Frequently Asked Questions

Bublr Basics

What is Bublr Bikes?: “Bublr Bikes” is Greater Milwaukee’s locally operated non-profit bike share system. Bublr Bike share is ideal for short distance point-to-point trips providing users the ability to pick up a bicycle at any self-serve Bublr bike-station and return it to any other Bublr bike station located within the system’s service area.

Do Bublr Bikes riders need to wear helmets?: Many of our riders have helmets — workers and residents bring their own. We strongly encourage all cyclists to ride as cautiously as possible, whether or not they use helmets.

How do I use the lock on a Bublr Bike?

The cable locks (coiled in the basket) are intended to lock up your Bublr Bike for a short stop.

Can I ride a Bublr on the sidewalk?: Please do not. It’s actually illegal for an adult to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk in the City of Milwaukee.

What are other the local bike laws?: Visit The Wisconsin Bike Federation for more information. All Bublr Bike riders are expected to observe all local laws.

Does Bublr Bikes have bicycles available for people with disabilities?: Bublr’s bikes are designed to be usable by as many people as possible. They have low, step-through frames and an upright seating posture. They also have three speeds to make tackling hills easier.
We have also implemented a new Adaptive Cycle pilot program in partnership with the City of Milwaukee, City of Wauwatosa, The Ability Center, and Anthem foundation, we are in the proccess of rolling out 22 adaptive bikes including Side by Sides, Trikes, and Hand Cyles. To see where our adaptive are currently located click here.
If you have more specific accessibility needs Independence First and Milwaukee Recreation both have DUET bikes that can be borrowed free of charge. For more information about these programs please contact Independence First at 414-226-8112 or Milwaukee Recreation at 414-647-6043. If you have any specific accessibility questions, don’t hesitate to contact Team Bublr.

How old do I need to be to ride a Bublr Bike?: You’ll need to be at least 14 years old to use Bublr Bikes.

Accounts/Billing

How can I purchase a pass?

It depends! If you want to ride once or twice, purchase a Single Ride at any Bublr Station. Single Ride’s are charged on a per minute basis. Make sure you read the kiosk screen when purchasing for the current price. If you’re a frequent user, the following passes can be purchased on the Bublr Bikes website or through our BCycle App (available in the App Store or Google Play):

Single Ride: Rides are charged per minute

Weekender Pass: $25 one time charge. Take as many 2-hr trips as you want over a 3 day period. Trips lasting longer than 2hrs will be charged $0.25 per minute

30-Day Pass: $30/Month (up to 60-minute rides)

Annual Pass: $100/Year (up to 60-minute rides)

What are usage fees?

If you are a Bublr Bike member and a bike is kept out beyond the 60-minute trip limit, $3 is accrued for every 30-minutes. The 30-minute limit is to encourage on-demand trips, we are a bike share system, not explicitly a bike rental system. Some users like to take longer rides or keep the bike out beyond a half an hour, which is fine, but that’s technically one less bike available in the share system for someone else to use.

As a member, if you want to keep riding and avoid usage fees, you simply need to close out your current trip and start a new one. This effectively resets the trip clock and can be done from any kiosk station. Locate a nearby station and dock the bike to close out your current trip. Listen for 3 beeps to confirm your bike is docked. From the station kiosk, hit Start > Check Out Bike > Member and enter your phone number to complete 2-step verification. You may also swipe the associated credit card. Select the dock number icon for that same bike or another, wait for the beeps, and remove the bike from the dock. Your trip clock restarts, and you’re set for another 60-minutes!

If you have any questions regarding usage fees that you’ve accumulated, contact us at 414-931-1121

Can I use my Bublr Pass in another city?: Unfortunately a Bublr Pass only works in the Bublr Bikes system in Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, and West Allis

I bought a Bublr Pass; when will the key fob arrive?

Congratulations! Your Bublr Pass will arrive in your mailbox in about a week. Don’t let one week get in your way. Here are some other ways to get riding immediately:

• You can use the credit/debit card associated with your account at a Bublr Bike station kiosk (make sure you dip your credit card if it’s the first time. This is how you activate your account).

• Download the BCycle App for FREE you’ve already signed up just use your email address and password that you created when signing up online. When you’re in you can check out bikes with your app!

I broke my Bublr Pass and/or lost my pass. How do I fix that?

Call us immediately. If you have lost your pass you want to avoid assuming responsibility for a lost or stolen bike.

If your Bublr Pass is damaged or non-functional, send an email to support@bublrbikes.org or give us a call at 414-931-1121 and we’ll take care of you! There is a $5 replacement fee for your key fob.

Can I open up multiple Bublr Bikes memberships under my account for me and my family?: As a member you are only allowed to check out one Bublr Bike at a time. Therefore, member accounts must be registered separately. When you’re finished with your registration account remember to log out of your new account and go back to our pricing page to register another family, friend, or associate. When registering others you may use the same payment information but you must have a different email address associated with each account.

Riding Bublr Bikes

I’d like to visit Milwaukee. How do I use Bublr Bikes?: You can buy a Weekender Pass on the BCycle App (available in the App Store or Google Play), or walk up to any station kiosk and purchase a Single Ride or 24 Hour Pass.

Where can I find Bublr Stations?: On our website you can find all of our current stations. You can also download and us the BCycle App on your smart phone to view our service map, purchase a pass, and check out a bike!

What if a Station is Full or Empty?

If a station is full or empty when you arrive, go to the kiosk, click Start > More Options > Station Full/Empty for a list of nearby stations with available docks. For stations that are full, add a free extra 15 minutes to your trip.

To make sure bikes are available at a nearby station, download the BCycle app for iOS or Android for real-time station information and bike availability.

What if I have a flat tire?: If your Bublr Bike has a flat tire or you’re experiencing another issue with it, please return the bike to the nearest station. Call or text Bublr Customer Service at 414-931-1121 so we can lock the bike down for repair.

What if I’m involved in a crash while riding a Bublr Bike?: If there has been an injury, please dial 911 first. If appropriate, contact the local police as well. As in any crash, exchange information with any other affected party and collect contact information from witnesses. Contact our Customer Service at 414-931-1121.

Good Things To Know

What is Bublr’s operating season?: Bublr Bikes are available year round. We suspend service when the City of Milwaukee declares a snow emergency and may suspend network service for any other weather condition at our discretion.

How will Bublr Bikes handle Milwaukee’s winters?: We maintain our bikes on a regular basis and wipe them of salt and grime. We remove snow from around our stations too, and check to make sure they’re working correctly.

Bublr Bikes is Greater Milwaukee’s nonprofit bike share program that delivers an accessible, convenient, integrated and sustainable bike share system for all.