Deposit Policy

Last updated: September 2026

This Deposit Policy explains how the refundable security deposit works when you rent a bike from Free2bike.

By completing a booking, you agree to this Deposit Policy, our rental rules, and the responsibility to return the rented bike or bikes on time, in good condition, and with all assigned accessories.

1. Security deposit

A refundable security deposit is charged for each rented bike.

The standard deposit is €50 per bike.

If you rent more than one bike in the same order, the deposit is calculated per bike.

Number of bikes	Deposit amount
1 bike	€50
2 bikes	€100
3 bikes	€150

The deposit is charged together with the rental price at checkout.

2. Purpose of the deposit

The deposit protects Free2bike against loss, theft, damage, missing accessories, late return, misuse, or violation of the rental rules.

The deposit is not a penalty. It is a financial security amount that may be refunded in full, partially refunded, or withheld depending on the condition and return status of the rented bike or bikes.

3. Full refund of the deposit

The deposit is normally refunded in full when all of the following conditions are met:

• The bike is returned on time.
• The bike is returned to the correct return location.
• The bike is locked properly with its designated chain lock.
• The chain lock is returned with the correct bike.
• The bike has no new damage beyond normal use.
• No accessories are missing.
• The customer has followed the pickup and return instructions.
• There is no suspected misuse, theft, fraud, or violation of the rental terms.

Refunds are made to the original payment method.

Bank and card processing times may vary. Depending on your bank, it may take several business days for the refunded amount to appear on your card statement.

4. Partial withholding of the deposit

Free2bike may partially withhold the deposit if the bike is returned but there are issues such as:

• Minor damage
• Missing accessories
• Late return
• Incorrect return procedure
• Chain lock not returned correctly
• Chain lock mixed with another rented bike
• Extra cleaning or handling required
• Other costs caused by the customer’s use of the bike

In these cases, Free2bike may deduct a reasonable amount from the deposit and refund the remaining balance.

5. Full withholding of the deposit

Free2bike may withhold the full deposit in serious cases, including but not limited to:

• Bike theft
• Bike not returned
• Major damage
• Severe misuse
• Fraud concern
• Intentional damage
• Failure to secure the bike
• Leaving the bike unattended in a public space
• Returning a different bike or failing to return the assigned bike
• Serious violation of the rental terms

If the cost of loss, theft, damage, or recovery exceeds the deposit amount, Free2bike may seek additional compensation where permitted by law.

6. Customer responsibility during the rental

During the rental period, you are responsible for the rented bike or bikes.

You must:

• Use the assigned chain lock to secure the bike.
• Take the chain lock with you during the rental period.
• Never leave the bike unattended in public spaces without supervision, even if it is locked.
• Return the bike during the return PIN validity window.
• Lock the bike correctly after return.
• Return each bike with its designated chain lock.
• Follow all pickup and return instructions.

7. Theft and unattended bikes

Bike theft may lead to full loss of the deposit.

Leaving the bike unattended in a public space, even when locked, increases the risk of theft. The customer remains responsible for the bike during the full rental period until the bike is returned correctly to the designated return location.

8. Late return

The bike must be returned during the return PIN validity window.

A late return may result in partial withholding of the deposit. If the late return prevents another customer from using the bike or causes additional operational costs, Free2bike may deduct the relevant amount from the deposit.

If the bike is not returned and Free2bike cannot confirm its return, the deposit may be fully withheld.

9. Damage

The customer is responsible for new damage caused during the rental period.

Normal use is expected. However, damage caused by misuse, accidents, careless handling, improper locking, transport, theft attempt, or violation of the rental rules may result in partial or full withholding of the deposit.

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10. Missing accessories

Each bike is provided with the following accessories and equipment. All items must be returned in full, in good condition, and together with the assigned bike:

• Chain lock marked with the bike number
• Bike number sticker
• Helmet
• Front and rear lights
• Bike bell
• Bottle holder
• Frame-mounted GPS tracker

If any accessory or item of equipment is missing, damaged, removed, replaced, or not returned together with the assigned bike, Free2bike may partially withhold the deposit.

11. Deposit review process

After the rental ends, Free2bike may review the return status, bike condition, lock status, accessories, timing, and any available photos or operational records.

The deposit decision may be one of the following:

• Full refund
• Partial withholding and partial refund
• Full withholding
• Manual review

If there is an issue, Free2bike may contact the customer for clarification.

12. Refund timing

When the deposit is approved for full or partial refund, Free2bike will initiate the refund through the payment provider.

The refund is sent to the original payment method.

Free2bike does not control the exact time required by the customer’s bank or card provider to show the refunded amount.

13. Multiple-bike rentals

For multiple-bike rentals, the deposit is calculated per bike.

Each bike is reviewed separately, but the deposit may be handled at order level.

14. Questions

If you have questions about your deposit, please contact Free2bike and include your order number.

Free2bike