Frequently asked questions

• Book as early as possible online. Go direct to reservation
• Reservations from an official rental station can be cancelled free of charge up to 48 hours before the rental period commences.
• Your booking information will be sent to you by email. If you do not receive any information from us, please contact the rental station for assistance. 
• Impromptu rentals are possible, provided that there are bikes available at the stations.
• Rent a Bike has the right to enquire about multiple bookings and cancel excess reservations if necessary.
• Bikes must be returned to the rental stations stated in the Rental Agreement. To see which return stations are available, select the pick-up station under Reservations on the website.
• Only the number of bikes available at the corresponding station can be reserved. No extra transport is provided. Group travel à la carte, our mobile bike station, is available for bookings of 10 bikes or more.

• Reservation Daily rental
• Group tours

• Reservations may be cancelled free of charge up to 48 hours before the rental period commences, either online via your customer account or by calling the rental station.
• Reservations can only be amended by the rental station. The number to call is provided on your reservation confirmation or under Stations.

• Cancellation Instructions
• GTC of Daily rental
• Download GTC Group Tour à la Carte
• slowUp terms and conditions

• E-bikes with pedal assist up to 25km/h may only be used by persons aged 14 and over with a moped licence (class M) or by persons aged 16 and over without a licence.
• To rent an S-Pedelec e-bike with pedal assist up to 45km/h, a Swiss class M moped driving licence is required at least (or car driving licence). It is mandatory to wear a helmet. --> S-Pedelecs are only available for long-term rental.
• The Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) has decreed that from April 1, 2022, fast e-bikes with pedal assist up to 45 km/h and slower e-bikes with pedal assist up to 25 km/h (including e-MTBs) must be fitted with a daytime running light in order to be used on public thoroughfares.
• At Rent a Bike, all our bikes are fitted with a daytime running light.

• Our current prices are shown under Price list.
• For customers with a GA Travelcard or a Swiss Half Fare Travelcard, we offer a discount of CHF 5.00 per bike on the whole reservation in the push bike and e-bike (city/trekking) categories.
• 1 day = 1 calendar day, not 24 hours (pick up in the morning, return in the evening).
• Rent a Bike does not offer a discount for Junior Travelcard holders. There is a separate price category for children’s bikes.
• RailBons and vouchers cannot be used cumulatively with other vouchers and discounts.
• The half-day rate (0.5 days) is only valid for afternoons from 1.30 p.m. and bikes rented for less than one day must be returned to the same pick-up station. The full-day rate will be charged for advance bookings or A–B rentals.

• Price list

• Helmets are not included as part of bike rental.
• All Rent a Bike rental stations offer helmet hire as an extra. You can also decide on the day at the rental station.
• Bike helmets can only be hired together with a bike.
• Although there is no legal requirement for customers to wear a helmet on rental bikes, we do recommend that you wear one for your own safety.

• The standard payment methods we accept are cash (CHF), Maestro, Postcard and Reka Money.
• Details of any payment restrictions are provided in the station notes.
• Credit cards are not accepted at all locations.
• The full rental charge is always paid on site during pick-up. Invoices are not issued.

• RailBons, RailChecks and other vouchers can be redeemed at the stations stated on the voucher, RailBon or RailCheck.
• RailBons and RailChecks are only valid with a 12-digit pay serial number.
• RailBons cannot be added to other vouchers and (group) discounts.
• Vouchers for Herzroute (heart route) package deals are issued by our partners and must be redeemed from them. Rent a Bike only reserves the bicycles for package deals.
• You do not need to mention that you have vouchers when making the reservation. You can redeem the voucher in person at the rental station.
• RailChecks will be discontinued at the end of the 2023 season. Please redeem the Railbon vouchers by the end of October 2023 at the latest. From 1 November 2023, we ask you to return the vouchers by post, together with a stamped reply envelope to Rent a Bike AG, Steinmatt 1, 6130 Willisau, so that we can convert them into new vouchers.

