FAQ
1.What happens when a rental bike is damaged during the rental period?
We recommend making use of the theft and damage insurance we offer, as any damage done in the time the bike is with you, will otherwise be charged on return. We take pride in providing well maintained bikes for rental and we will check all bikes at the beginnig and end of each rental period. Always let us know if you notice anything off before you leave and we’ll be sure to fix it. Please note that damage as a result of abuse or negligence is not covered by the insurance.
2. How can I extend the 24 hrs rental period?
Just keep cycling! You pay your rent on return, so you can keep the bike until you are done with it, unless you have decided to extend for longer than a few days. In that case, please pass by our store or give us a call to let us know you will be holding on to the bike a bit longer.
3. Do you give a reduction on large groups or for longterm rentals?
Yes we do. Groups off 10 persons get a 10% reduction when they pay all together. For longer periods than 2 weeks we offer special rates. Please check the Rent a bike section.
4. What if a bike gets stolen?
If your rental bike is stolen, and you chose to not take insurance, you are liable to cover the full cost. This ranges from 300 to 650 for city bikes. Please note: the insurance only works if you still have the keys.
*We don’t yet offer and insurance for the Hybrid bikes. These need to be covered by your own travel insurance.
5. Are there any special traffic rules I need to know?
Yes! Dutch traffic laws also apply to you when you are riding a rental bike: stay on the right, indicate directions with your hand, give priority to traffic from the right, and follow traffic signs. As a small town with a high population density and millions of visitors a year, Amsterdam’s bike traffic is busy. Please be a responsible visitor and stick to the rules. You can check our Traffic Tips for safety suggestions.
6. Do I have to leave a deposit?
Yes, you can either leave your credit card details with us, or a deposit of EUR 50 per bike, plus a government-issued identity card (passport, identity card, driving licence). Please note that some bank cards that are branded VISA or MASTER CARD are debit cards, not credit cards. These cannot be used as a deposit.
7. Can I return my bike earlier dan agreed?
Of course you can. You just pay for the hours or days that you rented it, unless you agreed a fixed deal for a certain period.
8. Can I ride the rental bike with 2 persons?
We only allow children with a maximum weight of 25 kg on a bike, when seated in a child’s seat. Two adults cannot use a regular bike together as this would damage wheels and the structure of the frame.
9. Are rental bikes equipped with lights?
Yes, all our bikes have lights, front and rear. We will show you how to turn them on and off.
10. Do you rent out tandems?
No, we only rent out bikes for 1 person because we think tandems are not suitable for Amsterdam traffic.
11. What if we would like to reserve bikes but we don’t know if it’s going to rain?
We cannot change the climate but even cycling in the rain can be fun. We provide disposable rain ponchos in case it is cloudy, bringing your own raingear is also an option. A good mood always helps to make it a great day.
12. Do you provide maps?
We unfortunately don’t have maps we can give you but we do like to give tips depending on what kind of bike adventure you are hoping to have. We can share about specific points of interest in the city as well as give cafe/restaurant/park/museum and shopping suggestions.
For longer trips we are also pretty well prepared to contribute information. Ask us anything.
13. Where can I park my bike?
Amsterdam has plenty of official bike parking areas. You can find bike racks, bike basements, bike flats indoors and outdoors all around the city. Kindly park your bike in an authorised bike parking area and use your chain lock to attach your bike to a rack. Please avoid parking on the main squares, on bridges, and on the pavement to prevent damage and potential removal by the authorities.
14. What happens if the bike has a flat tyre or serious breakdown?
We provide a puncture repairkit and airpump on request. If you know how to fix a flat you can continue your trip. If not you will need to walk your bike back to the shop. That said, flat tyres and serious breakdowns are rare because our bikes are well maintained and they are equipped with anti- puncture tyres.
15. Do you provide helmets?
We have helmets available in our shop.
16. Do you rent ladiesbikes only?
For you convenience and safety we provide bicycles with a low-entry or unisex frame. The bike does not discriminate who is holding the handlebars and the rigidity of these frames can’t be beaten by a regular men’s frame with a crossbar. We do provide some XL men’s frame bikes.
17. Is it safe to ride a bike with a child in a seat?
When you are an experienced rider, it is not dangereous to ride with a child. Always take your time and obey the rules. Never leave a child unattended in a childseat on the bike.
18. What is the law concerning the use of cellphones on the bike?
In the Netherlands, the use of mobile phones whilst cycling, is prohibited. This inculdes any activity that requires you to hold your phone; looking at maps, sending a message, changing music, taking a photo. The fine is 140euro.
You can rent or purchase a phoneholder from us if you wish. Or just follow your inutition in our little city.
19. What is the weight of a rentalbike?
Dutch bikes are heavy: depending on the type of bike the weight including the locks is between 23 / 25 kg.
You will be surprised how smooth they ride though!
20. Do you have electric bikes?
Yes, we have 2 electric bikes for rent. This is part of a trial period and the bikes are only availble for periods longer then 2 days. Contact us for more details.
21. Do you rent mountainbikes or roadbikes?
No, our regular rental bikes are city bikes, with a maximum of 7 gears. We also rent aluminium hybrid bicycles equipped with pannier bags for a minimum of 7 days. The ideal bicycle to fulfill your bike trip through the Netherlands. Please check our Hybrids page.
22. Is there a possibility to drop off the rentalbikes at another location, apart from Bloemgracht?
No, there is only one Bike City, and it is located in Amsterdam. We do organize delivery / pick up service when work situation allows it. For groups only, on request.
23. Do you organize guided tours?
No, we just provide rentalbikes. We do recommend an independent tour guide for private tours.