Chicago Bike StationChicago cycling guide
On this page
  1. What D4E is
  2. Who qualifies
  3. What you get
  4. What it saves
  5. How to enroll
  6. No credit card, no smartphone
  7. Renewing
  8. Next steps

Divvy for Everyone: The $5 Chicago Bikeshare Membership

Who qualifies for Divvy for Everyone, what the $5 annual membership includes, how to enroll in person or pay in cash, and the ride rates.

Checked 2026-10-19 against Divvy (Lyft)Sources: 3By Chicago Bike Station editors
Short answer

Divvy for Everyone is a $5 annual Divvy membership for qualifying Chicago and Evanston residents3. Members must be 16 or older and show proof that their household receives SNAP, WIC, LIHEAP or public housing assistance. The first 45 minutes of each classic bike ride are free, and ebikes cost $0.05 a minute1.

At a glance
Price
$5 for the annual membership1
Who
Chicago and Evanston residents, age 16 or older1,3
Classic bike
First 45 minutes free, then $0.05 a minute1
Ebike
$0.05 a minute1
Scooter
$0.10 a minute1
Payment
Credit, debit, prepaid card or cash2

Prices from Divvy (Lyft), checked 2026-10-19.

On this page
  1. What D4E is
  2. Who qualifies
  3. What you get
  4. What it saves
  5. How to enroll
  6. No credit card, no smartphone
  7. Renewing
  8. Next steps
Row of blue Divvy classic bikes docked at the Calumet Ave and 35th St station in Chicago
Classic Divvy bikes docked at Calumet Ave and 35th St.

Divvy for Everyone is a $5 annual bikeshare membership for qualifying residents3.

What D4E is

The Chicago Department of Transportation and the City of Evanston aim to offer all residents an affordable, accessible and fun transportation option2. Together with Divvy they are expanding access to bikeshare through $5 annual memberships for qualifying residents3.

Who qualifies

Members must be 16 or older and show proof that their household receives SNAP, WIC, LIHEAP or public housing assistance1. Applicants who are employed can bring a paycheck stub as proof1.

What you get

D4E member Standard annual member Single ride
Cost to join $5 a year1 $143.90 a year3 None; $1 to unlock3
Classic bike 45 minutes free, then $0.05/min1 45 minutes free, then $0.20/min3 $1 unlock + $0.20/min3
Ebike Free unlock, $0.05/min1 Free unlock, $0.20/min3 $1 unlock + $0.44/min3
Scooter Free unlock, $0.10/min1 Free unlock, $0.34/min3 $1 unlock + $0.44/min3

The first 45 minutes of each classic ride are included in the membership, and unlocks are free1. After 45 minutes the rate is $0.05 a minute1. For ebike rates in detail, see Divvy ebikes.

What it saves

The $5 membership costs $143.90 − $5 = $138.90 less than the standard annual price1,3. A 30-minute ebike ride costs 30 × $0.05 = $1.50 for a D4E member, against 30 × $0.20 = $6.00 for a standard member and $1 + 30 × $0.44 = $14.20 on a single ride1,3. A 20-minute scooter ride costs 20 × $0.10 = $2.00 for a D4E member1. A classic bike ride under 45 minutes costs nothing beyond the membership1.

How to enroll

Enrollment is in person, and the membership is a one-time $5 annual charge2. Once you have confirmed your appointment, bring a state-issued ID and proof of WIC, SNAP, LIHEAP or public housing, or a paycheck stub if employed1.

No credit card, no smartphone

A standard Divvy membership requires a debit, credit or prepaid card. D4E adds a cash payment system for people who do not have one1. You can pay with credit, debit, prepaid card or cash2. Divvy can also provide bike keys to members who may not have smartphones1.

Renewing

Participants can opt out at any time1. Members receive a reminder email 5 days before the annual payment is due, so they can adjust their membership if needed1.

Next steps

Not eligible? Divvy pricing compares the single ride, day pass and annual plans. New to bikeshare? Read how Divvy works. All guides are under Rentals & Divvy.

Questions people ask

Is Divvy for Everyone worth it?

For anyone eligible, yes. The membership costs $5 a year, against $143.90 for a standard annual membership, a difference of $143.90 − $5 = $138.901,3. It carries the same 45 free classic minutes and far lower ebike rates, $0.05 against $0.20 a minute1,3.

How much is a yearly Divvy for Everyone membership?

$5 a year1. It is a one-time $5 annual membership, enrolled in person2. Renewal reminders go out by email 5 days before the annual payment is due1.

What are the benefits of Divvy for Everyone?

Unlimited free 45-minute classic rides, free unlocks, ebike rides at $0.05 a minute and scooter rides at $0.10 a minute1. Members get the same 45-minute classic rides as any annual member for $51.

How do you pay and enroll if you have no credit card?

The program takes cash for people without a debit, credit or prepaid card1. Enrollment is in person, by confirmed appointment2,1. Divvy can also provide bike keys to members who may not have smartphones1.

Sources

  1. Divvy For EveryoneOPERATOR
    Divvy (Lyft) · divvybikes.com · checked 2026-10-19
  2. Divvy for Everyone (D4E)OPERATOR
    Divvy (Lyft) · divvybikes.com · checked 2026-10-19
  3. Plans & PricingOPERATOR
    Divvy (Lyft) · divvybikes.com · checked 2026-10-19
Photo credits (1)
  • Daniel X. O'Neil / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0 · source

Laws are quoted from Illinois statute and the Chicago Municipal Code; prices from each operator on the date shown. Editorial policy · Corrections.