• The rental station opening times are non-negotiable. You will find them in your booking information or online under Stations .
• Items for hire can be picked up and returned during opening hours.
• Any costs for items returned too late or to the wrong location will be passed on to the customer. See T&Cs .
• Pick-up and return times for bikes are important, since some stations are not permanently manned and staff may only be on-site at the times stated.

• Rental stations
• GTC of Daily rental

• We offer a group discount of 20% on the whole cost for bookings of 10 rental vehicles or more.
• Group discounts are only valid at official Rent a Bike rental stations.
• Customers are not allowed to use the discount cumulatively with RailBons, vouchers, special offers and discounts from GA Travelcards or Half Fare Travelcards.

• The school discount of 30% on the category bike/MTB-V-Brake (price category 1), the accessories and the return fee is available for bookings of school classes accompanied by a teacher with at least 10 rental items.

The following are classed as school groups:

• pupils in obligatory school classes up to age 15;
• pupils at public and private middle schools (grammar schools, commercial and trade schools, technical schools, agricultural schools, in school at the age of 16, etc.);
• students at colleges of higher education and universities;
• pupils at special education schools and schools for the deaf and the visually impaired;
• groups with adolescents living in homes for the disabled, orphanages, children's homes, etc.;
• participants in “Jugend+Sport” events;

Customers wishing to claim the discounts available to schools and youth groups must present an order form signed by the school office, the cantonal “Jugend+Sport” authority, or the Magglingen Fed. Institute for Sport (EHSM) along with an official stamp.

Children under 6 years of age will be included when calculating the minimum number of participants.

The mobile bike station is available from 10 rental vehicles.
 

• Group à la Carte

• See here for more information about the different types we offer.
• Racing bikes are only available to rent from the Bellinzona rental station, and only in small numbers. Rent a Bike does not offer racing bikes for rental at any other station.
• The only model available from the rental stations along the Herzroute (heart route) and Herzschlaufe (heart loop) trails is the “Herzroute FLYER” with a low step-through. FLYERs hired from a Herzroute (heart route) station must also be returned to a Herzroute (heart route) station. They cannot be returned to a different Rent a Bike rental station because the Herzroute (heart route) is a closed transport system.

• Specific bike sizes can be reserved in some cases (depending on the station).
• It is not possible to select bike sizes at the rental stations along the Herzroute (heart route) and Herzschlaufe (heart loop) cycle trails.
• You are welcome to tell us which sizes you need in the comments when making your reservation. The staff at the stations will try to accommodate your preferences.

• Rent a Bike does not provide panniers.
• If you wish to bring your own panniers, you will be responsible for fitting them to the bike.
• For more information about the different luggage carrier systems for rental bikes, see Bikes. 
• Many stations (Herzroute / heart route and railway stations) offer baskets for the e-bike Komfort model, which are practical for stowing a daypack. Panniers can also be attached to these bikes.

• The range of an e-bike depends on various factors, such as the level of assistance required, the topography of the route, the rider’s weight and the battery’s capacity. Go to Bosch eBike Range Calculator
• A fully charged e-bike battery will last for approximately 4–5 hours depending on the size of the battery.
• There are no longer any battery exchange stations.
• You will find battery charging points at each stage along the Herzroute (heart route); these charging stations are close to the routes but may require short detours. These charging points are intended exclusively for Herzroute (heart route) rental FLYERs.

• You will be given a copy of the Herzroute (heart route) guidebook at the rental station when the rental period commences.
• The guide is also available to read online or to order from www.herzroute.ch/routenführer. 

• Only e-bike vouchers can be redeemed at Rent a Bike.
• Herzroute (heart route) package deals are provided by our partners and must be redeemed from them: www.herzroute.ch. Rent a Bike only reserves the bicycles for package deals.

Rent a Bike now offers an e-bike breakdown service along the Heart Route. If you are affected by a breakdown, proceed as follows: 

1. There is a Suisse Velo sticker with a QR code on the e-bike (under the display, on the frame). Please scan the QR code to access the website. If the QR code does not work, please visit the following website: suisse-velo.ch/lostfound
2. The breakdown assistance number 044 563 61 40 is listed on the website. Please call this number and have the ID of your e-bike ready. The ID can be found on the sticker ID:222000xxx.
3. Please describe your request on the phone (an employee of the assistance centre is on the phone). Important: Please mention that it is a rental e-bike from Rent a Bike.

