Making a bicycle available to guests

[Kevin1742]

We have a spare bicycle which we are thinking of making available to guests, but have some concerns.

1. Would we have liability if the guest has an accident while using the bicycle.

2. How do we ensure that the guest looks after the bicycle, ie. locks it, doesn't damage or loose it, etc.

3. Do we then also need to provide safety equipment, lights, helmet, etc.

Anything else we should be thinking of?

[Guy991]

Hello @Kevin1742 ,

good question. 

There are four more questions you should ask yourself:

1. Will the additional amenity (in this case, a bicycle) help me charge more and increase my profit?
2. Will the additional amenity (in this case, a bicycle) help me save costs and increase my profit?
3. Will the amenity (in this case, a bicycle) bring me more reservations or more guests per reservation?
4. Without this amenity (in this case, a bicycle) will I get fewer reservations or fewer guests?

Answer these questions and you will have your answer. You can replace the word “bicycle” with anything you are considering, including a bathtub.

[Elisa]

Hi @Kevin1742 😊, 

Thank you for asking these questions here!

Have you started answering @Guy991’s questions? What do you think of them?

I'm tagging other hosts to see what advice they can share with you: @Marie8425, @Tara0 and @Karen114.

Thank you in advance, everyone!

Warm regards 🌻,

[Marie8425]

@Kevin1742 

You have to review your community laws concerning a bicycle.

Usually registration requirements and those set like lights, horn and where legal use.

You must make a helmet available.  If it is an adults bike then just an adult helmet.  You do not have to cater to every head size that people may have just an average size helmet is available.

There is no miracle way that something never happens, like everything though it could be years before somebody forgets to lock it.

There are two ways to address this set a reasonable value on the bike.  Ask for a security deposit or a form signed by Guest stating agreed value and guests responsibility.

Other side is maybe an increase of a dollar or two on your pricing you build your own fund so you don't have a fight over a bike.  That isn't your priority renting your property is the priority.

Liability - You can find waivers online that is a definite.  Your STR and Air Cover are only for incidents on the declared property.  As soon as the guest exits your property you are not covered by anyone.  A waiver the guest assumes all responsibilities and waives your responsibilities

[Tara0]

@Kevin1742 You are right to have these concerns. You are exposing yourself to liability, complaints, damage to bikes, etc etc etc. I really wouldn't do it. Instead, find a local place which hires bikes, and tell the guest about it. 

[Karen114]

@Kevin1742  Yes, you would be opening yourself up to liability for sure.  

In addition to the liability, one of the reasons I don't offer things like this is it is one more thing to manage, repair, have people complain about etc.  I offer beach chairs and they always get put away wet and rode hard 😁.  Guests find them damaged becuase the last guest didn't report they broke it.  I am thinking of doing away with them for this reason. 

Unless you live locally and can check the bicycle after each guest, I would not do it. 

[Giuseppe1636]

Hi!

1: In case of accident, the customer will be responsible for any accident or damage to the bike or things, but you must draw up a contract.

2: when they rent the bike, you can ask for a security deposit in money or they can leave the passport.

3: Yes, you will need to provide a helmet, lights and an anti-theft system

4: Take photos or a video before giving it to the customer so that you don't have unnecessary arguments when returning it in case you find any damage.

Enjoy