The user must be over the age of 18. The user needs to submit three forms of ID, one must be a current passport/driver's licence and another must be a utility bill/council letter/bank letter dated within the last 3 months. 

1.2. The user is responsible for the bike hired and it is the Hirer’s responsibility to keep the bike safe from damage, loss or theft, use it in a proper manner and not subject it to any misuse or unfair wear and tear.

1.3. The user will not assign, transfer or subcontract the bike to another party. Where a business or organisation borrows the bike, all employees who intend to ride must undergo training with Recyke-a-bike and sign the loan agreement. Likewise, if a bike is rented for personal use, but more than one member of a family will be riding the bike, all users must receive training and sign the loan agreement individually. Users are solely responsible for the safe use of the bike during the hire period. Undergoing training from Recyke-a-bike does not relinquish Users of their responsibility to ride safely. Recyke-a-bike cannot be held responsible for any issues relating to incompetent riding by the User during the hire period.

1.4. The bike remains the property of Recyke-a-Bike at all times and the user shall have no right, title or interest in the bike.

1.5. If using this bike as part of an organisation then the user will provide Recyke-a-Bike with a copy of the organisation’s Public Liability Insurance.

1.6. Recyke-a-Bike does not insure the user of any loan bicycle provided. Recyke-a-Bike does not seek to exclude or limit its liability for any death or personal injury directly resulting from its own negligence. Recyke-a-Bike is not responsible for any injury or any loss or damage to any property or to any person or consequential losses resulting from my use of a loan bicycle. I will take full responsibility for any such injury, loss or damage to any property or to any person or any consequential losses arising howsoever caused.

2. Hiring and returning the bike

2.1. Collection times must be booked with Recyke-a-bike, as training will need to be provided before the bike is taken. If a user is unable to get the bike home, a delivery can be scheduled, but the user will need to attend a training session before delivery can take place.

2.2. A late return will result in a “late fee” of £25.00 per day.

2.3. Bikes can be returned during Recyke-a-Bike business hours. All accessories, including helmets, lights, locks and keys, pumps and chargers must be returned with the bike. 

2.4. The user must return the bike in the same condition it was lent out or be subject to pay for any damage. Any damage caused by neglect or misuse is the user’s responsibility and will be charged for.

2.5. Users must fill out a survey after returning the bike and may be asked to participate in a case-study for Recyke-a-bike to use for research, monitoring and publicity.

3. Charging the battery

3.1. If hiring an ebike, the user is responsible for charging its battery appropriately and safely. As a minimum, the following requirements must be met by the user while charging:

• do not charge batteries in direct sunlight; 
• do not charge batteries above 25°C;
• do not charge batteries where, if a fire broke out, it could prevent people from making a safe escape (e.g. close to doorways);
• always monitor batteries while charging (i.e. do not leave unattended); and
• do not overcharge batteries (i.e. once at 100% then ensure charging cable is disconnected from battery and from mains socket).

3.2 Users must also ensure that the battery is handled with care and is not subject to physical damage as this can lead to a battery catching fire.

4. Using the bike

4.1. When using the bike the user must obey the Highway Code and be considerate of all other road users and pedestrians.

4.2. If Recyke-a-bike is made aware of any antisocial behaviour whilst using the bike, the bike will be recalled immediately, the bike hire terminated, and the user will be excluded from loaning a bike from Recyke-a-bike in the future.

4.3. Lights will be provided and must be used at all times, before sunrise and after sunset, in accordance with the law.

4.4. The bike must not be left unattended, even if locked up, for more than 10 hours where there is public access.

4.5. Passengers can only be carried using approved carriers (for example, child seats) in accordance with the law. Users will take full responsibility for all passengers or cargo and Recyke-a-bike cannot be held responsible for any accidents or injuries that may occur.

4.6. If users wish to transport pets using a cargo bike, the user must protect the bike from messes or possible damage that the pet could cause, and thoroughly clean the cargo area before returning the bike.

4.7. Off-road use is restricted to cycle lanes, gravel paths and gentle off-road paths, such as forestry tracks, canal paths, gravel roads etc. All bikes, including mountain bikes, cannot be used for tricks/jumps/downhill racing/ramps/pump tracks etc.

4.8. The user is expected to clean the bike after use if it has become unusually dirty, for example if the user has ridden on a muddy path. Instructions for cleaning can be found in the user guide. Pressure washers MUST NOT be used to clean bikes, especially e-bikes.

5. Locking the bike

5.1. The bike must be locked through the frame to an immovable object with the lock provided with the bike. If a bike is locked in a public place, out of sight of the user, for more than 15mins, the user should remove the battery and keep this on their person or in a secure place until they return to the bike.

5.2. When not in use the bike, such as overnight, must be secured inside a lockable building i.e.: 

• House/flat,
• Garage/outbuilding,
• Shed, where all external doors and windows are locked, and theft is occasioned by a forcible and/or violent entry. In this instance, the bicycle must be stored out of sight.
• Purpose-built bike container where all external doors and windows are locked and the bicycle has been secured through its frame to an immovable object.
• If kept in a communal outbuilding or hallway, the bike must be locked to an immovable object.

5.3 When a bike is parked at a destination, if the bike cannot be locked inside a secure building then it must be locked through the frame to a cycle parking stand or an immoveable object with a minimum height of three metres. An immoveable object is any solid object fixed in, or on to, concrete or stone, which is not capable of being undone, removed, or lifted under or over.

6. If the bike is lost or stolen

6.1. If the bike is stolen, the user is responsible for reporting the incident to the Police immediately and a crime reference number must be provided by the user to Recyke-a-bike within 24 hours via phone or email.

6.2. The user agrees to adhere strictly to all provided locking and storage instructions when the bicycle is not in use. If the bicycle is stolen due to the users's failure to follow these instructions, the user will be held liable for the full replacement cost of the bicycle. However, if the user has followed all locking and storage instructions as provided, but the bicycle is stolen nonetheless, the user may be required to pay the insurance excess, which amounts to £500 or the current value of the bicycle, whichever is lower. The user acknowledges that compliance with these instructions is critical in mitigating the risk of theft and any associated costs.

7. If you break down or are involved in a collision

7.1. If the bike suffers mechanical failure and the user is unable to get the bike home or to Recyke-a-bike, please contact Recyke-a-bike by phone as soon as possible. If the bike needs to be left at a location unattended while awaiting collection, it must be securely locked, with the battery removed.

7.2. If the bike is involved in a collision with another party/property of another party, the user is responsible for collecting the details of any other parties involved in the incident and reporting the incident to the Police within 24 hours (Please remember to contact the police immediately to attend the scene if there are any injuries). A traffic case reference number must be provided by the user to Recyke-a-bike within 24 hours via phone or email.

Using and sharing your information

Recyke-a-Bike is committed to protecting your privacy and we work in full compliance with Data Protection legislation. We will only share your personal data when you provide us with your explicit consent to do so, or when legally required. You have the right to access and update the data we have about you. Our Data Protection and Privacy Policy explains your rights, who has access to your data and how we safeguard your personal data.

The survey is collecting data as part of the Energy Savings Trust and Cycling UK funded “E-Bike Library” project, will be used to demonstrate the project’s impact and inform future funding bids, both at a local and national level.

Recyke-a-Bike is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. Any personal information collected will be processed under legitimate interest.