Details of the breakdown service: 

• What requirements must be met for the breakdown service to come?
  If the e-bike is no longer roadworthy and has a major breakdown (e.g. engine fault, broken belt or chain, flat tyre, etc.). A call to 044 563 61 40 is sufficient (the call will be answered by an employee of the Assistance Centre).
   
• What services are included?
  Transport of the e-bike with rider to the nearest Rent a Bike workshop or hire station.
   
• Where is the e-bike taken if it has a flat tyre, for example?
  A driver will take the e-bike to the nearest workshop, where the repair will be carried out as quickly as possible (provided the workshop has free capacity).
   
• Where is the e-bike taken if, for example, a technical defect or engine fault occurs? 
  The e-bike will be taken by a driver to the nearest Rent a Bike hire station.
   
• Will a replacement e-bike be provided if the e-bike has a major defect?
  If there is a major defect, please contact the Rent a Bike centre to discuss how to proceed: Telephone 041 921 05 75.
   
• How is the billing done?
  Details will be discussed on the phone. You pay for the service on site and send the receipt to Suisse Velo for reimbursement: Suisse Alpine Service AG, Aawasserstrasse 2, 6383 Dallenwil

• Our current prices are shown under Price list.
• For customers with a GA Travelcard or a Swiss Half Fare Travelcard, we offer a discount of CHF 5.00 per bike on the whole reservation in the push bike and e-bike (city/trekking) categories.
• 1 day = 1 calendar day, not 24 hours (pick up in the morning, return in the evening).
• Rent a Bike does not offer a discount for Junior Travelcard holders. There is a separate price category for children’s bikes.
• RailBons and vouchers cannot be used cumulatively with other vouchers and discounts.
• The half-day rate (0.5 days) is only valid for afternoons from 1.30 p.m. and bikes rented for less than one day must be returned to the same pick-up station. The full-day rate will be charged for advance bookings or A–B rentals.

• Price list

• The standard payment methods we accept are cash (CHF), Maestro, Postcard and Reka Money.
• Details of any payment restrictions are provided in the station notes.
• Credit cards are not accepted at all locations.
• The full rental charge is always paid on site during pick-up. Invoices are not issued.

• RailBons, RailChecks and other vouchers can be redeemed at the stations stated on the voucher, RailBon or RailCheck.
• RailBons and RailChecks are only valid with a 12-digit pay serial number.
• RailBons cannot be added to other vouchers and (group) discounts.
• Vouchers for Herzroute (heart route) package deals are issued by our partners and must be redeemed from them. Rent a Bike only reserves the bicycles for package deals.
• You do not need to mention that you have vouchers when making the reservation. You can redeem the voucher in person at the rental station.
• RailChecks will be discontinued at the end of the 2023 season. Please redeem the Railbon vouchers by the end of October 2023 at the latest. From 1 November 2023, we ask you to return the vouchers by post, together with a stamped reply envelope to Rent a Bike AG, Steinmatt 1, 6130 Willisau, so that we can convert them into new vouchers.

• For information on locations where Smartboxes can be redeemed, see the booklet provided with the Smartbox.
• You do not need to mention that you have a Smartbox when making the booking. Simply redeem it at the rental station.

• See here for more information about the different types we offer.
• Racing bikes are only available to rent from the Bellinzona rental station, and only in small numbers. Rent a Bike does not offer racing bikes for rental at any other station.
• The only model available from the rental stations along the Herzroute (heart route) and Herzschlaufe (heart loop) trails is the “Herzroute FLYER” with a low step-through. FLYERs hired from a Herzroute (heart route) station must also be returned to a Herzroute (heart route) station. They cannot be returned to a different Rent a Bike rental station because the Herzroute (heart route) is a closed transport system.

