Short answer: A bike subscription in Denmark costs from DKK 89 a month in 2026. Swapfiets starts at DKK 149 with a student price. But the monthly price is only half the story. Setup fees, the theft excess and the cancellation rules can make a cheap plan expensive.
Here's what you pay, what you get, and when it isn't worth it at all.
What is a bike subscription?
You pay a fixed amount every month and get a bike you don't own. If it breaks, fixing it is the provider's problem. If it's stolen, you pay an excess or replacement price and get a new one. When you don't need it any more, you hand it back.
It's like renting a flat instead of buying one: you pay a bit more over time, but skip the upfront cost, the maintenance and the hassle of selling it when you leave.
How much does a bike subscription cost in 2026?
Lowest monthly price at each provider, checked 2026-09-29 on their own websites:
| Provider | From per month | Per year (lowest price) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ring Ring | DKK 89 | DKK 1,068 | 12-month plan. DKK 99 on 6 months, DKK 119 with no commitment. DKK 0 setup fee |
| Swapfiets | DKK 149 | DKK 1,788 | Student price. Regular price from DKK 199 |
Prices change, so always check the provider's own page before you sign up. We keep the table current on our comparison page.
Why is Ring Ring cheaper?
Because the bikes are ugly. We use second-hand bikes from local bike shops and only upgrade what fails: puncture-resistant tyres, lights and brakes. No brand-new fleet, no service vans, no glossy designer frames. After you book, we find a bike shop near you. That is where you collect the bike, where you swap it, and where the old one gets fixed.
What's included, and what isn't?
Most subscriptions cover the same basics: repairs for normal wear, a lock and lights. Ours come with an approved frame lock. The differences hide in the small print:
- Setup fee. Some charge a one-off amount when you start. At Ring Ring it's DKK 0.
- Deposit. Ours is DKK 300, and you get it back when you return the bike in good order.
- Theft. What does it cost you when the bike is stolen? With us, you pay the bike's DKK 800 replacement price, minus your deposit, and get a new bike from your shop.
- Damage you cause. A bent front wheel after a crash is rarely covered. Check if there's a cap. Ours is DKK 800 per incident.
- Where and how fast you get help. Does a van come to you, do you go to a workshop, or do you swap at a shop the same day?
Six things to check before you choose
- Price the whole period. 12 months at DKK 89 is DKK 1,068. Add the setup fee if there is one.
- What happens if it's stolen? What it costs, police report requirements and whether it must have been locked. Lots of bikes get stolen in Copenhagen, so this is where the difference shows.
- Where do you swap? A shop you pass on the way home is worth a lot on a rainy Monday. That is why we find one near you.
- Does it need a CPR number or health card? If you're new in Denmark, that can take weeks. Some providers accept a passport.
- When does the subscription end? With us it ends when the bike is returned. Read the terms so you know what happens if you forget.
- Can you choose women's or men's? Not everyone wants the same model. With us you choose a women's or men's bike, and the shop finds the right size.
When is it worth it?
A bike subscription makes most sense when you need a bike for months rather than years. That means exchange students, people on a fixed-term contract, and anyone tired of having their bike stolen every other year.
If you'll need a bike for many years and have tools and patience, buying second-hand is usually cheaper. We did the maths in buy or subscribe.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest bike subscription in Denmark?
Ring Ring costs from DKK 89 a month on a 12-month plan, with no setup fee. Swapfiets starts at DKK 149 a month with a student price (checked 2026-09-29).
Do bike subscriptions have a minimum term?
It depends on the provider. At Ring Ring you can choose 12 months at DKK 89, 6 months at DKK 99 or no commitment at DKK 119 a month.
What happens if my subscription bike is stolen?
You report the theft to the police. At Ring Ring you pay the bike's DKK 800 replacement price, minus your deposit, and get a new bike from your shop for a new deposit.
Can I get a bike subscription without a CPR number?
Yes. At Ring Ring you verify your identity with your passport and a selfie instead of MitID. The deposit is the same: DKK 300, which you get back.