October 2025
Getting Started
Who can use Farte Bysykkel?
Anyone over the age of 16 can use the electric city bikes. The bikes are part of our public transport system and can be rented via the Farte Bysykkel app.
Download the app here.
How do I rent a Farte Bysykkel?
Download the Farte Bysykkel app. Here you register, confirm your phone number, read and accept the terms, add a payment card and choose a subscription type. This takes about 2 minutes and is only done the first time you register.
After that, you can easily start renting an electric city bike as follows:
1. Find the nearest available e-bike in the app.
2. Unlock the bike by scanning the QR code on the handlebars or rear mudguard.
3. Make sure the bike is intact, in proper condition, and that the brakes are working before you use it.
4. Adjust the seat to the desired height and pedal away! :)
More information can be found at farte.no/bysykkel.
How can I see where bikes are available?
In the map view of the Farte Bysykkel app, each available bike is shown with a yellow bicycle icon. By zooming in, you can see how many bikes are available in that specific area. The dark area next to the P indicates the designated parking zone for the bikes in that location.
If there are no yellow icons near the parking zone, it means there are currently no available bikes in that area. In that case, you will only see the P icon on the map.
As shown in the example screenshot where the map is zoomed in on the parking zones at Landmannstorget, you will get more details by tapping a yellow icon — including the bike’s name, remaining battery level, and navigation directions to the bike from your current location by tapping “Find bike.”
How do I return a Farte Bysykkel?
To end a rental, the bike must be parked in one of Farte Bysykkel’s designated parking zones. These zones can be found on the map in the app and are physically marked with yellow signs and/or ground markings.
How to return a bike:
1. Find the nearest parking zone in the app map.
2. Park the bike within the designated zone.
3. End the rental in the app and wait for confirmation that the rental has ended before leaving the bike.
You can find an overview of all parking zones in the app map and on our website: farte.no/bysykkel
I’m having trouble returning the bike or ending the rental – what should I do?
First, check that there are sufficient funds on the payment card you registered in the app. If there are insufficient funds, you will not be able to end the rental in the parking zone.
The issue may also be caused by a weak GPS signal on your phone. Try closing and reopening the app. Make sure you have mobile data coverage and that GPS is enabled. Both the bike and your phone must be within the boundaries of a parking zone when returning.
If it still does not work, report the problem in the Farte Bysykkel app, or send us a message describing the issue and specifying which bike and parking zone it concerns. Before leaving the bike, lock it by pausing the ride in the app.
Contact form on our website.
Can I rent a bike in the Entur or Vy app?
No, the service is currently only available in the Farte Bysykkel app.
Can I use Farte Bysykkel 24/7?
Farte Bysykkel is available for rental every day between 04:30 and 24:00. You can return a bike to a parking zone at any time.
Price and Payment
How much does it cost to rent a city bike?
The initial fee is NOK 10, which includes 15 minutes of use of the e-bike. After the first 15 minutes, the price is NOK 1 per minute.
There is a maximum price of NOK 300 for 12 hours. After 12 hours, the rental cost continues at NOK 1 per minute until you reach another NOK 300 (for the next 12 hours) — and so on.
Do I have to pay with my phone?
No. Your mobile number and verification code are only used to confirm your identity. Payment is made by card (Visa or Mastercard).
Can I use a bus ticket to rent a Farte Bysykkel, or the other way around?
At the moment, you can only rent a city bike through the Farte Bysykkel app.
If I pause my trip, do I still pay for the paused time?
Yes, you will be charged for the rental until you end it in the app within one of the Farte Bysykkel parking zones.
I’ve been charged too much – what should I do?
If you believe you’ve been incorrectly charged, please contact customer service.
Practical Information About Cycling
Are all the city bikes electric?
Yes, all Farte Bysykkels are electric.
I want to rent a bike, but there are none in the parking zone.
The e-bikes are returned to their original parking zones every weekday. If there are no bikes available, they are either all rented out or parked elsewhere. Please check again later.
You can find information about how many bikes are available in each parking zone directly in the app map.
Is it possible to reserve a bike?
No, unfortunately not. Rentals are on a first come, first served basis.