• Specific bike sizes can be reserved in some cases (depending on the station).
• It is not possible to select bike sizes at the rental stations along the Herzroute (heart route) and Herzschlaufe (heart loop) cycle trails.
• You are welcome to tell us which sizes you need in the comments when making your reservation. The staff at the stations will try to accommodate your preferences.

• The range of an e-bike depends on various factors, such as the level of assistance required, the topography of the route, the rider’s weight and the battery’s capacity. Go to Bosch eBike Range Calculator
• A fully charged e-bike battery will last for approximately 4–5 hours depending on the size of the battery.
• There are no longer any battery exchange stations.
• You will find battery charging points at each stage along the Herzroute (heart route); these charging stations are close to the routes but may require short detours. These charging points are intended exclusively for Herzroute (heart route) rental FLYERs.

• Helmets are not included as part of bike rental.
• All Rent a Bike rental stations offer helmet hire as an extra. You can also decide on the day at the rental station.
• Bike helmets can only be hired together with a bike.
• Although there is no legal requirement for customers to wear a helmet on rental bikes, we do recommend that you wear one for your own safety.

• E-bikes with pedal assist up to 25km/h may only be used by persons aged 14 and over with a moped licence (class M) or by persons aged 16 and over without a licence.
• To rent an S-Pedelec e-bike with pedal assist up to 45km/h, a Swiss class M moped driving licence is required at least (or car driving licence). It is mandatory to wear a helmet. --> S-Pedelecs are only available for long-term rental.
• The Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) has decreed that from April 1, 2022, fast e-bikes with pedal assist up to 45 km/h and slower e-bikes with pedal assist up to 25 km/h (including e-MTBs) must be fitted with a daytime running light in order to be used on public thoroughfares.
• At Rent a Bike, all our bikes are fitted with a daytime running light.

You will find more information about vehicles for people with disabilities under Bikes / Persons with special needs. Mobility vehicles are only available for people with a proof of disability.

• The e-bike Family has a fixed child seat. This type of bicycle is available from various stations.
• There are no child seats for the Komfort and Trekking models of e-bike.
• Child seats for city bikes and country bikes and trailers for e-bikes, city bikes and country bikes can be rented from various stations.
• The trailers are intended exclusively for children and for carrying belongings if need be, but not for pets.
• Trailers can only be hired together with a bike.
• Customers cannot use their own child seats, trailers or other equipment for children on bicycles hired from Rent a Bike. The customer is responsible for any damage caused to the bike as a result of tampering. See «General rental conditions daily rent»
• Rent a Bike does not provide tandem hitches or tag-along bikes as part of its rental package.
• E-cargo bikes are specially designed for transporting children or goods/luggage and are not intended for transporting pets.

• GTC of Daily rental

• Tandem bikes must always be returned to the point of issue. A–B rentals are not possible.
• Rent a Bike does not provide e-tandems. FLYER offers e-tandems for rental. www.flyer-bikes.com

• Rent a Bike does not provide panniers.
• If you wish to bring your own panniers, you will be responsible for fitting them to the bike.
• For more information about the different luggage carrier systems for rental bikes, see Bikes. 
• Many stations (Herzroute / heart route and railway stations) offer baskets for the e-bike Komfort model, which are practical for stowing a daypack. Panniers can also be attached to these bikes.

• In the case of defects during the rental period, the customer may exchange the rental vehicle for a bicycle of equal value at another RaB rental station.
• If there is no station close by or no replacement bike is available, the customer can have the defect rectified at the next specialist bike retailer subject to the consent of RaB. The customer may claim back the repair costs against receipt.
• In all cases, the customer is responsible for returning the bicycle to the nearest rental station.

• In case of an accident, the rental station must always be notified.

• GTC of Daily rental

• The customer is obliged to inform Rent a Bike of any damages or losses that occur.
• The customer is liable for all damages to the rental object and its accessories during the rental period caused by falls, vandalism, forces of nature, tampering, impacts incurred during transport as well as due to improper use or use in any manner other than that for which it was originally intended.
• The customer will be charged directly at the rental station for any costs resulting from minor damages and loss of materials as per the official RaB price list.
• The customer is responsible for checking the rental object and reporting any defects when the rental period commences.

