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

In an urban environment where bicycles, and electric bikes in particular, are taking up more and more space, secure parking is becoming crucial. A poorly secured bicycle, left unattended, or simply exposed to the elements, is an easy target—or an investment that deteriorates faster than expected.

The good news? Effective solutions now exist for parking your bicycle with complete 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 which options are available, who they are intended for, and, above all, how to access them depending on the city where you live.

What options are available in cities?

Not all bicycle shelters are created equal. In practice, local authorities offer three main types of bicycle parking:

Basic bicycle racks

Available for public use in most city centers. They allow users to secure their bicycle to a fixed point, but offer no protection against theft or rain. They are the most common option, but also the riskiest for an electric bicycle.

Covered shelters

Generally installed near train stations, tram stops, or intermodal hubs. They provide partial protection from the rain and are sometimes enclosed, 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 safest solution for parking a bicycle, whether conventional or electric. These enclosed shelters are accessible only to subscribers via a badge, key, or mobile app. They can accommodate 5 to 10 bicycles, sometimes with an assigned space, as in Paris or Bordeaux, and sometimes without one, as in Marseille or Montpellier.

Some boxes also offer charging outlets for e-bikes, lighting, or video surveillance. Everything is housed in an enclosed, shared but controlled space reserved for identified users. We will explore these features in more detail in the rest of this article.

What are the benefits of bike boxes?

If you use your bike every day, whether to get to work, make intermodal journeys, or simply get around town, the secure bike box completely transforms the experience.

First, it protects against theft: restricted access, sturdy locking, and sometimes a named badge or personal key. The vast majority of opportunistic thefts are prevented simply by having controlled access.

Next, it protects against the elements: an electric bike left out in the rain, even if properly secured, can quickly suffer damage to its battery, brakes, motor, or display. In the long term, a good shelter extends the bike's lifespan.

Finally, some facilities go further by incorporating:

• A secure charging socket for charging your e-bike during the day
• Interior lighting
• Or a structure adapted to the needs of a local authority or condominium

The setup may vary from city to city: some offer a guaranteed designated space in a collective box, while others provide shared access without an assigned space. In all cases, however, these facilities offer a practical, sustainable, and reassuring solution for parking your bike without stress.

How do you access a bike box?

Access to a bike box varies from city to city, but the principle is almost always the same: you must identify yourself, subscribe, and use a secure opening method. This is not free parking like a bike rack or an open shelter: the aim here is to guarantee controlled access to an enclosed space.

In most cases, access is provided via a physical badge, a transport card, or a mobile app. This system both manages access and provides basic traceability in the event of an attempted break-in or damage.

Regarding registration, some cities offer a fully online process (form, supporting documents, payment), while others require an in-person visit to an agency, particularly to collect a badge or key.

Prices vary considerably: in some metropolitan areas, parking is free provided you are already subscribed to the local public transport network. Elsewhere, the annual subscription can cost as much as 50 to 90 euros per year. In all cases, this remains a modest cost compared with the average price of an electric bike.

It is also common for registration to come with a waiting list, especially in high-demand areas such as city centers or train stations. It is therefore worth registering early, even if you do not immediately need the space.

Summary by city: access, prices, and how bike boxes work

Before diving into the details city by city, here is a concise summary of the key information to remember: facility name, access terms, annual price, and local specifics.

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

Bike Box in Paris

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

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

Where can they be found?

More than 50 Véloboxes are spread throughout Paris proper. For example, they can be found in the 10th, 11th, 12th, 15th, 18th, and 20th arrondissements, near residential areas, metro stations, or cycle paths. Each box is installed above ground, easy to identify, and features distinctive metal cladding.

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

Accessibility

Access to the Véloboxes is reserved for subscribers. Each user receives a personalized badge that unlocks the box 24/7. It is assigned to one person only, for a single space in a specific box.

