Template. Replace every item in [brackets] and have a lawyer licensed in your state review it before use.
Bike Rental Agreement, Waiver and Release of Liability
1. Parties and equipment
This agreement is between [Company legal name] ("[Company]") of [address] and the person or persons named and signing below (the "renter" and, where different, each "participant").
It covers the rental of the bicycle described as [make, model, unit number] from [date and time] to [date and time], collected from or delivered to [location].
2. Acknowledgement and assumption of risk
The renter and each participant understand that using bicycles and e-bikes carries risks that cannot be removed by care, including:
Falls, collisions with vehicles, pedestrians and other riders, and road and trail hazards.
Mechanical failure during the rental, including brakes and tyres.
The additional speed and weight of an e-bike, and reduced range as the battery depletes.
Theft of the bicycle while it is in the renter's care.
Each participant accepts those risks and any others arising from the activity, whether or not listed, and confirms that they take part voluntarily.
3. Participant requirements
Each participant must be at least [minimum age] to rent, and [minimum e-bike age] to ride an e-bike where the law sets one.
Each participant must wear the helmet provided, or confirm in writing that one was offered and declined where the law allows.
Each participant must be able to ride a bicycle competently and fit the size provided.
Each participant must provide [photo ID and a card for the deposit] at handover.
4. Rules of use
Follow traffic law, ride in the direction of traffic and use lights after dark.
Lock the bicycle with the lock provided whenever it is unattended, through the frame and to a fixed object.
One rider per bicycle, no passengers except in a seat or trailer provided by [Company], and no stunts or off-road use beyond [permitted trails].
Return the bicycle to [location] by [time]. A late return is charged at [rate] per [interval].
5. Area and time limits
The bicycle may be ridden within [island / town / trail network] and must not be taken on [ferries / highways / specific roads]. An e-bike must not be ridden on [paths where e-bikes are prohibited].
6. Condition at handover and at return
The bicycle is handed over in the condition recorded in the photographs and notes taken at handover with the renter present, and the renter accepts that record as accurate unless they note a difference before leaving.
The bicycle is inspected on return against the same record, with the renter present where possible, and photographed again. Both records are kept by [Company] and are the evidence both parties rely on.
7. Damage, loss and deposit
The renter is responsible for loss of or damage to the bicycle during the rental beyond fair wear, up to [replacement value / excess amount], regardless of fault, except where caused by a defect [Company] knew of.
A deposit of [amount] is [held on the renter's card / taken in cash] at handover and released within [days] of a return in the condition recorded at handover. Repair costs and the charges in clause 4 may be deducted from it, and the renter owes any balance beyond it.
A bicycle that is lost, stolen or not returned is charged at [replacement value], and [Company] may report it to the police.
8. Weather, cancellation and early return
A booking cancelled by [Company] for weather is [refunded in full / moved to another day]. A renter who returns early because of weather is [not refunded / credited at the operator's discretion].
Cancellations by the renter more than [notice period] before the start are [refunded in full / less a fee of amount]. Later cancellations and no-shows are [not refunded / covered by cancellation protection where purchased at booking].
9. Release, waiver and indemnity
To the fullest extent allowed by the law of [state], each participant releases [Company], its owners, employees and agents from all claims for injury, death, loss or damage arising from the rental or the activity, including claims arising from the ordinary negligence of [Company], and agrees not to bring such a claim.
The renter agrees to indemnify [Company] against claims by third parties, and against costs and losses, arising from the renter's or any participant's use of the bicycle or breach of this agreement.
If any part of this clause is found unenforceable, the rest of it continues to apply.
10. Medical consent and emergency contact
Each participant confirms that they are physically able to take part and have disclosed to [Company] any condition that could make the activity unsafe for them or others.
Each participant consents to emergency medical treatment if they are unable to consent at the time, at their own cost, and names an emergency contact below.
11. Participants under [age of majority]
A participant under [age] takes part only with the signature of a parent or legal guardian, who signs this agreement on the minor's behalf, accepts the risks in clause 2 for them, and agrees to the release in clause 9 to the extent the law of [state] allows.
12. Governing law and signatures
This agreement is governed by the law of [state], and the renter confirms they have read it, had the chance to ask questions, and are signing voluntarily. A copy signed electronically is as valid as one signed on paper.
[Signature block, repeated per participant: full name, date of birth, address, phone, email, emergency contact name and phone, licence or card number where clause 3 requires one, signature, date. For a minor: the minor's name and date of birth, then the guardian's details and signature.]
Template from Bodhisys, bodhisys.com/waivers/bike/. Not legal advice.