Rider Policy
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Purpose
To keep riders, families, and the community safe while enjoying the Bellarine Rail Trail. This policy applies to all riders and passengers using BellaRide e-bikes, pedal bikes, and accessories.
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1) Who can ride
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E-bikes: Riders must be 15+ years and ≥150 cm tall, able to ride safely and unaided.
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Pedal bikes: Available for capable riders 8–15 years (subject to size/fit).
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Weight limits: E-bikes up to 120 kg rider weight; accessories per manufacturer limits.
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Competency: We may refuse or terminate hire if we believe safety is at risk (e.g., size/fit, intoxication, severe weather).
2) Family & child passengers
Premium E-bike (standard):
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Ages 0–4: front-mounted child seat (within limits).
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Ages 4–9: add one tag-along.
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Maximum: 1 adult + 2 children per bike (front seat + tag-along).
Premium Cargo E-bike:
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Ages 0–4: front-mounted child seat.
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Ages 4–9: rear cargo seats.
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Maximum: 1 adult + 3 children per cargo bike (within weight/fit limits).
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Adult rider is responsible for child passengers at all times. Children must keep hands/feet inside accessories and wear a helmet.
3) Helmets & safety equipment (required by law)
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elmets are mandatory for all riders and passengers.
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Use the bell, lights (when needed), and supplied lock.
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Carry phones with charge for maps and emergencies.
4) Riding conduct & speed etiquette
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Shared path rules: Keep left, give way to pedestrians and horses, slow near others, and ring bell well in advance.
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Speed guidance:
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Busy/shared zones: 10–15 km/h
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Clear path/open sections: ride to conditions and your ability.
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Passing: Slow, single-file when passing; announce with bell and voice (“passing on your right”).
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No risky behaviour: No racing, skidding, wheelies, or abrupt swerving.
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Headphones: Keep at least one ear free (or ride without) so you can hear other users and traffic.
5) Where you may ride
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Bellarine Rail Trail and suitable connecting roads/paths.
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Not permitted: beaches/saltwater, dunes, MTB singletrack, private property without permission, or areas signed “no bicycles.”
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Do not carry bikes on vehicles or ferries unless BellaRide has confirmed it’s allowed and operator rules are followed.
6) Care of equipment
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Treat bikes and accessories with reasonable care.
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Do not submerge, pressure-wash, or expose to saltwater/spray.
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Avoid jumping gutters/obstacles; dismount to walk where surfaces are unsafe.
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Report any issue immediately; do not attempt repairs beyond a basic puncture unless authorised.
7) Batteries & range
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Use assist modes as briefed (Pedal Assist).
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Avoid prolonged high-assist on steep grades to preserve range.
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Do not leave charging unattended or use non-BellaRide chargers.
8) Security & theft
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When unattended, lock through the frame to a fixed object and keep battery keys secure.
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You are responsible for equipment loss/theft while in your control. Follow staff locking demo at pickup.
9) Alcohol & drugs (zero tolerance)
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Do not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs. We may refuse or terminate a ride with no refund if intoxication is suspected.
10) Health & fitness
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Only ride if you are medically fit to do so. Disclose relevant conditions (e.g., fainting risk, significant injuries).
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Take breaks, hydrate, and use sun protection. If you feel unwell, stop and contact us.​​​​​​
11) Wildlife, stock & environment
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Slow and give a wide berth to horses; ask the rider if unsure.
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Do not feed wildlife; leave gates and property as found; stick to designated paths.
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Pack out rubbish; respect neighbours and local community.
12) Weather & track conditions
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Rides may be modified, delayed, or cancelled for safety (e.g., extreme winds, lightning, closures, hazardous heat).
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In changing conditions, shorten the route, reduce speed, or return early as advised.​​​​​​​​​​​
13) Incidents & emergencies
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If there’s an accident, injury, theft or third-party damage: make safe, call 000 if urgent, then call BellaRide.
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Share details where required and complete an incident report at return.
14) Photos & privacy
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We only use identifiable rider photos/videos with your express consent (opt-in). You can withdraw consent any time.
15) Return time & late fees
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We may terminate a ride and collect equipment if the policy is breached (unsafe riding, intoxication, prohibited areas, abuse). Refunds will not apply in these cases.
16) Breaches & termination
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We may terminate a ride and collect equipment if the policy is breached (unsafe riding, intoxication, prohibited areas, abuse). Refunds will not apply in these cases.
17) Policies & terms that also apply
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This Rider Policy works alongside BellaRide’s Terms & Conditions, Rider Agreement & Liability Waiver, Cancellation Policy, and Privacy Policy. The Australian Consumer Law guarantees apply.
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Questions on the day? Call us on 0494 363887. Non-urgent questions: info@bellaride.com