How far can I cycle?
On a fully charged e-bike, you should be able to ride approximately 35 kilometres, depending on factors such as terrain and temperature. Battery level information is shown in the app both before and during your rental period, and the remaining range is also estimated there.
How fast can I ride a Farte Bysykkel?
The bikes will go as fast as you can pedal, but the motor will provide assistance up to 25 km/h.
This is in accordance with Norwegian law and bicycle regulations, which apply to all e-bikes in Norway.
If you wish, you can read more on the Norwegian Public Roads Administration website.
How does the bike perform on steep hills?
On moderately steep hills, the electric motor will assist while you pedal, making it easier to climb.
On very steep hills, however, the motor may stop providing assistance. This depends, among other things, on the incline of the hill. We recommend choosing alternative routes to avoid the steepest climbs if possible.
The bike got a flat tire – what should I do?
If the bike gets a puncture during your rental, dismount and walk it to the nearest parking zone to end the rental.
If the nearest parking zone is far away, lock the bike temporarily by pausing the trip and take a photo of where you left it.
Notify customer service via the app or the contact form on our website so we can repair the puncture and, if necessary, end your rental if you cannot return the bike to a parking zone.
I borrowed a bike but didn’t manage to return it before the battery ran out
If you’re unable to return the bike due to a specific situation, you must notify customer service so we can collect it.
Report it in the app by tapping the “i” symbol and selecting “Report a problem”, or use the contact form. Explain why you cannot return the bike and make sure it is locked or otherwise secured before you leave it.
Remember: you are responsible for the bike until we retrieve it.
What should I do if my phone runs out of battery or data while I’m renting a bike?
You are responsible for ensuring that your phone has enough battery power to operate the app throughout the rental period.
If your phone is lost or stolen during a rental, you must report this to Farte customer service.
Can I lock the bike if I want to stop somewhere before continuing my ride?
Yes, you can. Go into the app and tap the “Pause ride” button. To unlock again, tap “Continue trip.”
Remember: you will continue to be charged for the rental until you end it in a parking zone.
Why does the bike lock itself even though I haven’t paused the trip in the app?
If the bike is inactive for more than 10 minutes, it will automatically lock. You can easily unlock it again by tapping “Unlock” in the app.
Note: The bike’s alarm will be triggered if someone touches it while it’s locked.
Can I check how long I can ride and how much I have to pay?
Yes, you can check the status at any time in the app — including how long you’ve rented the bike, the bike’s battery level, and the total cost.
How do I end my trip?
1. Find the nearest parking zone using the map in the app.
2. Park the bike within the parking zone and stand next to it.
3. End the rental in the app.
4. Wait for confirmation in the app that the rental has ended before leaving the bike.
Having trouble ending your trip?
First, check that there are sufficient funds on the payment card registered in the app. If not, you won’t be able to end the trip in the parking zone.
The issue may also be caused by a weak GPS signal on your phone. Try closing and restarting the app. Make sure you have internet coverage and GPS enabled. Both the bike and your phone must be inside the parking zone area when returning.
If it still doesn’t work, report the problem in the Farte Bysykkel app, or send us a message describing the issue and specifying the bike and parking zone in question. Before leaving the bike, make sure you lock it by pausing the trip in the app.
Can I take the bike home with me?
Yes, but you can only end the rental within a parking zone.
If you rent the bike for more than 15 minutes, the cost is NOK 1 per minute. There’s a maximum price of NOK 300 for 12 hours. After 12 hours, the cost continues at NOK 1 per minute.
You must return the bike to a parking zone to end the rental and stop payment.
What happens if the bike I rent doesn’t work?
The bikes are continuously checked and repaired, but you may still find a faulty bike in a parking zone.
You are responsible for checking that the bike is intact and in proper working condition before use.
If the bike is defective, please report the issue in the app with a description of the problem so we can repair it.
Report it in the app by tapping the “i” symbol and selecting “Report a problem”, or fill in the contact form on our website.
What if the bike makes a strange noise or something else seems wrong?
The bikes are regularly inspected and maintained, but it’s still possible that you may encounter a faulty one.
