What Is a VR Bike? A Guide to Virtual Cycling Races at Events
What a VR bike is and how it works: running a station with a VR headset and a stationary bike at events, plus safety, timing and what affects the cost.
A VR bike is an interactive experience station that combines a stationary exercise bike with a virtual reality headset, so the participant moves along a virtual trail by pedalling. They stay in place, but in the headset they ride the mountain road, the bends and the scenery.
The video shows the 'Mountain Bike' station we set up in an event tent: a stationary bike in front of a yellow panel, a VR headset and a screen that shows the headset view to onlookers. Children and adults alike are waiting in the queue.
How does a virtual reality bike work?
The system has three parts: a stationary bike, a VR headset and a viewing screen. The bike stays put while the participant pedals and holds the handlebars; the virtual trail in the headset moves with that motion. Because the same image is mirrored on the screen beside it, people in the queue are part of the game too; everyone can see who struggles on which bend. That is why the station quickly draws a crowd.
How do you run a virtual cycling race at an event?
- Free play: a station open all day in a foyer, trade fair stand or festival area; each ride lasts a few minutes, so the queue moves fast.
- Time trial: finishing times on the same trail are recorded and the fastest riders are rewarded at the end of the day.
- Team score: riders pedal for their department or region, and total time or distance goes to the team.
- Family day version: shorter, easier trails for children, with the bike adjusted to their height.
- Wellness theme: set it up next to the Smoothie Bike, where pedal power makes a smoothie, to create a movement-themed corner.
What matters for safety and setup?
Because the bike is stationary, the risk of falling is low, but there is always a staff member at the station: they fit the headset, adjust the saddle and guide the participant in the first seconds. Headsets are cleaned between uses and rides are kept short; anyone who feels dizzy can take the headset off at any moment. For setup you only need space for a bike and a screen, a power connection and some room for the queue.
What affects the cost of hiring a VR bike?
Pricing depends on the number of stations, the length of the event, the city and setup conditions, the race format and any need for a leaderboard, and brand personalisation of the stand or screen. For the general format with VR stations running different games, see VR Games; for brand-specific content, see 3D Virtual Reality & Brain Master Challenge. We described how we used virtual reality in a brand activation in our VR football activation story.
Frequently Asked Questions
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