https://avelo.grandlyon.com/se-deplacer-a-velo/stationner-son-velo

Where to find them?

There are currently about 60 bike boxes spread across different neighborhoods in Lyon and Villeurbanne. Each box can accommodate up to 8 bikes in a closed shelter, identifiable by its gray metal structure.

The locations are chosen for their proximity to intermodal hubs (TCL stations, major bus lines, train stations…) or dense residential areas.

👉 The map of locations can be viewed here: avelo.grandlyon.com.

Accessibility

Access is via a personalized badge. The subscription entitles one or two spaces maximum per household, in a given box. Parking is therefore linked to a specific spot, not free across the entire network.

Each subscriber can access the box at any time, day or night. Use is strictly personal.

Registration and price

Subscription is done:

• online, via the Métropole or LPA website;
• or at a TCL store (notably at the Cordeliers agency), with an ID and proof of address.

The rate is 90 euros per year per space. No deposit is required. The badge is given at registration or sent by mail depending on the chosen method.

Bike box in Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a city committed to cycling, with a dense network of bike lanes and a strong cycling culture. However, in terms of closed bike boxes, the offer remains limited to pilot projects. A first model has nevertheless been implemented as part of an experiment.

© Jean-François Gérard - https://www.altinnova.com/realisations/realisation-abris-velos/velobox-altao-cover-strasbourg/

Where to find them?

A Vélobox ALTAO was installed in Strasbourg as part of an experimental project carried out in partnership with the manufacturer Altinnova. It can accommodate up to 5 bikes in a closed, sheltered, and locked space. The shelter is designed to withstand bad weather and break-in attempts.

For now, this unique model is located in a test zone, deployed by the community. The goal is to assess the relevance of the system before a possible wider rollout in the metropolitan area.

Accessibility

Access to the vélobox is by key, given to each registered user. The box is collective, but fully closed. Each cyclist has a key that opens access to the shared shelter, without individual space allocation.

This system ensures a certain level of security while maintaining flexible and shared use.

Registration and price

Registration procedures are not yet standardized, as the system is still in the testing phase. Access is managed locally, usually by community services or a partner operator. Requests can be made directly to the city hall or the Eurometropolis for more information.

No public pricing grid has yet been officially communicated. Access is currently free or offered at a symbolic rate, as part of the trial.

Bike box in Montpellier

Montpellier is gradually rolling out a secure parking offer for cyclists, under the name Co’Box (formerly Vélobox). This system allows you to park your bike in a closed shelter, protected from theft and bad weather, directly on the street.

© https://www.montpellier3m.fr/velobox

Where to find them?

Five Co’Box shelters are currently installed in public spaces, spread across several neighborhoods in Montpellier. Each shelter can accommodate up to 5 bikes, in a closed, shared space, but accessible only to subscribers.

Locations are chosen for their proximity to major tram lines, transfer hubs, and areas with high residential or professional density. The map of locations is available from TaM (Transports de l’agglomération de Montpellier).

👉 More info: Montpellier3M - Vélobox

Accessibility

Access to Co’Box is reserved for subscribers, via a TaM card or the M’Ticket app. Once registered, you can unlock the shelter with your card or smartphone, depending on the chosen solution.

The spots are not personalized: parking operates on a self-service basis among available spots inside the box, provided you have an active subscription.

Registration and price

Subscriptions are made directly at the Espace Mobilité TaM, in a physical agency or via your user account if you are already a TaM customer. No complex proof is required: an ID and a transport card are sufficient.

The rate is set at 59 euros per year. This price includes access to all Co’Box in the network. The badge is usually the one already used for transport, at no extra cost.

Bike box in Bordeaux

Bordeaux Métropole has a well-developed network of secure bike boxes, called Vélobox, managed as part of the Vélopark service offered by TBM (Transports Bordeaux Métropole). This system aims to encourage intermodal trips by guaranteeing reliable parking for users.

© Bordeaux Métropole

Where to find them?

