Bike Hire Agreement: Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions form part of the Agreement made between Missy ltd ta Bike Station Ballater and the hirer.

In Summary:

You break it you pay

Be properly equipped and know where you are going

Return the bike(s) to be fixed/replaced if you can’t fix trailside

It is hereby agreed as follows:

Booking Hire Bikes

All hire bikes must be pre-booked and paid for online at                                   www.bikestationballater.co.uk  

Payment

The hirer must provide photo i.d, preferably a valid driving licence when collecting the hire bikes.

On collection of the bikes/equipment, a credit card deposit is required which will be refunded in full following the safe, undamaged return of the hire bikes/equipment.

Cancellation

Free cancellation is available up until 10am the day prior to the booked hire.

All cancellation requests must be messaged by whatsapp to                     

07552 169272

Do not email, phone or make in store cancellation requests

Late/Early Returns

Unless previously agreed with Bike Station Ballater, all bikes/equipment must be returned by 19.00 in summer (BST) and 17.30 in winter (BWT).

A charge for the late return of bikes of £20.00 per hour will be made.

Full or partial refunds will not be given for the early return of hire bikes under any circumstances including adverse weather conditions.

Delivery/Collection Service

Delivery and collection of hire bikes is available and must be booked 48 hours in advance and is subject to availability.  

Please contact in advance by messaging with Whatsapp or text your Delivery Postcode, or ideally a what3words location, to receive a delivery quotation and availability.

Guide delivery prices can be seen at www.bikestationballater.co.uk.   Prices are per “load”.  A “load” is up to 8 bikes.

Rental Bikes and Equipment

By accepting the bike(s)/ equipment the hirer accepts that they are in good technical, safe and clean condition and must be returned in the same condition.

Hirers should ensure they are completely satisfied with the function of the hire bike before they leave the village or within the first 30 minutes of their hire.   Hirers should return immediately or whatsapp

07552 169272 to allow Bike Station Ballater to rectify any issue.

We are unable to rectify any technical issues AT THE END OF YOUR HIRE

Bike Station Ballater strongly recommends hirers completely satisfy themselves fully with the function of their hire cycle before heading off into areas of no mobile phone network.

Bikes and equipment hired remain the property of Bike Station Ballater. The hirer is obliged to take good care of the bike/equipment hired and take all precautions necessary to protect from damage or theft. All the bikes are regularly maintained and inspected prior to each hire.

It is the hirer’s responsibility to double check the bike and report any damage prior to setting off. On return a representative of Bike Station Ballater will examine the bikes/equipment and if there is no damage or loss will confirm the cancellation of any credit card deposit taken. If for any reason a full inspection cannot be undertaken on their return, Bike Station Ballater reserves the right to inform clients within 24 hours of the return of any damage found and invoice the hirer accordingly. Inner tubes supplied with the hire bikes will be charged at the recommended retail price if used or missing.

Should any damage be sustained to the bike or components during the hire period, the hirer is responsible for the replacement cost of the whole or part of the bike so damaged.

If the bike/equipment is stolen during the hire period, the hirer must provide a Police Theft Report and the lock remains. It is recommended that the hire bike is kept in sight at all times. Bikes on hire overnight need to be locked to an immoveable object with a gold secure lock.

Bikes locked on trailers are not insured and the hirer will be responsible for any loss.

Bike Station Ballater assumes a “ride from shop” hire policy.   If you wish to transport the hire bikes to another location, this can only be done in a van, estate car or via a correctly rated mounted bike rack. If the wheels or any components are removed, this is entirely at the hirer’s risk.  Should any damage to the bike occur such as scratches to the frame and decals or any other damage, the hirer will be responsible for repairs as quoted by Bike Station Ballater.

The hirer is responsible for the safe transportation of the bikes.  Hires are non refundable.

Children under 18 years must be accompanied by a riding adult at all times.  Under UK law E-Bikes are not to be ridden on public roads by children under 14 years of age.

Examples of accidental damage are dented rims, torn tyres, rear mechs ripped off, dented frames, scratched frames, torn saddles, torn grips, smashed displays, bent handlebars, bent cranks.

Electric Bikes and Battery Care

E-Bikes should not be ridden through deep water nor streams. Water ingress will damage the motor and battery.