Please note: the number of boxes is still limited compared with demand, and some areas are full. You may therefore be placed on a waiting list.

Registration and price

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

• proof of identity,
• proof of address in Paris,
• and information about your bicycle.

Once registration is approved, the badge is sent by mail or can be collected at a pickup point. The subscription costs €75 per year, with no badge fee or deposit.

Bike boxes in Marseille

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

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

Where can they be found?

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

Each shelter can accommodate up to 24 bicycles, with a secure structure (racks and a locked door). In total, 23 sites are managed directly by the Métropole, but the network includes 179 shelters when all connected or affiliated facilities are included.

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

Accessibility

These shelters are shared, with no assigned spaces. Access is available 24/7 via a personal transport card (MaCarte), which is also used for public transportation.

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 separate subscription or deposit is required.

Two ways to obtain it:

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

Once your registration has been approved (confirmed by email), your card gives you access to all Abrivélo shelters at no additional cost.

Bike boxes in Lyon

In Lyon and Villeurbanne, cyclists have access to a network of secure bike boxes installed on public roads and managed by the Métropole de Lyon through SPL Lyon Parc Auto (LPA). This service is intended for both residents and regular commuters seeking long-term, secure parking accessible 24/7.

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

Where can they be found?

There are currently around 60 bike boxes spread across different neighborhoods of Lyon and Villeurbanne. Each box can accommodate up to 8 bicycles in an enclosed shelter, identifiable by its gray metal structure.

Locations are chosen for their proximity to intermodal hubs (TCL stations, major bus routes, train stations, etc.) or densely populated residential areas.

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

Accessibility

Access is via a personalized badge. The subscription entitles each household to a maximum of one or two spaces in a designated box. Parking is therefore tied to a specific location, rather than being available freely across the entire network.

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

Registration and price

The subscription is completed:

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

The price is 90 euros per year per space. No deposit is required. The badge is provided upon registration or sent by mail, depending on the chosen option.

Bike box in Strasbourg

Strasbourg is committed to cycling, with a dense network of cycle paths and a strong cycling culture. However, when it comes to enclosed bike boxes, the offering is still limited to pilot projects. Nevertheless, a first model was introduced as part of an experiment.

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

Where can they be found?

A Vélobox ALTAO was installed in Strasbourg as part of an experimental project conducted in partnership with the manufacturer Altinnova. It can accommodate up to 5 bicycles in an enclosed, sheltered, and locked space. The shelter is designed to withstand bad weather and attempted break-ins.

For now, this single model is located in a test area deployed by the local authority. The aim is to assess the system’s suitability before potentially rolling it out on a larger scale across the metropolitan area.

Accessibility

Access to the Vélobox is by key, which is provided to each registered user. The box is shared but fully enclosed. Each cyclist has a key that opens the shared shelter, with no individually assigned space.

This system provides a certain level of security while remaining flexible and shared.

Registration and price

Registration procedures have not yet been standardized, as the system is still in the testing phase. Access is managed locally, generally by local authority services or a partner operator. You can contact the town hall or the Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole for more information.

No official public pricing has been announced yet. Access is currently free or offered at a symbolic price as part of the trial.

Bike box in Montpellier

Montpellier is gradually rolling out secure bicycle parking under the name Co’Box (formerly Vélobox). This system allows users to park their bicycles in an enclosed shelter, protected from theft and bad weather, directly on the street.

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

Where can they be found?

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

The locations are chosen for their proximity to major tram lines, transport hubs, and areas with high residential or employment density. The location map is available from TaM (Montpellier metropolitan transport).

👉 More information: Montpellier3M - Vélobox

Accessibility

Access to the Co’Boxes 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 option selected.

The spaces are not assigned to individuals by name: parking operates on a first-come, first-served basis among the spaces available inside the box, provided you have an active subscription.

Registration and price

You can subscribe directly at a TaM Mobility Centre, at a physical agency or through your user account if you are already a TaM customer. No complex documentation is required: an ID document and a transport card are sufficient.

