Charlotte Joy Rides 
1. Purchase a membership online, at any station or on the Joy Rides App.
The system offers four types of memberships, including a Flash Pass (30-minute membership), Joy Pass (24-hour membership), month and annual memberships. Any membership or pass may be purchased online (credit/debit card required).
2. Choose a bike from any Joy Rides-station
If you do not have a Joy Rides-card and have not yet purchased a membership:
- Press the 'Start' button on the kiosk.
- Follow the instructions on the touch screen to purchase a Flash Pass or Joy Pass.
- When prompted, select the dock number of the bike you wish to check out.
- The kiosk will unlock the bike from the dock you chose. The dock holding the chosen bike will beep and show a green light until the bike is removed or for about 30 seconds.
If you do not have a Joy Rides-card, but already have purchased a membership:
- Press the 'Start' button on the kiosk.
- Select 'No' when asked if you would like to purchase a membership.
- Follow the prompts on the touch screen. When prompted, swipe the same credit card you bought your membership with.
- When prompted, select the dock number of the bike you wish to check out.
The kiosk will unlock the bike from the dock you choose
3. Grab a bike and helmet and go!
Follow these easy steps to ensure the Joy Rides is in working order, strap on your helmet, and go!
- The TIRES should be hard and not bulging on the pavement. Examine them for any abrasions or bubbles.
- Check that the WHEELS spin straight and freely without rubbing against the brake pads or any other parts.
- Try shifting to all three GEARS to make sure the chain shifts smoothly.
- Squeeze both BRAKES to make sure they are functioning properly.
- Adjust the SEAT height and clamp it securely so that your leg almost fully extends when the pedal is down.
- REMEMBER: Rides of less than 30 minutes for 24-hour passes and 60 minutes for memberships incur no usage fee. For each additional 30 minutes over the initial ride time, your card will be charged $4. Hint: To avoid usage fees, dock your bike within 30 minutes and check out another to keep going!
4. Return your bike to any station!
Return your bike to any Charlotte Joy Rides station by rolling it into an available dock.
Wait for three rapid blinks of the green light and three quick beeps. That is your signal that the bike has been securely returned.
Dockless Bike Share
You may have seen multiple, seemingly-abandoned bikes around town, but not known what they're for. Charlotte welcomes dockless bike share companies to provide access to dockless bikes, but how do you use them?
1. Download The Company's App
Almost all of the dockless bike share programs use an app to check out bikes and they are typically free. You can sign up through entering your phone number and the registration process will include entering in payment information.
2. Use The App to Find and Unlock a Bike
The app will use GPS tracking of the bikes to find a bike closest to you. You can tap "start" or "unlock" on the app and then place the phone near the lock when prompted. Then, hop on once it's unlocked and enjoy the ride!
3. Lock and Leave
Based on Charlotte procedure, there are particular locations in which you can "park" your bike. Ensure that it's not impeding a walkway and that it's not in an unsafe location that could cause damage to cars or pedestrians.
Most bikes require you to manually return the bike lock to its locked position. Check the app to ensure your trip has ended. You will be charge based on the time the bike was checked out. Pricing often ranges from $1 for 30 minutes to an hour.