E-Bike batteries should be charged at room temperature for optimum performance and charging rate. Batteries must not be run completely flat as this can permanently damage the components. Damage can be traced by diagnostic software and replacement will be charged to the hirer at full retail cost.

Collection of Bikes/Equipment

Hire bikes are to be collected and returned to Bike Station Ballater, Station Square, Ballater, AB35 5SP between 10:00 and 16:30, please message if an out of hours collection is required.

A fee of £20 per hour will be charged for any late return. Full or partial refunds of bike hire will not be given under any circumstances including adverse weather conditions.

Any bikes not collected by 1300 (unless by prior arrangement) will be deemed as not required by the hirer and will be returned to storage. Refunds will not be made.

Liability in case of Accident

Bike Station Ballater does not provide cover nor accepts any liability to third parties for damage caused to others or their property. It is recommended you have adequate insurance cover or ensure that you are covered by your holiday insurance policy. It is recommended that you carry personal identification and insurance documents whilst cycling.

Bike Station Ballater does not accept any liability for any damage caused or injury to the hirer during the hire period. We recommend that helmets are worn at all times whilst cycling and are available with your rental. We advise that all cyclists ride within their own capabilities and fitness levels. Mountain biking can be dangerous and clients should not attempt hazardous trails beyond their skill level.

We recommend that clients carry a mobile whilst cycling.

Bike Station Ballater contact number is 07552 169272.

Technical Assistance should be messaged by whatsapp to 07552 169272 with - a what3words location

- the hire bike number (located on the top tube) 

- a picture of the bike taken from 1 to 2 metres of the bike pointing to the technical issue.

Messaging by Whatsapp the above is the fastest most efficient way to contact the shop.    Do Not call the shop number for technical queries, the phone line can be very busy in peak hours. 

For emergency services contact 999.

Repair Kits

Tool Cans are available on request which include a multi fit tube, tyre levers, multi tool and pump.   Tool Can cost is £0 if returned complete and £45 if not returned.  At least one member of the hire group must be competent fixing a puncture.

Tool Cans are provided as a complete unopened can.   Please notify the shop if the can was used whilst on hire.   Additional tubes and rear mech hangers are available to purchase on a sale or return basis (refunded if returned unused in a saleable condition).

Accidental Damage to a Bike On Hire

In the case of an accident causing damage/no apparent damage to the hire bike there will be a standard charge of £50.00 to cover the cost of the independent assessment of the bike to ensure the bike is removed from hire or allowed to continue to hire. In the case of obvious visual damage to the hire bike being apparent a deposit of a minimum £250 will be taken by card towards the repair.  On submission of the repair estimate by email the hirer will receive a refund from Bike Station Ballater less the repair cost. Bike Station Ballater does not offer any form of insurance to the hirer for any occurrence, we recommend you obtain your own insurance via your holiday or home insurance policies.

Civil Responsibility and Limitations

Bike Station Ballater does not accept liability for any claims by third parties regarding accidents, wounds, blows or damages caused by the hirer, nor to their property, or loss of objects for whatever reason outside of the control of Bike Station Ballater.

The hirer is responsible for:

-        respecting existing UK traffic laws

-        all damages that occur whether to themself or anyone else within the rental period

-        knowing where they are going

-        be properly equipped for the journey ahead

-        transport any bikes safely

-        in the event of being unable to carry out a trailside repair to return the bike(s) to the shop to be repaired or replaced

Bike Station Ballater shall have no liability to you if we are unable to fulfil a Booking due to an event of Force Majeure. In the event of Bike Station Ballater being unable to fulfil your booking our liability to you shall not exceed to the agreed cost of the hire.

Personal Safety

It is the rider’s responsibility for their own safety. Cycling involves personal risk and you must ride responsibly.

Injury(s) and/or death associated with the sport of cycling may result from weather, excessive speed, collision with inanimate objects or other persons, rider inexperience, error or abuse of equipment.

First time of novice bikers should use the equipment under the supervision of an experienced rider

Agreement of Bike Hire Terms and Conditions

By completing the online booking form on the website www.bikestationballater.co.uk you agree to the above terms and conditions of hire.