Frequently asked questions about the OV-fiets
Do you have questions about renting a OV-fiets, the lock, has your OV-fiets been stolen or do you want to know something about the OV-fiets themselves? On this page you will find all frequently asked questions about the OV-fiets.
Rental and payment
How do I rent an OV-fiets?
How do I rent an OV-fiets?
You rent an OV-fiets from one of the rental locations. To do so, you need a personal OV-chipkaart with a free OV-fiets season ticket or NS Flex season ticket on it.
You rent an OV-fiets from one of the rental locations. To do so, you need a personal OV-chipkaart with a free OV-fiets season ticket or NS Flex season ticket on it.
What does it cost to rent an OV-fiets?
What does it cost to rent an OV-fiets?
You rent an OV-fiets for only € 4,65 per day. After 3 days you pay a surcharge of € 5, so you pay € 9.65 per day.
You rent an OV-fiets for only € 4,65 per day. After 3 days you pay a surcharge of € 5, so you pay € 9.65 per day.
Can I reserve an OV-fiets?
Can I reserve an OV-fiets?
You cannot reserve an OV-fiets in advance. Check online in advance how many OV-fiets are available at the rental location where you want to rent an OV-fiets.
We update the number of OV-fiets available every 15 minutes. This information may therefore be slightly behind the reality.
You cannot reserve an OV-fiets in advance. Check online in advance how many OV-fiets are available at the rental location where you want to rent an OV-fiets.
We update the number of OV-fiets available every 15 minutes. This information may therefore be slightly behind the reality.
How many OV-fiets bicycles are available?
How many OV-fiets bicycles are available?
You can see this at a rental location on the map.
You can see this at a rental location on the map.
Can I rent an OV-fiets with my student OV-chipkaart?
Can I rent an OV-fiets with my student OV-chipkaart?
You cannot rent a public transport bike with a student OV-chipkaart.
To rent a OV-fiets, you need a personal OV-chipkaart (this can also be your student OV) with a free OV-fiets season ticket or an NS Flex season ticket.
You cannot rent a public transport bike with a student OV-chipkaart.
To rent a OV-fiets, you need a personal OV-chipkaart (this can also be your student OV) with a free OV-fiets season ticket or an NS Flex season ticket.
How long can I rent an OV-fiets?
How long can I rent an OV-fiets?
You may rent an OV-fiets for a maximum of 7 days. Please note: after 3 days, you pay a surcharge of €5 per day on top of the rental price.
You may rent an OV-fiets for a maximum of 7 days. Please note: after 3 days, you pay a surcharge of €5 per day on top of the rental price.
Where can I find the expenses for my OV-fiets rentals?
Where can I find the expenses for my OV-fiets rentals?
Open the NS app and log in to Mijn NS (top right). Once, link your OV-chipkaart to your account and click on ‘Turn on OV-fiets ride information’.
You can now see which OV-fiets you are renting, for how long and what you have to pay.
Open the NS app and log in to Mijn NS (top right). Once, link your OV-chipkaart to your account and click on ‘Turn on OV-fiets ride information’.
You can now see which OV-fiets you are renting, for how long and what you have to pay.
I paid too much
I paid too much
Make sure you haven't rented the OV-fiets for longer than you thought. This is because you pay per 24 hours. If you return the bike to a different rental location, you pay a €10 surcharge.
Verklaart dit het extra bedrag niet?
Neem dan contact op met de NS Klantenservice. We zoeken het graag voor je uit.
Make sure you haven't rented the OV-fiets for longer than you thought. This is because you pay per 24 hours. If you return the bike to a different rental location, you pay a €10 surcharge.
Verklaart dit het extra bedrag niet?
Neem dan contact op met de NS Klantenservice. We zoeken het graag voor je uit.
OV-fiets lock
I can't open the lock
I can't open the lock
Watch the light on the lock as you try to open the bike.
The light flashes red and emits an error sound
Are you still at the rental location? Then you do not have an OV-fietsabonnement on your pass. So you cannot rent a bike with this pass.
Are you on your way? Then the bike you are trying to open is probably not the one you rented.
The light flashes purple
Check that the lock has been opened properly. If not, try closing and opening the lock again.
Still not working?