There are 124 Vélobox in Bordeaux, spread across various strategic sites, including:

• the tram and bus stations,
• the TER and SNCF train stations,
• the park and ride lots and certain residential neighborhoods.

Each Vélobox can accommodate up to 5 bikes, in a secure compartment locked by a key. In total, this represents about 620 secure spots available across the metropolitan area.

👉 List of locations available at: sedeplacer.bordeaux-metropole.fr

Accessibility

Access is reserved for users subscribed to the Vélobox service, who receive a physical key corresponding to their assigned box. Parking is therefore personalized and individual, which guarantees permanent availability of the assigned spot.

Access is free 24/7 for subscribers. Note: the boxes do not allow parking of certain bulky types of bikes (such as cargo bikes or bikes with child seats) due to their standard size.

Registration and price

Registration is done directly online via the reservation form available on the TBM website. It is necessary to provide:

• proof of residence,
• an identity document,
• and a description of the bike.

👉 Access the form: aide.infotbm.com - Vélobox Reservation

The subscription costs 35 euros per year, with no processing fees. The key is handed over free of charge, either in person or by mail depending on the chosen method.

Bike box in Lille

The City of Lille offers a large network of secure bike boxes, installed in several neighborhoods of the metropolitan area. This system allows cyclists to park their bikes safely, accessible 24/7, and at an affordable price.

© https://www.lille.fr/Lille-a-velo/Les-dispositifs-lillois/Le-box-a-velo

Where to find them?

The boxes are distributed across several strategic areas, including:

• near train stations (Lille Flandres, Lille Europe),
• in residential neighborhoods,
• around university hubs and major public facilities.

There are currently more than 160 boxes, each able to accommodate between 5 and 6 bikes, for a total of several hundred available spots. They are recognizable by their gray metal structure, often installed directly on the street or at building entrances.

👉 The interactive map of locations is available at: lille.fr - The bike box

Accessibility

Access is available 24/7, only for subscribers. Each user receives a personal key that opens the box assigned to them. The subscription is nominal and individual, which guarantees a reserved spot.

Note: due to the size of the boxes, it is not possible to park a cargo bike or a bike equipped with a child seat (dimensions too limited).

Registration and price

The subscription is done via an online form provided by the City. The following are required:

• an identity document,
• proof of residence,
• the characteristics of the bike to be parked.

👉 Online form: mesdemarches.lille.fr - Request a spot in a bike box

The rate is 55 euros per year, with no additional fees. The key is handed over once the request is approved.

In summary: why choose a bike box for your electric bike

In response to rising thefts and the growing use of electric bikes in cities, bike boxes are becoming a secure, practical, and affordable parking solution.

Whether you live in Paris, Marseille, Lille, or Montpellier, there are now solutions suited to all uses:

• For one night or all year round,
• For a classic bike or an electric bike,
• Near train stations, metro stations, or directly in your neighborhood.

They not only protect your bike from theft and weather but also provide peace of mind daily, especially if you leave your bike outside for several hours a day.

Even though each city applies its own rules (subscription, badge, price), one thing is certain: investing in a secure parking solution extends your bike’s lifespan and drastically reduces break-in risks.

Bike compatibility Ritmic with bike boxes

Before reserving a spot in a bike box, it is essential to verify that your bike Ritmic can be comfortably parked there. To do so, make sure the box dimensions are compatible with your bike.

We recommend checking with the bike box management organization to know the exact dimensions of the parking space, especially:

• Compatible length, width, and height
• Rail width for tires
• Tolerance or not for accessories (basket, child seat, saddlebags, etc.)

Below is a summary table of our models’ dimensions to help you with your verification:

Ritmic supports you every day

At At Ritmic, we design lightweight, powerful electric bikes built to tackle the city… but we also know how crucial their security is. That’s why we offer concrete solutions to protect your bike:

• High-security locks, tested, certified, and recognized by insurers.
• A dedicated insurance, in partnership with Estaly, covering theft, damage, battery, and accessories.
• Practical advice to help you choose the right solution based on your city and usage.

Whether you are already equipped or still considering, we are here to support you on the road and when stopped.