Citi Bike operates a bike-sharing network across New York City, offering members and casual riders access to bicycles and e-bikes at hundreds of stations. This page aggregates shopper ratings and reviews to help prospective members understand what current and former users experience with the service, including reliability, pricing, and bike conditions.
Citi Bike Reviews
1.1
16 reviews
What Shoppers Say About Citi Bike
Created with AI, based on recent reviews
Citi Bike is rated 1.1 out of 5 by 16 shoppers, with the overwhelming majority expressing serious dissatisfaction. Reviewers consistently praise the concept of the service and the extensive network of pickup and dropoff locations throughout the city, which makes bike access convenient in theory. However, nearly every review focuses on operational failures and service deterioration, particularly since Lyft's involvement. Shoppers report unreliable bike availability (stations frequently empty or overfull), nonfunctional equipment, heavy electric bikes that don't meet all rider needs, and bikes that fail to dock properly even after multiple attempts at different stations.
Beyond reliability issues, reviewers cite multiple pricing frustrations: unexpected charges for e-bikes that weren't clearly advertised upfront, confusing day pass structures that don't work as expected, per-ride costs of $4.79 that exceed public transit alternatives, and auto-renewal policies with steep $45 early cancellation fees. Subscribers also note the absence of senior or military discounts despite promises of veteran benefits. The combination of degraded service quality, confusing pricing, and poor customer experience has prompted multiple long-term members to abandon their memberships entirely.
Customer Reviews (16)
Sorted by: Most recentKevin C.Sep 13, 2024
Got a so-called day pass for 19 dollars but it was full of extra charges they didn't spell out. Two and a half hours around Central Park ended up costing 80 bucks each person. Contacted support who were completely unhelpful - they said I should've checked the website for prices and there's nothing they can do. Total scam.
Marcus T.Jul 21, 2024
The costs are way too high and they hit you with surprise charges all over the place. Getting bikes for a family of four becomes a nightmare, and the electric bike fees are absolutely ridiculous. Your money's better spent at a local bike shop.
Jessica B.May 30, 2024
Same problem as lots of other people - unexpected credit card charges and a company that won't refund you even when it's their mistake. The app gave me incorrect info so I couldn't start or finish the ride, but customer service promised to send someone and issue a refund. That never happened. Ended up getting hit with almost $100 even though I never used a bike. When I followed up, customer service basically said sorry but we're keeping your money anyway, even though we said we'd refund it. How is it this hard to get your money back? Even when they admit they messed up, they won't budge. It's insane.
Lars P.Nov 8, 2022
Big mistake renting from them. We grabbed day passes and picked up from one spot, but returning to the same location wasn't possible. Had to trek to another station which took an extra 10 minutes. Then I got charged for a ride that was supposedly 2 hours longer than my friend's, even though I'm certain I locked the bike properly when I left. They won't budge on it. It feels like they're designed to make money off these exact situations rather than help their customers. Customer service back home is totally different - there, the benefit of the doubt goes to the customer.
Citi Bike Review FAQ
What do the ratings represent?
RetailCoupons.com ratings reflect customer satisfaction with Citi Bike's overall service quality. The 1.1 average out of 5 is calculated from all submitted reviews, with one star representing the most negative experience and five stars representing the most positive.
What are the main complaints reviewers mention?
The most common complaints are unreliable bike availability (empty stations or full stations preventing returns), nonfunctional equipment, unexpected e-bike surcharges, confusing pricing structures, and difficulty canceling memberships without penalty. Several reviewers also note service has declined since Lyft's involvement with the company.
What do reviewers praise about Citi Bike?
Customers appreciate the extensive network of stations throughout the city, which provides convenient pickup and dropoff options. Some reviewers note that when bikes are available and functional, the actual riding experience is enjoyable for exploring New York.
Would reviewers recommend Citi Bike?
Based on the ratings, the vast majority of reviewers would not recommend the service. Multiple long-term members report canceling subscriptions, and those who used it for essential commuting stated they cannot rely on it for punctuality or dependability.
How can I share my own Citi Bike experience?
RetailCoupons.com encourages users to submit honest reviews based on actual experience with Citi Bike's service. Include details about bike availability, functionality, pricing clarity, and overall reliability to help other potential users make informed decisions.