Destination Dover Bike Hire Operator TERMS and CONDITIONS
(including Agreement Waiver)
1. Introduction
These terms and conditions govern your use of the "Destination Dover Bike Hire & Share," a service provided by Destination Dover, a non-profit volunteer-led organisation, whose registered office is: Maison Dieu House, Biggin Street, Dover, CT16 1DW (hereinafter referred to as "Operator"). Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully before hiring a bicycle (“Bike”). By accepting these Terms and Conditions, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to them in their entirety. If you do not agree with these Terms and Conditions, do not use Destination Dover Bike Hire or Bike-Share community-run events.
2. Definitions and Interpretation
Operator: Destination Dover.
Bike: A bicycle hired from Destination Dover, including both manual and electric vehicles.
App: The Destination Dover Bike Hire application available from the Apple Store or Google Play.
User: The individual hiring the Bike from Destination Dover.
Additional User: Any additional person included in a booking of more than one Bike.
We, Our, Us: Destination Dover.
Charges: Fees payable by the User for hiring a Destination Dover Bike (see Clause 6).
Station: A Dover-Based Destination Dover Bike Hire Station where Bikes may be hired and returned, as located by the User in the App.
Lock: The device attached to the Bike securing it at the Destination Dover Bike Hire Station.
3. How It Works: Hire and Return of a Bike
Upon entering an acceptable form of payment through the Destination Dover App, the User can unlock a Bike by scanning the QR code on the frame of the Bike. If the QR code scan fails, the Bike’s identification number can be manually entered into the App. The rental period begins when the lock is disengaged and ends when the Bike is returned to any Destination Dover Bike Hire Station, secured, and locked correctly.
4. Pre-Authorisation / Deposit
A deposit is required for hiring a Bike, taken as a pre-authorisation on a credit or debit card.
What is a Pre-Authorisation?
Pre-authorisation is a temporary hold of a specific amount on a credit or debit card, guaranteeing that funds are available for charges incurred, including hire costs, losses, and damages at full retail prices plus labour.
Release of Pre-Authorisation
The pre-authorisation is completed upon return of the Bike for the applicable hire charge plus any extras. The balance is released but may take up to 10 days to clear, depending on the card issuer.
Pre-Authorisation / Deposit Rates
Manual Bikes: £40 (no pre-auth required if in-app wallet balance is £40 or greater)
Electric Bikes: £56 (no pre-auth required if in-app wallet balance is £56 or greater)
5. Additional Users
The User must ensure that each Additional User understands and agrees to these Terms and Conditions. The User may hire up to four Bikes for Additional Users, where provided for in the App.
6. Bike Rental Plans and Fees
Two payment plans are offered: "Pay-as-you-go" and a half/full day "Explorer Pass."
Pay-As-You-Go
Manual Bikes: £5 for the first hour, £2.00 for each subsequent 30 minutes.
Electric Bikes: £7 for the first hour, £3.00 for each subsequent 30 minutes.
Explorer Pass
Limited to one per day, must be used within 30 days of purchase. Unused minutes will expire.
Payment
Valid credit or debit card details must be uploaded in the App. The User authorises the Operator to charge the card for all fees related to this agreement.
Maximum Rental Time
Bikes must be returned within 12 hours. Failure to do so may result in a replacement fee of £1295 (manual bike) or £3650 (e-bike).
Repair and Replacement Charges
Users will be charged for damages beyond normal wear and tear, and for stolen or unattended Bikes.
App Wallet Balance
Negative balances in the wallet will trigger an automatic rectification process using the card details provided.
7. Violations
The User is responsible for any fines or fees incurred during the rental period due to illegal parking or traffic law violations. The User agrees to indemnify the Operator for any costs or legal fees related to such claims.
8. Availability of the App and Bikes
Service availability may be affected by technical, weather, or other issues beyond our control.
We reserve the right to withdraw availability without prior notice.
Bike availability at Hire Stations is not guaranteed.
If all Bike places are filled, the User must report this to the Operator and follow any instructions provided.
9. User Responsibilities and Acknowledgements
Users must be 18 or older, physically capable of riding a Bike, and aware of associated risks.
Users must wear helmets and appropriate attire, and must not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Users must comply with all traffic laws and not use the Bike for unauthorised purposes.
Users must report any damages, malfunctions, or thefts immediately and must not attempt unauthorised repairs or modifications.
10. Data Protection
Personal information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy, available on our website. Your data will be used to administer your account, provide requested services, and for any other agreed purposes.
11. Termination
We may terminate your right to use the Bike Share scheme if you breach these Terms and Conditions. In such cases, Bikes must be returned immediately. Failure to return a Bike may result in a replacement fee of £1295 (manual bike) or £3650 (e-bike).
12. Liability and Insurance
Insurance: The User acknowledges that insurance coverage is not provided by the Operator. Users are advised to have their own insurance.
Liability: The Operator is not liable for any injuries, damages, or losses arising from the use of the Bike, except where caused by the Operator’s negligence.
(Acknowledgement of Safety and Risk:
Cycling can be a risky activity, especially on public roads and spaces. It's essential to follow safety guidelines to minimise these risks:
Helmet Use: For your safety, wearing a helmet is essential while using our bikes. Please bring your own helmet for your own safety. Destination Dover does not supply helmets.
Adherence to Local Laws: You must follow all local traffic laws and regulations, including respecting rights of way and designated cycling routes.
Assumption of Risk: By hiring a bike, you acknowledge and accept that cycling involves inherent risks, which may include the possibility of accidents leading to injury. Destination Dover is not responsible for dangerous riding conditions such as poor weather, road hazards, or other environmental factors or other vehicles or pedestrians in public places. You are solely responsible for assessing the conditions and deciding whether to ride.
By proceeding with the bike hire, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these safety guidelines and risks. You are responsible for your own safety and agree to use the bike at your own risk.)
13. Dispute Resolution
Any disputes arising from or in connection with these Terms and Conditions shall be resolved through negotiation in good faith. If a resolution cannot be reached, the dispute will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
14. Environmental Considerations
The User is encouraged to ride in a manner that respects the environment and promotes sustainable transport. Users should dispose of any litter responsibly and adhere to all local environmental regulations.
15. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
16. Safety Regulations
Users must conduct a safety check before riding, including checking the brakes, tires, and lights.
Riding is prohibited in certain areas, which will be indicated in the App.
Users must ride safely and responsibly, obeying all traffic laws.
17. User Conduct
Users must not use the Bike for illegal activities or in a manner that causes nuisance or danger to others.
Users are expected to return the Bike in the same condition it was rented.
Any inappropriate conduct may result in immediate termination of the rental agreement.
18. Maintenance and Upkeep
The Operator will ensure Bikes are maintained and in good working order.
Users must report any issues or damages immediately.
Unauthorised repairs or modifications by Users are prohibited.
19. Customer Support
For support, Users can contact Destination Dover via the contact information provided in the App or on our website.
In case of an emergency, Users should contact local emergency services immediately.
20. Cancellation Policy
No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after the rental period has started.