• GTC of Daily rental

• The rental station must be informed of any late returns by telephone.
• If there is no answer because the station is no longer manned, the customer will be responsible for bike security without exception.

• GTC of Daily rental

• Customers who return their bikes early will not be entitled to a refund of the remaining rental sum.

• GTC of Daily rental

• In the event of theft, the customer must report the incident to the police and notify the rental station immediately.

Rent a Bike now offers an e-bike breakdown service along the Heart Route. If you are affected by a breakdown, proceed as follows: 

1. There is a Suisse Velo sticker with a QR code on the e-bike (under the display, on the frame). Please scan the QR code to access the website. If the QR code does not work, please visit the following website: suisse-velo.ch/lostfound
2. The breakdown assistance number 044 563 61 40 is listed on the website. Please call this number and have the ID of your e-bike ready. The ID can be found on the sticker ID:222000xxx.
3. Please describe your request on the phone (an employee of the assistance centre is on the phone). Important: Please mention that it is a rental e-bike from Rent a Bike.

Details of the breakdown service: 

• What requirements must be met for the breakdown service to come?
  If the e-bike is no longer roadworthy and has a major breakdown (e.g. engine fault, broken belt or chain, flat tyre, etc.). A call to 044 563 61 40 is sufficient (the call will be answered by an employee of the Assistance Centre).
   
• What services are included?
  Transport of the e-bike with rider to the nearest Rent a Bike workshop or hire station.
   
• Where is the e-bike taken if it has a flat tyre, for example?
  A driver will take the e-bike to the nearest workshop, where the repair will be carried out as quickly as possible (provided the workshop has free capacity).
   
• Where is the e-bike taken if, for example, a technical defect or engine fault occurs? 
  The e-bike will be taken by a driver to the nearest Rent a Bike hire station.
   
• Will a replacement e-bike be provided if the e-bike has a major defect?
  If there is a major defect, please contact the Rent a Bike centre to discuss how to proceed: Telephone 041 921 05 75.
   
• How is the billing done?
  Details will be discussed on the phone. You pay for the service on site and send the receipt to Suisse Velo for reimbursement: Suisse Alpine Service AG, Aawasserstrasse 2, 6383 Dallenwil

• You can find suggestions for tour routes under Tours or at schweizmobil.ch
• The journey times for tours suggested by Rent a Bike only include the time it takes to cycle the route at a comfortable pace. They do not include any breaks.

• Tour suggestions

• ​​​Rent a Bike does not offer any guided tours but will be happy to help you find local guides.
• Our partner www.eurotrek.ch also offers packages.

• E-bikes with pedal assist up to 25km/h may only be used by persons aged 14 and over with a moped licence (class M) or by persons aged 16 and over without a licence.
• To rent an S-Pedelec e-bike with pedal assist up to 45km/h, a Swiss class M moped driving licence is required at least (or car driving licence). It is mandatory to wear a helmet. --> S-Pedelecs are only available for long-term rental.
• The Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) has decreed that from April 1, 2022, fast e-bikes with pedal assist up to 45 km/h and slower e-bikes with pedal assist up to 25 km/h (including e-MTBs) must be fitted with a daytime running light in order to be used on public thoroughfares.
• At Rent a Bike, all our bikes are fitted with a daytime running light.

• You will find our address and information about the location in your booking information or online under Stations.
• We recommend travelling by public transport. Most of the stations are very easy to get to using public transport.
• Rent a Bike does not provide any parking spaces; customers must find their own.

• Rental stations

• Book as early as possible online. Go direct to reservation
• Reservations from an official rental station can be cancelled free of charge up to 48 hours before the rental period commences.
• Your booking information will be sent to you by email. If you do not receive any information from us, please contact the rental station for assistance. 
• Impromptu rentals are possible, provided that there are bikes available at the stations.
• Rent a Bike has the right to enquire about multiple bookings and cancel excess reservations if necessary.
• Bikes must be returned to the rental stations stated in the Rental Agreement. To see which return stations are available, select the pick-up station under Reservations on the website.
• Only the number of bikes available at the corresponding station can be reserved. No extra transport is provided. Group travel à la carte, our mobile bike station, is available for bookings of 10 bikes or more.

