TERMS AND CONDITIONS

At The Tartan Bicycle Company we want all our customers to have an enjoyable experience with us. We pride ourselves on the quality of our service and the equipment we provide. Please help us maintain our high standards by reading and following our terms and conditions. By making a booking, you confirm that you have read and accepted our terms and conditions.

1. Making a booking

2. Payment of balance

3. Refund Policy

4. Identification

5. Refundable Equipment Deposit

6. Loss of Equipment

7. Bike Usage

8. Late Hire Returns

9. The Hirers Responsibilities

10. Insurance

11. Helmets

12. Itinerary

13. Uplift/Drop off service

14. Waiver

1. Making a booking

To secure a booking we require a deposit of 50% of the total cost of a tour or bike hire. This can be by the following payment methods…

  • Using our online payment system.
  • With a PayPal.com account.
  • Credit card or debit card over the telephone.
  • Bank transfer.

All tours and equipment hire are subject to availability.


2. Payment of balance

The remainder of the balance must be paid on request before commencement of the tour/bike hire period. Payment can be made using the following payment methods…

  • Cash (UK £)
  • Credit or debit card


3. Refund Policy

We understand that due to unforeseen circumstances customers may have to cancel bookings from time to time. In these situations we will try to reschedule your booking if possible. Due to the potential cost to us from late cancellations, we reserve the right to retain all or part of your booking deposit depending on when the cancellation is made. Any occurring bank charges will be deducted from the repayment. Please see table below for details. On the occasion The Tartan Bicycle Company has to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances or inclement weather (very poor weather) we will try to reschedule your tour. Otherwise, you will receive a full refund.

Time Scale                       Retention                   Refund              Example Retention *      Example Refund*

More than 1 month           50%                          50%                             £25.00                            £25.00

Less than 1 month            100%                           0%                              £50.00                              £0.00

* Based on a deposit of £50.00


4. Identification

The hirer must be over 18 years of age or older. One of the following forms of identification is required from the hirer before hire of a bicycle can commence:

  • Passport
  • Driver’s License
  • ID card from country of origin


5. Refundable Bike and Equipment Deposit

A deposit of £200 for each manual bike and £600 for each electric bicycle will be held on your credit/debit card, or in cash for the safe and undamaged return of our equipment (Normal wear and tear being the exception). This will be refunded immediately at the end of the hire period once the equipment has been checked for any damage. It is the responsibility of the hirer to check bicycles and equipment are undamaged and in working order before hire commences.


6. Loss of Equipment

The Theft of unattended bicycles is a problem throughout the UK, especially in urban areas. We only provide good quality bikes and accessories for all our hires, which are very desirable with thieves, especially if not properly secured.

A tough, secure D-lock is included free of charge with every bike hired from us, we absolutely insist on their use. Please ask for a demonstration on how to lock your bicycle on delivery. Otherwise, please follow our common-sense guide below…

  • Always lock the bicycle to an immovable object.
  • Feed the cable through the frame and both wheels of the bicycle.
  • Lock your bicycle in a well-lit, busy area.
  • Remove and take with you all removable objects from the bike including Pannier Bags and Helmets.
  • Do not leave your bicycle unattended for lengthy periods of time.
  • Bikes hired overnight need to be stored in a dry and secure place, preferably indoors.

It is the responsibility of the hirer to ensure the safety of our bicycles and equipment throughout the hire period. Police must be notified in the event of a theft or vandalism of a bicycle. A charge will be made in the event of loss or damaged of bikes or equipment from the deposit.


7. Bike Usage

Our Bicycles are only to be ridden by one competent person and are not to be used to carry loads on the rear rack of more than 20kilograms, other than young children with the use of an appropriate child seat or trailer. Our bicycles are designed to be ridden on the road and on light trails. Mountain biking and riding through sand and salt water are all strictly prohibited.


8. Late Hire Returns

Bikes and equipment should be returned at the agreed date and time. For any late returns we reserve the right to charge additional fees accordingly. We are unable to issue a refund or reduction in price for any early returns.


9. The Hirers Responsibilities

By agreeing to our terms and conditions the hirer takes responsibility for ensuring that you and your party are physically fit enough to undertake the exercise. You are aware that cycling a bike can be a dangerous activity and done so entirely at your own risk. We do not accept responsibility for any loss or damage to personal property. The hirer/user will not cycle under the influence of drugs or alcohol over the prescribed limit and The Tartan Bicycle Company will not be held liable for any fines or court fees incurred for violations of the Highway Code or local violations during the hire/use period. The person signing the agreement will be held liable for any costs incurred through loss or damage to our bicycles or equipment. We reserve the right not to hire equipment to an individual or refuse participation on any of our tours.

A few things to be aware of prior to making your booking…

  • Choose a tour within your cycling abilities. Our tours are designed to move at comfortable but steady pace. It is the individual’s responsibility to ensure you stay with the group. For families with children, or if you are at all unsure, we suggest the use of one of our e-bikes, or booking a private tour.
  • We try where possible to use routes that are as traffic free as possible. However, occasionally we do have to cycle on the road with other road users including motorised vehicles. Please note, in the UK we drive on the left-hand side of the road.
  • Ride in single file and give plenty space to other group members taking part on the tour.
  • Be aware of other path users, especially around dogs and children. Always be courteous and give plenty of warning of your presence – ring bell or shout.
  • Never cycle on pavement unless it is signed as a shared pedestrian/cycle path. Your guide may ask you to dismount and walk with your bicycle on the pavement if necessary.


10. Insurance

We recommend that all our customers to ensure they have adequate insurance in place. We cannot be held liable for any personal injury or damage occurred to your personal belongings whilst hiring our equipment and taking part on our tours.


11. Helmets

Helmets are supplied free of charge with every hire and we strongly advise their use. All persons 16 years and under must wear a helmet as a condition of hire. Any adult choosing not to wear a helmet must tick the relevant waiver box on the hire agreement.


12. Itinerary

A map or GPS device will be provided with a suggested route. We cannot be held responsible for the condition of the roads and paths, and diversions might apply. If circumstances dictate, we may need to make any changes to the suggested routes. We cannot be held responsible for any incidents in the event of a Force Majeur.


13. Uplift/Drop off service

The uplift and drop off service can only be provided within the city boundaries of Edinburgh, and within the city bypass We will endeavor to pick you up from your accommodation, however due to parking restrictions, on occasion we may need to arrange an alternative pick-up point close to your accommodation.


14. Waiver

All customers taking part on our tours will be asked to sign a document to say that they have understood the safety briefing given prior to the tour. The waiver will also ask for an emergency contact phone number, and details of any medical issues or prescription medicines taken that your guide may need to know about.