I don't recommend this service, it's predatory.
Went last Saturday after reserving 3 E-Bikes earlier that morning. Got there and was greeted, then was asked to sign their documents. After signing, the clerk asks for a card to place a $1500 deposit for the bikes. It was the first time I heard of a deposit being needed, and I wasn't financially prepared to place a hold that large. I let him know that I wasn't able to do that, so he makes a call to a supervisor. He then asks if I got the confirmation email saying that there's a deposit required. I check and see it mentioned at the bottom, but mentioned that this is only stated AFTER you've paid for the reservation. He then begins to barter to see how much I could come up with, and asks for phone(s), jewelry, etc. as collateral. He even asked if one of the women I was with would give up some jewelry that she had on. I asked if getting their insurance would eliminate the deposit and he said it doesn't. After another phone call, he offered a reduced deposit of $800 for the bikes but I declined and requested a refund. He was told by his management that a refund wouldn't be issued, and mentioned that he was "trying to help me not lose my money". I left.
Called back a few moments ago today, a lady answered. I explained the situation but before I could finish, she began to raise her voice and got defensive when I mentioned their deposit process and the lack of transparency on the website. I felt gaslit, the call ended with her raising her voice saying: "then why are we even talking? Why are you calling back trying to tell me how to run a business?"
Based on reviews below I know management/the owner will reply to this defending why they did what they did, and it's a shame. If they reply at all. I've rented E-Bikes in other cities where this wasn't a concern. I work in high end retail, and we never treat clients this way. I'd like my money refunded. I wonder what issues I would've faced had I given them the deposit, would they have found a technicality to try and keep it? This was a poor way to treat a person visiting a city, and I can't imagine the situations others have been in with this business.
Response from Host
Nov 2022
Hi Isaiah Boyd,
Thanks for posting your same feedback in a wide range of forums across the internet. However as we attempted to tell you (and we understand you donāt like the answer as it means perhaps you didnāt read our notices), there are two points where one is made aware of the authorization: 1- prior to booking during te reservation process and 2- reiterated in the confirmation email. Together we confirmed you had such email as we went over it in our phone call; here is it again verbatim: āPlease bring a valid ID and a Credit Card with you to pick up your bikes. We take a monetary authorization on all rentals, starting at $100. The authorized amount is held until we have the safe return of all rental equipmentā¦ā The amounts ensure the safe usage and return of bikes. Unfortunately, bad actors across the world make nicking bikes an easy endeavor, thusly we bike businesses must protect our fleets. I can assure you in business for over 23 years we are absolutely not predatory, but rather vibrantly and happily working in an industry recently slammed by both a global pandemic and widespread employment challenges. Best of luck to you in your future travels.