Then please contact NS Customer Service.
Watch the light on the lock as you try to open the bike.
The light flashes red and emits an error sound
Are you still at the rental location? Then you do not have an OV-fietsabonnement on your pass. So you cannot rent a bike with this pass.
Are you on your way? Then the bike you are trying to open is probably not the one you rented.
The light flashes purple
Check that the lock has been opened properly. If not, try closing and opening the lock again.
Still not working?
Then please contact NS Customer Service.
How do I open the lock?
How do I open the lock?
Start rental at the rental location
The rental starts as soon as you open the lock at the rental location. Before picking up an OV-fiets at a rental location, always check that it is locked with the ring lock.
- Hold your OV-chipkaart with OV-fietsabonnement against the lock. When the ring lock opens, your rental has started. A green light flashes on the lock.
Opening the lock on the way
The lock of your OV-fiets only opens with your OV-chipkaart.
- Hold your OV-chipkaart with OV-fietsabonnement against the lock. When the ring lock opens, a green light on the lock flashes.
- Press the button for 3 seconds. A green light comes on: you can unlock the chain.
Start rental at the rental location
The rental starts as soon as you open the lock at the rental location. Before picking up an OV-fiets at a rental location, always check that it is locked with the ring lock.
- Hold your OV-chipkaart with OV-fietsabonnement against the lock. When the ring lock opens, your rental has started. A green light flashes on the lock.
Opening the lock on the way
The lock of your OV-fiets only opens with your OV-chipkaart.
- Hold your OV-chipkaart with OV-fietsabonnement against the lock. When the ring lock opens, a green light on the lock flashes.
- Press the button for 3 seconds. A green light comes on: you can unlock the chain.
How do I close the lock?
How do I close the lock?
Locking the bicycle during your rental
You can lock your OV-fiets along the way as often as you like. Here's how:
- First press the button for 3 seconds to unlock the chain.
- Secure the bike with the chain lock somewhere. Put the chain back in the lock.
- Then briefly press the button. The light on the lock flashes green. Close the ring lock by pushing down the lever on the right side.
Stopping the rental at the rental location
- Put the bike in the OV-fiets zone of the rental location.
- Then press the button briefly. The light will blink green.
- Close the lock by pushing down the lever on the right.
Your rental ends when the ring lock is closed in the OV-bicycle zone of the rental location. The light on the lock will then flash blue.
Locking the bicycle during your rental
You can lock your OV-fiets along the way as often as you like. Here's how:
- First press the button for 3 seconds to unlock the chain.
- Secure the bike with the chain lock somewhere. Put the chain back in the lock.
- Then briefly press the button. The light on the lock flashes green. Close the ring lock by pushing down the lever on the right side.
Stopping the rental at the rental location
- Put the bike in the OV-fiets zone of the rental location.
- Then press the button briefly. The light will blink green.
- Close the lock by pushing down the lever on the right.
Your rental ends when the ring lock is closed in the OV-bicycle zone of the rental location. The light on the lock will then flash blue.
Returning the bicycle
Stopping the rental of an OV-fiets
Stopping the rental of an OV-fiets
The OV-fiets rental automatically stops when you lock the bike with the ring lock in an OV-fiets zone at a rental location.
If you rent an OV-fiets with a key, the rental stops as soon as an employee scans your OV-chipkaart or you return the key at a self-service location.
Have you already returned the bicycle but the rental is still running?
How annoying! Please contact the NS Customer Service. They can stop the rental for you.
Renting an OV bike with a new lock and want to return it to a rental location with only bikes with a key? Please contact the NS Customer Service, so they can stop the rental for you.
The OV-fiets rental automatically stops when you lock the bike with the ring lock in an OV-fiets zone at a rental location.
If you rent an OV-fiets with a key, the rental stops as soon as an employee scans your OV-chipkaart or you return the key at a self-service location.
Have you already returned the bicycle but the rental is still running?
How annoying! Please contact the NS Customer Service. They can stop the rental for you.
Renting an OV bike with a new lock and want to return it to a rental location with only bikes with a key? Please contact the NS Customer Service, so they can stop the rental for you.
Can I return an OV-fiets to another location?
Can I return an OV-fiets to another location?
