Bluebikes Reviews

by Maxlu41602

I’ve been in Boston for a couple weeks now, and I also enjoy biking. Paying $20 a month for a bike seemed like a pretty solid deal. I couldn’t bring my own because it would’ve been very troublesome getting it here. But the problem is that Bluebikes simply won’t let me purchase a pass. I’ve already put in a payment method but every time I try buying a pass it just says that the transaction failed. I’ve tried multiple cards but none of them go through. It also won’t let me buy a bike at the station without my physical card, meaning I have to pay $2.95 every time I want to ride a bike. When I try enough times, it just tells me to call customer service, which was no help. The lady just told me that the bike station was down and to try at another one. That wasn’t even true. I literally got a bike out from that station later with a physical card. I’d like to not have to pay almost $3 every time I want to go riding. If this gets fixed then I’m sure Bluebikes itself is fine. But until then, Bluebikes literally is useless.

by Ani411

Be warned: you might see open docks on Bluebikes map when you first take a bike out, but they fill up quickly!

Bluebikes map shows many open docks when leaving work in Back Bay, then when I arrive home in a Southie, there are ZERO along my way(3 stations, totally full!). I live closest to the library station and often have to dock my bike at FARRAGUT.

I wish there was a way to have an option to reserve a dock at your destination upon removing a bike - and Bluebikes map would show users which docks are reserved. I’ve had a membership for years but the popularity of these is really demanding a change in the system, no? Customer service disagrees when I contacted them, so I’ll be buying my own bike when my membership expires.

by Wtfbluebikes

This is consistently one of the most frustrating services I have ever used. The theory is great but in reality the bikes, docks and app have so many glitches that you almost always have to spend a bunch of extra time. Go to pick up a bike that’s listed and it isn’t there or is broken. Go to dock in an empty spot and it’s actually taken or the dock won’t accept the bike. Dock correctly but Bluebikes doesn’t recognize it so they charge you a bunch of extra money. Oh and if you contact customer service they might get back to you in two weeks with an unhelpful response. No real-time support. Little maintenance of anything. More efficient to walk and then just beat your head against a wall for the same effect.

by Pxmelx

I picked up a broken bike and called this app to help me with my issue. They told me to store the bike in my house and they will come pick it up. I have called them repeatedly and they have not sent anyone to pick up the bike for THREE DAYS. They are using my house as a storage facility for their broken equipment, and if I choose not to keep the bike in my house, they will charge me $1200. This is no way to abuse customers when this is not my fault at all. For example, if I were traveling and leaving town soon, I would have no choice but pay them $1200 since I would not be able to store the bike. Furthermore, when I called, I asked them to end my ride on Bluebikes so I could get other bikes to go places, and they refused to help. Overall, such a terrible experience, really too bad they’re the only bike sharing platform in Boston.

by BoA-Suxxxx

The single time I got the blue bikes to work I loved the speed and convenience of using them, but there is something seriously wrong with their payment system. I tried two different cards and also Apple Pay and it was NEVER ABLE to process my payment. I most definitely had more than the $3 needed in my account. Spent so much time trying to reinsert my card info and get the bikes working that it completely messed up my plans two out of three times I tried to use them in a single summer.

by Disgruntled Customer 223

I had been using a 3rd party bikeshare app but kept showing up to stations that claimed to have docks available - only to find none. Called this app about this to tell them and they recommended the official app. Same bad data with faulty station info so I had to walk over a mile from the nearest station to my destination. Service has gone rapidly downhill since it’s switched from Hubway (New Balance sponsored) to Blue Bikes (Blue Cross Blue Shield). When I called them, I was directed to a call center in North Carolina. Will not be renewing my membership and look forward to switching completely to using Lime Bike and my own personal bike more often... too bad, I’d used this service for over 6yrs

by Wanglewpi

I rent a bike today, and after riding a few minutes I noticed that the seat is start to loose, I tried to tight it but the screw is stuck. So I returned it to the nearest station and want to replace. I only ride one mile within 10 minutes. However, the station does not allow me to replace. They just charge me money.

I contacted customer service, they told me al long as I rerun the bike no matter what reason it’s done!

The rental bikes in DC allow user to replace bikes within a period in case the bike has problem. Never though this app have such imparity clauses. So If you are unlucky to get a bike with problems, you take the risk to lose your money.

by AllieLee118

I rode a blue bike from the station near my house to the station outside Harvard Kennedy School. There were two docks available both were broken. Rode to two more stations in Harvard square, one said two docks were available...there were none. I called customer service and was told there was nothing they could do and they couldn't call someone to pick up the bike because they communicate with those people via email. I also saw two other people biking around looking to dock their bikes. Two hours later in 90 degree heat and I'm NEVER doing this again. Horrible customer service and they need more docking stations or less bikes at each station.

by Yaboikai

I had the monthly membership for about two months I actually got a lot of use out of these but it’s not the most convenient and could be a lot better. Time windows are too small return method is problematic and everything’s glitchy. The reason I’m deleting it and buying a bike is because Of the glitches today when I got to the bikes Bluebikes wouldn’t load at all even after deleting and re downloading it. Couldn’t even go on my bike ride had to walk home so I deleted Bluebikes and am buying a bike. Again great concept but until it is made more convenient and less glitchy it’s not worth it just buy a bike

by Shhfek Cncff

I truly enjoy this service, it makes no sense to own your own bike with half the year being cold in Boston and little storage space. The only thing that’s missing is a more detailed ride history including the bike number used. I had a docking incident and didn’t know which bike I had to check to make sure it was docked correctly.

by Genius Guru

Love using blue bikes but I wish when I plan a much longer trip, they had a voice that would guide me through the directions. I have to hold my phone in my hand when I’m riding so I can periodically check the screen for directions. Basically just need a GPS with a voice.