The price is set at 59 euros per year. This price includes access to all Co’Boxes in the network. The pass is generally the same one already used for transport, at no extra cost.

Bicycle boxes in Bordeaux

Bordeaux Métropole has a well-developed network of secure bicycle boxes, called Vélobox, managed as part of the Vélopark service offered by TBM (Transports Bordeaux Métropole). This initiative aims to encourage intermodal travel by providing users with reliable parking.

© Bordeaux Métropole

Where can they be found?

Bordeaux has 124 Véloboxes, spread across various strategic locations, including:

• tram and bus stations,
• TER and SNCF train stations,
• park-and-ride car parks and certain residential neighborhoods.

Each Vélobox can accommodate up to 5 bicycles in a secure compartment locked with a key. In total, this represents approximately 620 secure spaces 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 assigned to an individual by name, guaranteeing permanent availability of the allocated space.

Subscribers have 24/7 access. Please note: due to their standard size, the boxes cannot accommodate certain bulky bicycles, such as cargo bikes or bicycles with child seats.

Registration and price

Registration is completed directly online via the reservation form available on the TBM website. You must provide:

• proof of address,
• proof of identity,
• and a description of the bicycle.

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

The subscription costs €35 per year, with no application fee. The key is provided free of charge, either in person or by mail, depending on the chosen method.

Bike boxes in Lille

The City of Lille offers an extensive network of secure bike boxes, installed in several neighborhoods across the metropolitan area. This service allows cyclists to park their bicycles safely, with 24/7 access, at an affordable price.

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

Where can they be found?

The boxes are distributed across several strategic areas, including:

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

There are currently more than 160 boxes, each able to accommodate between 5 and 6 bicycles, for a total of several hundred available spaces. They can be recognized by their gray metal structure, often installed directly on the street or at the entrance to buildings.

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

Accessibility

Access is available 24/7, exclusively to subscribers. Each user receives a personal key that opens the box assigned to them. The subscription is personal and non-transferable, ensuring a reserved space.

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

Registration and price

The subscription is completed via an online form provided by the city. The following are required:

• proof of identity,
• proof of address,
• the specifications of the bicycle to be parked.

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

The price is €55 per year, with no additional fees. The key is provided once the application has been approved.

In summary: why choose a bike box for your e-bike

With bike theft on the rise and electric bike use in cities growing, bike boxes are emerging as a secure, convenient, and affordable parking solution.

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

• For one night or all year round,
• For a conventional bike or an e-bike,
• Near train stations, metro stations, or right in your neighborhood.

They not only protect your bike from theft and the elements, but also give you greater peace of mind every day, especially if you leave your bike outside for several hours a day.

Although each city has its own rules (subscription, access badge, price), one thing is certain: investing in a secure parking solution extends your bike’s lifespan and drastically reduces the risk of break-ins.

Bike compatibility Ritmic and bike boxes

Before reserving a space in a bike box, it is essential to check that your bike Your Ritmic can be parked there comfortably. To do so, make sure the storage facility’s dimensions are compatible with those of your bike.

We recommend contacting the organization managing the bike storage facility to find out the exact dimensions of the parking space, in particular:

• Compatible length, width, and height
• Width of the rails for the tires
• Whether accessories can be accommodated (basket, child seat, panniers, etc.)

Below is a summary table of the dimensions of our models to help you check:

Ritmic supports you every day

At At Ritmic, we design electric bikes that are lightweight, powerful, and built to take on the city… but we also know how essential their security is. That’s why we offer practical solutions to protect your bike:

• High-security locks, tested, certified, and recognized by insurers.
• Dedicated insurance, in partnership with Estaly, covering theft, damage, the battery, and accessories.
• Practical advice to help you choose the right solution for your city and how you use it.

Whether you already own one or are still considering it, we’re here to support you on the road and when parked.