You can also return an OV-fiets at another location. You will then pay €10 extra. This extra cost is for moving the bike.
Do you return the bike to another location at the same station? Then you pay nothing extra.
You can also return an OV-fiets at another location. You will then pay €10 extra. This extra cost is for moving the bike.
Do you return the bike to another location at the same station? Then you pay nothing extra.
I returned the OV-fiets, but I received an e-mail saying that I still have it
I returned the OV-fiets, but I received an e-mail saying that I still have it
That's a shame! In this case, please contact NS Customer Service. We would be happy to help you.
Did you rent a bicycle with an electronic lock? Make sure you always close the ring lock of the bicycle in the OV-fiets zone of the rental location. Only then will your rent stop
That's a shame! In this case, please contact NS Customer Service. We would be happy to help you.
Did you rent a bicycle with an electronic lock? Make sure you always close the ring lock of the bicycle in the OV-fiets zone of the rental location. Only then will your rent stop
I cannot return the OV-fiets or the key
I cannot return the OV-fiets or the key
If you cannot return the OV-fiets or the key, for example because the storage location is already closed?
- Lock the bicycle and place it near the storage location.
- Put the key in the blue drop box at the return location.
- Contact NS Customer Service to end your rental period. You are still liable for the risks (such as theft) of leaving the bicycle unattended.
If you cannot return the OV-fiets or the key, for example because the storage location is already closed?
- Lock the bicycle and place it near the storage location.
- Put the key in the blue drop box at the return location.
- Contact NS Customer Service to end your rental period. You are still liable for the risks (such as theft) of leaving the bicycle unattended.
Report something
There is already an OV-fiets in the bicycle locker.
There is already an OV-fiets in the bicycle locker.
Close the door to the locker and start the return procedure over again.
If there are no other bicycle lockers available
- Lock the OV-fiets and park it in the bike rack next to the OV-fiets lockers.
- Return the key to the blue drop box at the location.
- Contact NS Customer Service to tell us where you parked the OV-fiets and to stop your rental period.
Close the door to the locker and start the return procedure over again.
If there are no other bicycle lockers available
- Lock the OV-fiets and park it in the bike rack next to the OV-fiets lockers.
- Return the key to the blue drop box at the location.
- Contact NS Customer Service to tell us where you parked the OV-fiets and to stop your rental period.
I found an OV-fiets
I found an OV-fiets
We're pleased to hear that you have helped us find a lost bicycle. Please contact NS Customer Service. When doing so, please tell us the location of the OV-fiets and the bicycle number. This number can be found on the mudguard or frame of the bicycle.
We check whether the bicycle is still available for hire. If not, we will collect it.
We're pleased to hear that you have helped us find a lost bicycle. Please contact NS Customer Service. When doing so, please tell us the location of the OV-fiets and the bicycle number. This number can be found on the mudguard or frame of the bicycle.
We check whether the bicycle is still available for hire. If not, we will collect it.
Stolen or lost
My OV-fiets has been stolen
My OV-fiets has been stolen
Please contact our Customer Service to stop your rental. Then follow these steps:
- Contact us
Send us an e-mail via info@ov-fiets.nl with the subject: 'OV-fiets gestolen'. Remember to mention the OV-fiets number (see the key or the fender/frame), the rental location and the date or time that the OV-fiets was stolen. - Send us the key
Send the key to our address:
NS Klantenservice Afdeling OV-fiets
Postbus 2572
3500 GN Utrecht
When an OV-fiets is stolen, you will be charged a deductible. If you do not send the key of the OV-fiets, then you will be charged for the new value of the OV-fiets.
Please contact our Customer Service to stop your rental. Then follow these steps:
- Contact us
Send us an e-mail via info@ov-fiets.nl with the subject: 'OV-fiets gestolen'. Remember to mention the OV-fiets number (see the key or the fender/frame), the rental location and the date or time that the OV-fiets was stolen. - Send us the key
Send the key to our address:
NS Klantenservice Afdeling OV-fiets
Postbus 2572
3500 GN Utrecht
When an OV-fiets is stolen, you will be charged a deductible. If you do not send the key of the OV-fiets, then you will be charged for the new value of the OV-fiets.