You are responsible for checking that the bike is in proper condition before use.
If you notice a problem, report it in the app by tapping the “i” symbol and selecting “Report a problem”, or fill in the contact form on our website.
Are the bikes heavy? Are they comfortable to ride?
Farte Bysykkels are designed to be durable while still providing a comfortable user experience.
They are slightly heavier than a regular bike, but because they are electric, they feel much easier to ride.
What are the advantages of an electric bike compared to a regular one?
An electric bike works just like a regular bike, but thanks to motor assistance, cycling feels much easier.
The motor only provides help when you pedal, giving you full control while also helping you climb hills and making it easier to cycle longer distances than on a conventional bike.
There are two of us but only one bike available. Can we ride together on one bike?
No. There is only one seat, and the city bike is designed for use by one person at a time.
Carrying more than one person changes the weight distribution and can damage the wheels or motor.
The person registered in the app is responsible for the bike they rent, so we also do not recommend lending your phone to someone else to rent a bike.
The Farte Bysykkel App
The app isn’t working properly – what should I do?
First, check that you have a network connection — either broadband or 4G+.
You can try the following steps:
1. Exit the app and wait a moment before trying again.
2. Log out and back into your profile.
3. Alternatively, try deleting the app and reinstalling it.
Note: Older Android devices may experience problems with the app.
Can I rent two bikes with one phone?
No. Only one rental is allowed per phone at a time.
The phone owner, who holds the rental agreement, is responsible for the bike.
We therefore do not recommend lending your phone to someone else to rent a bike.
Safety and Accidents
What should I do if I have an accident with the bike?
If you are involved in an accident resulting in personal injury, health and safety must be your first priority.
Call 113 (emergency services) or contact other qualified assistance to ensure that everyone involved receives help.
Next, make sure that the bike or any other objects are not obstructing traffic.
Finally, report the incident to our customer service.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
We strongly encourage you to wear a helmet when using the e-bikes.
It is not mandatory, but wearing a helmet can make a significant difference in reducing the severity of injuries in the event of an accident.
Can I rent a helmet?
Unfortunately, we have not yet found a good solution for helmet rentals. For now, you will need to bring your own helmet if you wish to use one.
Do you provide insurance that covers users and third parties?
No. The renter is personally responsible for the bike from the moment the rental is activated until it is ended.
If you wish to have insurance, you must arrange this yourself.
Please see the Terms of Use for more details about liability.
What happens if the bike is stolen or damaged while I am renting it?
If the bike is left unlocked when you leave it, you are liable for any damage or theft.
You must immediately report the theft or damage to Farte and cooperate with us in filing a police report.
You are also liable if the bike is lost or damaged during your rental period.
Contact details for Farte customer service are available in the app and on our website.
A Farte Bysykkel was involved in an incident that violated the Road Traffic Act. Who is responsible?
The renter of the bike is personally responsible for knowing and complying with traffic rules.
You are responsible for cycling safely and according to conditions.
In the event of serious legal violations, you should contact the police.
If property or belongings are damaged, you should contact your own insurance provider.
About the City Bike Scheme
How many city bikes are there in Grenland?
There are a total of 250 electric bikes available for rent in Porsgrunn and Skien.
The bikes are distributed across parking zones located near key hubs and popular destinations in both cities.
An overview of parking zones and available bikes can be found on the map in the app.
How are the bikes charged?
The bikes have batteries that are replaced by the operator’s maintenance staff, and this is done continuously.
You can see the battery level of each bike on the map in the app.
Can I suggest new parking zones?
Yes, you can. Contact us via the app or submit a request through the contact form on our website, specifying where you believe a new zone should be established.
How will you prevent bikes from being parked everywhere?
A Farte Bysykkel rental can only be ended within a defined parking zone.
This means it will become expensive for users to leave bikes outside the designated areas.This system helps ensure proper parking and prevents bikes from becoming obstacles for pedestrians or other traffic.
Additionally, our maintenance team regularly ensures that bikes are placed where they are supposed to be.
Didn’t find the answer you were looking for?
Contact our customer service either via the app or through the contact form here.