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What is hirebike
hirebike is a 24 hour on-street bike hire service, providing bicycles for hire for residents, commuters and visitors across Lincoln.
How does it work?
hirebike is very simple. Ideally download the app or sign up on the website as either a casual or annual member. Alternatively you can call us on 01522 370 143. Once you've signed up as a member, you'll receive a membership number and PIN. Simply key in your membership number and PIN at any of the stations and select a bike to rent. You can return the bike to any station, not just the one you rented it from.
Where are the bikes / stations located
Please see the map page for exact locations and numbers of bikes currently at our docking stations.
What about helmets?
Helmets are not provided with the hirebike as we are unable to guarantee the safety of the helmets provided. We do however encourage cyclists to wear a helmet and have teamed up with five local cycle shops who will offer a minimum 10% discount on helmets to all hirebike members.
Read more here
Can I use a bike without my membership card or PIN number?
For security reasons you will need to have both your membership number and PIN number. You may change the PIN number to a 4 digit number that is more memorable for you - log into this website using the login page with your username and password and you can change your PIN online.
What if I forget my PIN?
Email us (lincoln@hourbike.com) or call us on 01522 370 143 and we will call you to verify your details and issue you with another card or PIN number.
I've noticed a bike at the station has been damaged.
If you find a bicycle that is damaged please tell us. If you have time it is useful if you can turn the saddle sideways to indicate to other people it is not to be used.
There aren't any bikes at the station.
There may be times when all the bikes are being used - or have been parked at other stations. It is normal for bikes from some locations to be used more frequently. Remember that you can check on availability via the online map.
What if there is a technical problem with the station I want to return the bike to?
In this case lock the bike securely nearby using the combination lock, and either email (lincoln@hourbike.com) or call us on 01522 370 143 to end your hire. The bike is your responsibility until you do this.
What if the station where I want to park the bike is already full?
In this case lock the bike securely nearby using the combination lock, and either email us (lincoln@hourbike.com) or call us on 01522 370 143 to end your hire. The bike is your responsibility until you do this. You can find out the code for your bike by logging into this website and clicking on the Rented Bikes button
How long can I take a bike for?
When you rent a bike you must return the bike within 24 hours. We will contact the renters of any unreturned bikes, and will consider a bike stolen if it is not returned to a station, or we have not been informed of its whereabouts within 48 hours.
Membership Options
In order to release a bike you will need to have funds on your account, and the correct contract type eg pedal or electric bike. You can have both contract types running concurrently but will not be able to release an e-bike, for example, if you only have a pedal bike contract. All access fee and cycle time charges will be debited from the available funds on your account at the relevant rate for the bike you are using.
How to open the combination lock
- Line the four numbers up against the small triangle shapes
- Push the two big silver shapes TOWARDS the numbers
- The lock will pop open
***** E-bike Specific Questions *****
Do I need a license for an e-bike?
No. Our e-bikes will only provide power whilst you are pedalling. When you stop, the motor turns off. This ensures the e-bikes are treated by law the same as pedal bikes.
How fast do the e-bikes go?
E-bikes are limited to providing power up to 25kph by law. You can pedal faster than that of course if you wish !
How do I make the e-bike work?
When you have undocked the e-bike, you will need to press the on button on the left handlebar to turn the bike on. You can tell the bike is on at any time as the front lights will be on, and the rear light will be flashing. Please watch the ‘How to Use’ video for more information and we strongly recommend watching it prior to your first e-bike hire.
How old do I have to be to use an e-bike?
You must be at least 14 years old to legally ride an e-bike in the UK. Also to use the e-bike safely you must be competent to ride, and be able to reach the ground with both feet whilst sitting in the saddle
Could an e-bike run out of power whilst I’m using it?
The e-bikes have a range of approx. 30 miles, which is more than sufficient for local trips around Oxford. However if the bike has not been docked in an e-dock, its power level may be not be full. The current power level of bikes can be seen from the station console or hirebike App, which we recommend is downloaded from the appropriate Apple or Android store. If an e-bike does run out of power during a rental, it can still be ridden normally.
How do the e-bikes charge?
The e-bike will charge automatically when docked into any of the special e-docks, which are clearly marked. E-bikes that are low on charge will not be available for rent until their charge level has reached a suitable level.
Can you pedal an e-bike as well as use the electric motor?
Yes, of course, and the motor will only provide power while you are pedalling, once you stop, the motor cuts out. It is an ordinary bicycle, although it is of course heavier than an ordinary e-bike.
I am a member of the existing hirebike scheme, but want to use electric bikes too. What do I need to do?
You will need to purchase an additional e-bike subscription, (membership or casual). You can do this by logging into your account, and purchasing an additional ebike subscription. This way, when you enter your membership number and PIN at the console, you will be offered both pedal and ebikes to rent. You will be charged the appropriate amount depending on the bike you choose.