Cycling and Electric Scooters
Cycling is becoming increasingly popular and many municipalities are focusing on building up more cycling paths to provide alternatives to bus transport and private cars.
Electric scooters that you can rent for a short period of time have become very popular recently in the capital region and bigger towns.
Cycling
Cycling is becoming increasingly popular and many municipalities are focusing on building up more cycling paths to provide alternatives to bus transport and private cars.
- Cycling is an affordable way of travelling around.
- Use of helmet is recommended for all. It is mandatory for kids 16 and younger.
- You can rent or buy (new or used) bicycles in many places.
- Be careful when cycling near heavy traffic.
Information about cycling provided by The Icelandic Transport Authority:
Videos – Educational videos about cycling
Buying a bicycle
Bicycles can be bought from the many bike shops around, all over the country. They can also be rented for longer or shorter periods of time. The price range varies considerably but regardless of the price, a bike can get you from one location to another, self-powered or with the help of a small electric motor. Electric bikes are now becoming very popular.
Electric scooters
Electric scooters that you can rent for a short period of time have become very popular recently in the capital region and bigger towns.
- Using electric scooters is an efficient way to travel shorter distances.
- Use of helmet is recommended for all and mandatory for kids 16 and younger.
- Electric scooters can be rented via mobile phone apps and are located all around the capital region as well as many other towns in Iceland.
- The same regulations apply to electric scooters and bicycles except the scooters are prohibited for use on roads for cars.
- Be careful around pedestrians.
Another great way of commuting short distances inside the city or towns is using electric scooters. They can be purchased, but you can also rent them for a short period of time in most towns.
Wherever you see a scooter by one of the scooter rental companies, you can jump on and off, when and wherever you are, only paying for the time you used it.
You will need a mobile app and a payment card to use the service. Very convenient they say, and this way of getting about is affordable and environmentally friendly, compared to being alone in a heavy, fuel consuming car.
Helmet use
The use of helmet while cycling is recommended, and helmet use is mandatory for kids and teenagers under 16 years of age. Where cyclists are in traffic alongside cars and buses, they are at risk of getting severely injured if accidents happen.
Same goes when using electric scooter, a helmet is required for everyone under 16 years of age and recommended for all.
Where can you ride?
Cyclists are encouraged to use bicycle paths where possible, both for safety reasons and for a more enjoyable experience. If you must cycle in traffic, do take good care.
More detailed information about bicycles, safety rules and other information can be found on the website of the Icelandic Transport Authority.
The same regulations apply to electric scooters and bicycles except the scooters cannot be used on roads for cars, only on bicycle paths, sidewalks etc.
You can travel up to 25 km/h on an electric scooter so please be careful around pedestrians that might be unaware of you as you approach quietly from behind and rush past.
Information about safety and usage
Below you will find informative PDFs and videos about the use of electric scooters in Icelandic, English and Polish. This is a new way of commuting and worth having a look to get familiar with the rules that apply.
Useful links
- Traffic safety - island.is
- Cycling maps of Iceland
- Bicycling safety rules and other information
- Icelandic Transport Authority
Municipalities are focusing on building up more cycling paths to provide alternatives to bus transport and private cars.