Citi Bike is now one of the most popular ways to get around New York City, especially for people who commute to work every day or take short trips around Brooklyn and the other boroughs. Citi Bike is raising prices for the fifth year in a row. This will change how many people plan their daily trips. The change includes higher annual membership fees, higher per-minute ride fees, and new price caps.
These changes are driven by rising tariffs, equipment upgrades, and the system’s continued growth. These price hikes are more than just a small change for New Yorkers who rely on Citi Bike to get to work, connect to public transportation, or run errands. As cycling becomes more popular in the city, safety, affordability, and accessibility become increasingly important. This is why it is still essential to understand rider protections.
What Citi Bike Pricing Changes Are Taking Effect
New Membership and Per-Minute Rates in New York City
Starting on January 28, 2026, the price of a yearly Citi Bike membership will increase to $239, about 9% more than it is now. The cost of Citi Bike for Business memberships that employers pay for is also going up, to $191 per year. These changes primarily affect people who use Citi Bike as their main way to get around, not just as a convenience.
Starting on January 5, 2026, the cost of riding by the minute will also go up. In New York City, e-bike rides will now cost $0.27 per minute, and the same rate will apply to classic bike overage fees. Citi Bike has also changed the maximum price for e-bikes. It is now $5.40 for rides lasting 45 minutes or less and going in or out of Manhattan. Annual members will still not have to pay unlock fees, which is a significant cost benefit over casual riders.
Reduced-Fare Members and Non-Member Pricing Changes
Reduced-Fare Citi Bike memberships will still require a $5 monthly fee, which makes the program available to riders with lower incomes. But this group is also seeing its usage costs rise. The cost of e-bikes for members with reduced fares will increase to $0.14 per minute, and the cost of classic bikes that exceed their limit will increase to $0.27 per minute.
The prices will rise the most for non-members. In New York City, non-members will pay $0.41 per minute, while the unlock fee remains $4.99 per ride. These numbers might make more Brooklyn Citi Bike users who ride several times a week want to get an annual membership instead of paying for each ride, especially for longer trips or commutes.
How the Increases Affect Brooklyn Riders and City Cycling
Why Citi Bike Says Prices Are Rising
Citi Bike says several factors led to the most recent price hikes. The cost of bike parts, batteries, and station parts has risen significantly due to increasing global tariffs. The system is still growing, though, and plans to add about 250 new stations all over New York City. Riders benefit from expansion, but it also raises the costs of maintenance, staffing, and infrastructure.
Upgrades to equipment that are still underway, such as better e-bike technology and more reliable stations, also add to the cost of running the business. Citi Bike frames these price hikes as necessary to keep the transportation network working and growing, rather than as a temporary price change.
What Riders Should Consider Moving Forward
Citi Bike says several factors led to the most recent price hikes. The cost of bike parts, batteries, and station parts has risen significantly due to increasing global tariffs. The system is still growing, though, and plans to add about 250 new stations all over New York City. Riders benefit from expansion, but it also raises the costs of maintenance, staffing, and infrastructure.
Upgrades to equipment that are still underway, such as better e-bike technology and more reliable stations, also add to the cost of running the business. Citi Bike frames these price hikes as necessary to keep the transportation network working and growing, rather than as a temporary price change.
Conclusion
Citi Bike’s latest price increases reflect another shift in how New Yorkers pay for everyday transportation. Higher annual fees, increased per-minute rates, and updated pricing caps may influence how riders plan and prioritize trips, but the continued expansion of the system still makes Citi Bike appealing for many frequent users.
As cycling remains a core part of life in Brooklyn and across NYC, staying informed about pricing and focusing on safety are essential. With more riders sharing busy streets, resources such as NYC bicycle accident lawyers remain part of the broader conversation around protecting cyclists and supporting safer city travel overall.