by Rowingchamp

I really like using blue bikes to work out, go on a leisurely ride, commute or just get somewhere faster. I wish there were more socks available at high traffic stations: near Kendall and Porter. I also have noticed that Bluebikes does not always display the number of bikes/docks that are actually available on stations that appear to have been recently added on to. Love using Bluebikes to rent a bike, it’s so easy!

by The Cool One 6

Big, heavy, monster bikes built for durability, good lighting system, (front & rear), there can be slight peccadillos from bike to bike, usually related to braking or shifting, (“this one feels a little different than the last one I was riding)”, the seat height adjustment has also taken some wear over the years, often some rust in the knob where the screw is. Only speaking as someone who got an annual membership back in 2011, when the bikes debuted and were generally in better condition.

by Sully From Boston

I really enjoy the whole concept of “community bikes”, and Bluebikes certainly helps move this concept into reality.

I’d say a few improvements would be to have “favorite places” so I can access Home, Work, Family/Friends more easily. Also, mapping routes doesn’t feel as intuitive as on other map apps.

But overall, Bluebikes works and gets me from point A to point B.

by JPCESQ

Trying to avoid public transit & Uber, don’t own a car, & eager to get out of my neighborhood. This has been fantastic. It took a couple of days to open my account due to a glitch, but it has otherwise been awesome. The bikes aren’t fast or fabulous, but they are functional & accessible. Now if only Boston fixed its crappy roads!!

by Cometpants

Bluebikes has worked really well! The bikes have been in good shape. They have a rain guard which is helpful for not getting mucky while commuting. They also have a front basket which is alright (could be a bit more defined on the biker side to stop things rolling out if you go over a big curb, but it works! Last wish is that I wish the bikes were pedal assist, but other than minor critiques, it’s working great!

by Rebelhigh

It is extremely easy to use Bluebikes and get a bike. The stations nearly always work. Sometimes they don’t because the key pad doesn’t work. But this is rare as is having a bike that has an issue. The bike are easy to ride, there are loads of stations and it is a cheap way of accessing the city. And get a little exercise.

by Mishypishy84

Bluebikes is great it was easy to enter in my credit card information and check out various bikes throughout the Cambridge and Somerville area. I was able to find stations along my route and was grateful to have a two hour limit with the all day pass. I would love if New York City followed in Massachusetts steps by allowing for an all day pass as well. I will definitely use Bluebikes again when I’m back in Massachusetts.

by J.gallacci

These bikes were one of the best things I experienced in Boston/best purchase made. They were so easy to figure out, and they were a great deal. I would highly recommend getting the monthly pass if you are here for two days. It allows you to rent as many bikes as possible. Bluebikes is fantastic, it tells you how many docking stations are open or how many bikes there are at each station. These bikes were a total feet saver and allowed us to see SO much of Boston in an efficient yet fun way. The city is SUPER bike friendly. I HIGHLY recommend using the bikes. Just make sure you read the helmet law if you are under 16. Happy riding!! 🚲

by Ilove2ridemybiiiike

I've saved so much money and time on my commute since joining the Blue Bikes annual membership. My commute has vastly improved from dark and dingy subways to bright and breezy bike paths! I love how Bluebikes calculates calories spent and timed mileage. I've never felt healthier. It's improved my life in many ways PLUS it's eco-friendly and you don't have to worry about bike maintenance! Win win win! 🚴‍♀️💕

by Bike54321

Blue bikes is great, but frequently many of their locations are “offline” when using Bluebikes . I’ve seen people use a bike key when this happens (I think they used to mail those out). There are a lot of stations so you can usually find another one that’s working, but if you were planning to bike somewhere in the city then that extra find time can be the same amount as if you’d just walked to your destination in the first place.

by Mosdak

I love being able to use a bike to get around, and this service... well, it needs work. 3 experiences with this service In the week I visited Boston left me frustrated.
- Road a bike to an area and could not park the bike. All the bike docking stations in the area were full.
-road to an area and could not ride back, all bikes in the area disappeared at rush hour.
-returned a bike and then got locked out of the system, when the returned bike did not register, even though it locked into the dock.

by Sunzhenqlxt

I tried to switch account in Bluebikes and I spent ten minutes couldn’t find it. this app UX designer, what are you thinking?????

Ok I want to amend to my comment. After half an hour and talk to the representative on the phone, I finally found it the log out button. It is hidden so well that normally you won’t be able to see it. I’m hoping someone can do a better UX design in the next release. This is so frustrating to use.

by Lb2Boston

Does almost all that it should. Toggle between Bike/Dock view is a nice touch. I really like the rewards program even though I haven’t figured out what the points are good for.

I would prefer that the dock full gauge be an actual gauge so that if you look closely you can tell about how many bikes or open docks. Sure, you can see the #s if you click a station, but most smart phones are very high res and those of us with good eyes could avoid that step most of the time.

by K.smith.

So easy to navigate the city with Bluebikes! I recommend the monthly pass even if you are here for a week. We saw so much and didn’t get tired at all! There were stations even in the residential area that we stayed in so it made getting home at the end of the day a breeze.

by Antonio_gargano

I have used the bike sharing system in Melbourne (where I live) and Milan (where I come from). This one is the best. The bikes are modern, the network covers a very wide area and you just need your phone to get the bikes. The only suggestion I have is to add some stations close to Boston College.

by Amanda9999!!

Having a great time getting around Boston thanks to Blue Bikes. Very user friendly app and excellent customer service. Some call times are a bit long and leads to confusion if there were docking issues (and you cannot get thru to operator) other than that, highly recommend!!