7 Hacks To Save On Bike Hire, From Free Repairs To 25p A Day Rentals
- Bike rental is a popular option for those on a budget or going on holiday
- Rental can be expensive if you pick the first shop or bike dock you encounter
- Latest Deals reveals 7 hacks to save on bike rentals across the globe
- Tricks include getting free repairs, bike hire for 25p a day and more
Bike rental is becoming increasingly popular, whether people want a lightweight and eco-friendly alternative to cars when they’re on holiday, they don’t want to pay out for a cycle due to lack of storage space, they’re on a budget, or similar. However, it can be easy to waste money without realising it when you pick the first rental shop or bike dock you encounter.
Tom Church, Co-Founder of money-saving community LatestDeals.co.uk, said: ‘Going for a bike ride is a great way to stay in shape, and rental makes it much more accessible for those who don’t have their own cycle for whatever reason. It’s easy to make the wrong choice and payout much more than you were expecting, though, so here are our top tips for making the most cost-effective purchase - from getting free repairs to assessing the cheapest subscriptions.’
Consider Your Ride Type - City Biking Vs Mountain Trekking
Looking for the best rental deal is well and good, but knowing exactly what you want to do on a bike is key to finding the most cost-effective deal. For example, some bikes will be tailored toward riding around city streets. You will find many cycle hire schemes within the streets themselves - such as Santander Cycles, Nextbike and Citycard Cycles in the UK, or Lime (for electric bikes) in many European and American cities. However, if you want to go mountain biking you will want a cycle that’s up to the job, so consider shopping around various rental companies or hiring from a bike-share platform instead. You will often find mountain bike hiring facilities in specific locations, such as within forestry centres, rural destinations and dedicated cycling tracks.
Pick Rentals According To Ride Length - Avoid £2 Per 30 Minutes For Day Trips
Consider how long you plan on riding a bike before choosing a rental. If you’re going for a short ride in London, consider using TfL Santander Cycles. You can ride for the first 30 minutes for free, so if you’re going from A to B and are confident there are bike docks at either end of your journey, you can save money this way. Plus, even if the journey takes an hour, you would only pay £2 as each subsequent 30 minutes costs £2. However, this price isn’t cost-effective if you’re cycling regularly for extended periods. Platforms such as Citycard Cycles have caps of £10 per day, which is ideal for times when you get carried away and lose track of time.
Get Discounted Rental - 25p Per Day Membership, Free 24 Hours For NHS Workers
It’s worth digging into the various rental options and plans available for a specific company. For example, some people may be put off Santandar Cycles if they’re picking up a bike during a walk around town, but if you go on the website you’ll discover that there are multiple cost-saving options available. For example, if you become a member, you can get 24 hour membership at a flat rate of £2, and yearly membership is £90 - or 25p per day! Plus, if you’re an NHS worker, you can get free 24 hour access. Students can save 25% on their yearly membership if they’re studying in London, and the City Bike Hire scheme can save workers up to £37.80 with the Cycle to Work discount if they register for the tax-free yearly membership with their employer.
Consider Bike Subscriptions For Free Locks, Repairs & Maintenance
If you don’t have space for a bike at home but you go on occasional rides throughout the year, consider Brompton Bike Hire - which is available in London, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, Exeter and Carmarthen. With a membership, you can get 30 days of annual hire and use the cycle for an entire day of riding. It’s equivalent to £8.50 a week, and you can pay £5 per day for additional usage. You don’t need to be a whizz at maths to know that’s much cheaper than a day on the Santander Cycle! (Without a membership, that is.) There’s also the Buzzbike To Work option in London, which is equivalent to £13.60 a month on the lower rate. You’ll get your own bike and lock without the pressure of owning it, plus theft protection, free repairs and maintenance. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal!
Discover Airbnb For Bike Rental - New York, Amsterdam, Sydney from £7 A Day
Using rideshare platforms is a cost-effective way to rent a cycle from a fellow bike enthusiast which could be worth a lot of money. If you’re visiting a new city and want to explore your surroundings on two wheels, consider a site like Spinlister. It lists bikes available for rental in your nearby area, with listings including photos, key statistics and prices for rental per hour, day and week. You’ll be able to find the perfect match for your cycling activities from prices as low as £7 a day, whether you’re in New York, Amsterdam or Sydney.
Consider Collateral Or Insurance To Avoid Unwelcome Bills
In some locations, rental companies could ask for collateral to cover costs if the bike is damaged or doesn’t get returned. This form of insurance works on both sides - it’s worth considering rental insurance if your bike doesn’t come with it. Otherwise, you could be held responsible for damage or theft. This measure is particularly useful if you’re going to be renting a bike for several days, where you would be leaving the cycle somewhere overnight, or going on a ride which involves terrain that could impact the bike if you have an accident.
Save On Kids Bikes With Subscriptions - From £5.99 Per Month
If your child wants a bike but your budget is tight, you may not be able to afford buying a cycle outright. Plus, you could be faced with replacing it every few years as they grow. To avoid this cost, consider a subscription from a site like Bike Club, which offers small monthly costs for children in various age groups. For example, those up to 4 years old can get a Balance Bike for just £5.99 per month, 3-6-year-olds can get First Pedals for £9.99 per month and Hybrid Bikes are available for 5-14-year-olds for £14.99 per month. In the event that your child stops wanting to use the bike, you can simply cancel the subscription and send the bike back.
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