My OV-fiets key has been stolen
My OV-fiets key has been stolen
- Report it to the police immediately
- Send us an e-mail
Send an e-mail to info@ov-fiets.nl, with the subject ‘OV-fiets key stolen’. In your e-mail, state the OV-fiets number (you can find this on the mudguard/frame of the bike), the rental location and the date and time the OV-fiets key was stolen. - Send us the official report
Send the official report by post to:
NS Customer Service
Department OV-fiets
P.O. Box 2572
3500 GN Utrecht
- Report it to the police immediately
- Send us an e-mail
Send an e-mail to info@ov-fiets.nl, with the subject ‘OV-fiets key stolen’. In your e-mail, state the OV-fiets number (you can find this on the mudguard/frame of the bike), the rental location and the date and time the OV-fiets key was stolen. - Send us the official report
Send the official report by post to:
NS Customer Service
Department OV-fiets
P.O. Box 2572
3500 GN Utrecht
I lost my OV-fiets key
I lost my OV-fiets key
Send us an e-mail via info@ov-fiets.nl with the subject line 'Lost OV-fietssleutel'.
In your e-mail, mention the OV-fiets number (you can find it on the mudguard or frame of the bike), the rental location and the date and time you lost the key. You pay for losing the key yourself.
Send us an e-mail via info@ov-fiets.nl with the subject line 'Lost OV-fietssleutel'.
In your e-mail, mention the OV-fiets number (you can find it on the mudguard or frame of the bike), the rental location and the date and time you lost the key. You pay for losing the key yourself.
About the OV-fiets
Can I rent an OV-fiets with a child seat?
Can I rent an OV-fiets with a child seat?
No, you cannot rent an OV-fiets with a child seat. OV-fiets bicycles are only available to rent in the standard model.
No, you cannot rent an OV-fiets with a child seat. OV-fiets bicycles are only available to rent in the standard model.
Does the OV-fiets have a telephone holder?
Does the OV-fiets have a telephone holder?
No, there is no phone holder on the OV-fiets.
Are you riding somewhere you don't know the route? Then bring your own phone holder or turn on your route guidance (on speaker or with earphones in) and put your phone in your pocket.
Note that you can be fined for cycling with your phone in your hand.
No, there is no phone holder on the OV-fiets.
Are you riding somewhere you don't know the route? Then bring your own phone holder or turn on your route guidance (on speaker or with earphones in) and put your phone in your pocket.
Note that you can be fined for cycling with your phone in your hand.
From and up to what length can you rent an OV-fiets?
From and up to what length can you rent an OV-fiets?
You can cycle on an OV-fiets from 1.55m up to approximately 1.95m. You can adjust the saddle.
You can cycle on an OV-fiets from 1.55m up to approximately 1.95m. You can adjust the saddle.
The OV-fiets has a flat tyre.
The OV-fiets has a flat tyre.
Did you get a flat tyre with your OV-fiets? Then bring the bike back to the location where you rented it. The tyre will be repaired or replaced there free of charge.
Do you have your bicycle repaired somewhere else? Then we will not reimburse these costs.
Are you returning your OV-fiets to another storage facility? Then you pay a € 10 surcharge.
Did you get a flat tyre with your OV-fiets? Then bring the bike back to the location where you rented it. The tyre will be repaired or replaced there free of charge.
Do you have your bicycle repaired somewhere else? Then we will not reimburse these costs.
Are you returning your OV-fiets to another storage facility? Then you pay a € 10 surcharge.
The OV-fiets is damaged or defective
The OV-fiets is damaged or defective
Is the OV-fiets damaged or broken? Then always return it to the rental location. Report what is broken at the rental location. Or contact NS Customer Service.
If you report damage to us, also state the bicycle number. You will find this on the mudguard or frame of the bicycle.
Is the damage to the OV-fiets caused by careless use? Then you have to pay for the damage yourself.
Is the OV-fiets damaged or broken? Then always return it to the rental location. Report what is broken at the rental location. Or contact NS Customer Service.
If you report damage to us, also state the bicycle number. You will find this on the mudguard or frame of the bicycle.
Is the damage to the OV-fiets caused by careless use? Then you have to pay for the damage yourself.