How much space do you need to store a bicycle in an apartment?
This is one of the most frequent questions from urban cyclists: how many square meters do you have to sacrifice to store your bike? The answer depends on the chosen solution — and it can vary tenfold.
Standard bicycle dimensions
To properly plan storage, you must first know the dimensions of your bike:
| Bike type | Length | Width (handlebars) | Height | Average weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Road bike | 170–185 cm | 40–45 cm | 95–105 cm | 7–10 kg |
| City bike | 175–190 cm | 55–65 cm | 100–110 cm | 12–18 kg |
| Mountain bike | 175–195 cm | 60–75 cm | 100–115 cm | 10–15 kg |
| Electric bike | 180–200 cm | 55–70 cm | 100–115 cm | 18–30 kg |
| Cargo bike | 220–280 cm | 60–80 cm | 110–130 cm | 25–45 kg |
Space occupied depending on the storage solution
Bike stored on the floor
A standard bike stored on the floor with a kickstand occupies approximately:
- Floor area: 1.2 to 1.8 m²
- Lateral footprint: 60–75 cm wide
- Length: 175–195 cm
In a 90 cm wide hallway, a bike stored on the floor completely blocks the passage.
Bike hung horizontally on the wall
Suspended by the frame or wheel, the bike no longer touches the floor:
- Floor area freed up: 100%
- Wall footprint: 175–195 cm long × 15–20 cm deep
- Recommended mounting height: 1.50–1.80 m (wheel 30 cm from the ground)
Bike hung vertically on the wall (front wheel up)
Most compact solution in terms of width:
- Wall footprint: 40–45 cm wide × 50–60 cm deep
- Total height occupied: 170–200 cm
- Ideal for narrow hallways (> 60 cm wide)
Which solution for which type of housing?
Studio or one-bedroom apartment (less than 30 m²)
Every centimeter counts. Opt for a vertical wall mount in the entrance or behind the door. The bike becomes a decorative element and does not obstruct circulation.
Two or three-bedroom apartment (30–70 m²)
A horizontal wall mount in the hallway or living room is ideal. It enhances the bike as a design object while freeing up floor space.
House or large apartment (> 70 m²)
You have more flexibility. A premium brushed stainless steel wall mount in the entrance or indoor garage is a practical and aesthetic solution.
Practical tips for optimizing space
- Measure your bike before buying a mount: length, handlebar width, weight
- Choose the right wall: a load-bearing wall in the entrance or hallway is ideal
- Allow 30 cm of clearance between the bike and the opposite wall for passage
- Install the mount at the right height: the bottom wheel should be at least 20 cm from the ground
- Consider access: can you easily unhook and re-hook the bike alone?
FAQ
Can two bikes be stored on the wall in an apartment?
Yes, by installing two mounts side by side (allow 60–70 cm between each mount) or vertically stacked (one bike above the other, requires 2.40 m ceiling height).
Can a cargo bike be hung on the wall?
A standard cargo bike (220–280 cm) is difficult to hang horizontally in an apartment. The vertical solution (front wheel) is more suitable, but requires a mount certified for 30–45 kg.
What ceiling height is needed to hang a bike vertically?
For a bike 100–115 cm high suspended by the front wheel, a minimum of 2.20 m ceiling height is required (bottom wheel 20 cm from the ground).
Conclusion
A bike stored on the floor occupies up to 1.8 m² — the equivalent of a large armchair. Hung on the wall, it only occupies a few centimeters of depth. For Parisian apartments and small spaces, the wall mount is the smartest solution, provided you choose a model adapted to the size and weight of your bike.