• Reservation Daily rental
• Group tours

• Reservations may be cancelled free of charge up to 48 hours before the rental period commences, either online via your customer account or by calling the rental station.
• Reservations can only be amended by the rental station. The number to call is provided on your reservation confirmation or under Stations.

• Cancellation Instructions
• GTC of Daily rental
• Download GTC Group Tour à la Carte
• slowUp terms and conditions

• It is possible to change the return location en route. Please always notify the rental station by phone if you wish to do so. Any transport fees that have already been charged will not be refunded should you decide to change the return location from A–B to A–A.
• Reservations can be extended by calling the rental station during the rental period, provided that the bikes are available. The outstanding amount will be payable upon returning the bike(s).

• You will find all the important information about the rental station (phone number, opening times, payment methods) in your reservation confirmation or under Stations in the main menu.

• The rental station opening times are non-negotiable. You will find them in your booking information or online under Stations .
• Items for hire can be picked up and returned during opening hours.
• Any costs for items returned too late or to the wrong location will be passed on to the customer. See T&Cs .
• Pick-up and return times for bikes are important, since some stations are not permanently manned and staff may only be on-site at the times stated.

• Rental stations
• GTC of Daily rental

• The customer is always responsible for transporting their own luggage.
• Rent a Bike only offers this service with the mobile bike station for an additional charge.

• You are allowed to take the rented bike abroad.
• It must always be returned in Switzerland.
• Please always carry the rental agreement with you.

Rental bikes can only be taken on trains free of charge if the rental contract was issued at a ticket counter.

• The rental agreement serves as the ticket for the rental bike.
• Passengers must be in possession of a valid ticket.
• No more than 5 rental bikes per train.
• SBB encourages advance bookings for bike spaces on trains.

=> This offer does not apply to groups and e-bikes in the long-term rental category!

• Renters are responsible for their own insurance (private liability, theft).

• GTC of Daily rental

• Rent a Bike does not provide accommodation.
• For details of accommodation available along the bike routes, please visit schweizmobil.ch and herzroute.ch.

Rent a Bike now offers an e-bike breakdown service along the Heart Route. If you are affected by a breakdown, proceed as follows: 

1. There is a Suisse Velo sticker with a QR code on the e-bike (under the display, on the frame). Please scan the QR code to access the website. If the QR code does not work, please visit the following website: suisse-velo.ch/lostfound
2. The breakdown assistance number 044 563 61 40 is listed on the website. Please call this number and have the ID of your e-bike ready. The ID can be found on the sticker ID:222000xxx.
3. Please describe your request on the phone (an employee of the assistance centre is on the phone). Important: Please mention that it is a rental e-bike from Rent a Bike.

Details of the breakdown service: 

• What requirements must be met for the breakdown service to come?
  If the e-bike is no longer roadworthy and has a major breakdown (e.g. engine fault, broken belt or chain, flat tyre, etc.). A call to 044 563 61 40 is sufficient (the call will be answered by an employee of the Assistance Centre).
   
• What services are included?
  Transport of the e-bike with rider to the nearest Rent a Bike workshop or hire station.
   
• Where is the e-bike taken if it has a flat tyre, for example?
  A driver will take the e-bike to the nearest workshop, where the repair will be carried out as quickly as possible (provided the workshop has free capacity).
   
• Where is the e-bike taken if, for example, a technical defect or engine fault occurs? 
  The e-bike will be taken by a driver to the nearest Rent a Bike hire station.
   
• Will a replacement e-bike be provided if the e-bike has a major defect?
  If there is a major defect, please contact the Rent a Bike centre to discuss how to proceed: Telephone 041 921 05 75.
   
• How is the billing done?
  Details will be discussed on the phone. You pay for the service on site and send the receipt to Suisse Velo for reimbursement: Suisse Alpine Service AG, Aawasserstrasse 2, 6383 Dallenwil