Terms & Conditions

A legal disclaimer

Last updated: 4 December 2025
Operator: BellaRide Explore (ABN 42 589 783 570) – “BellaRide”, “we”, “us”, “our”

1. About these Terms

These Terms & Conditions govern every booking and hire of an e-bike, pedal bike, accessories and related services from BellaRide. By booking, paying, collecting or using our equipment, you agree to these Terms, our Safety Rules, Cancellation & Refund Policy, and Privacy Policy.

Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any rights you have under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

2. Who can ride & age policy

E-bikes: Riders must be 15+ years old, minimum height 150 cm, and declare they can ride a bicycle safely and unaided.
Children 8–15: May use a pedal bike (hire available) or bring their own.
Children 3–8: May ride using a tag-along or front child seat, subject to weight/fit limits.
Weight limits: E-bikes up to 120 kg rider weight; child seat/tag-along limits per manufacturer.
Helmets: Mandatory for all riders and passengers under Victorian law. We supply Australian-standard helmets.

We may refuse hire if we believe safety may be compromised (e.g., size/fit, intoxication, weather, rider skill).

3. Legal rider responsibilities

You must follow Victorian road rules and shared path etiquette, including giving way on the Bellarine Rail Trail, keeping left, and controlling speed near other trail users.
You accept responsibility for all fines, infringements, or penalties incurred while using our equipment.

4. Booking, payments & security

Booking confirmation: A booking is confirmed when payment is received and we issue confirmation.
Hire window: Standard day hire 10:00 am pickup – 3:00 pm drop-off (Drysdale Station, unless stated otherwise).
ID & security: Bring a valid photo ID and a credit/debit card for a pre-authorisation of AUD 200 per e-bike (and AUD 50 per accessory set).
Late returns: Returns after 3:00 pm incur AUD 15 per 15 minutes per bike. Returns over 60 minutes late may be charged an extra day rate.
Cleaning: Excessive mud/sand incurs a AUD 50 cleaning fee.
Lost items: Helmet AUD 60, lock/key AUD 35, pump/repair kit AUD 35, phone mount AUD 25.

5. Cancellation, changes & weather

Customer cancellations:
- ≥72 hours before hire: 100% refund (less any non-refundable processing fees).
- 48–71 hours: 50% refund.
- <48 hours or no-show: No refund.
Date changes: One free reschedule if requested ≥48 hours prior and subject to availability.
Operator cancellations (safety/weather): We may cancel or modify bookings for unsafe conditions (e.g., severe weather, track closure, equipment issues). You’ll be offered a reschedule or full refund at your choice.

6. Accidental Damage Cover (optional but recommended)

Add Accidental Damage Cover (ADC) per hire:

E-bike ADC: AUD 25 per bike (reduces your damage excess from AUD 1,200 to AUD 250 per e-bike, per incident).
Family Hire AUD 25 per family booking includes Tag-along and / or child seats (excess reduces from AUD 150 to AUD 50).

ADC does not cover: theft or loss where the bike was left unsecured, wilful or reckless damage, riding in prohibited areas (beach/saltwater), water submersion, unauthorised modifications, use under the influence of drugs/alcohol, or use contrary to instructions. If ADC is not purchased, standard excesses apply.

7. Security, loss & theft

Always lock the bike through the frame to a fixed object when unattended and keep the battery key safe.
Theft/loss while in your control is your responsibility. You may be charged up to the replacement value (less reasonable wear-and-tear).

8. Where you may ride (permitted use)

Primarily the Bellarine Rail Trail and low-traffic connecting roads/paths suitable for e-bikes.
Not permitted: beaches/saltwater, sand dunes, mountain-bike singletrack, private property without permission, or any area signed no bicycles.
Do not carry the e-bike on vehicles or ferries unless expressly permitted by BellaRide staff and ferry operator rules.

9. Safety briefing and condition

We may terminate hire and require immediate return (or collect equipment) if you breach these Terms, ride unsafely, are abusive, intoxicated, or damage/put at risk the equipment or other persons. No refund will apply in these cases.

10. Fitness to ride and sobriety

You confirm you are physically able to ride and free from any condition or impairment that may affect safe riding.
Zero-tolerance for alcohol or illicit drugs while riding our equipment. We may refuse or terminate hire with no refund if intoxication is suspected.

11. Batteries, chargers and water exposure

Ride in Eco/Normal/Tour modes as briefed; avoid sustained high-assist on steep grades to preserve range.
Do not submerge or pressure-wash the bike or battery; avoid saltwater.
Only use chargers provided by BellaRide; never leave charging unattended.

12. Incidents and emergencies

For any accident, injury, theft or third-party damage, stop when safe, exchange details, and call us immediatelyon [BellaRide phone].
For severe incidents call 000 first, then notify us.
You must complete an incident report on return.

13. Liability and risk acknowledgement

You acknowledge cycling involves inherent risks (falls, collisions, weather, surface hazards). You assume these risks to the extent permitted by law.
To the fullest extent allowed by law, BellaRide’s liability for breach of the ACL is limited to the re-supply of hire services or payment of the cost of having the services re-supplied.
Except for ACL guarantees, we are not liable for indirect or consequential loss.

14. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless BellaRide and its staff from claims or liabilities arising from your breach of these Terms, unsafe riding, unlawful behaviour, or misuse of equipment, except to the extent caused by our negligence or breach of the ACL.

15. Group bookings and responsibilities

The person making the booking warrants they have authority for all participants and will ensure all riders (including minors) comply with these Terms. Adult riders are responsible for children using tag-alongs or seats.

16. Photos and marketing and consent

We sometimes take photos/video of rides and locations for marketing. We’ll only use identifiable images of you with your express consent (opt-in at checkout or on the day). You can withdraw consent anytime by contacting us.

17. Gift cards, promotions, and pricing

Gift cards and promo codes are non-refundable and not redeemable for cash.
Only one promotion per booking unless stated otherwise.
Prices include GST where applicable and may change without notice (confirmed bookings are honoured).

18. Privacy and data

We collect personal information (e.g., contact details, ID, waivers, incident reports) to deliver our services and for safety/legal compliance. We handle your information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and our Privacy Policy. Contact us to access or correct your data.

19. Force majeure

We’re not responsible for delays or cancellations caused by events beyond our reasonable control (e.g., extreme weather, emergencies, government restrictions). See Section 5 for your reschedule/refund options.

20. Termination of hire

21. Complaints and feedback

If something isn't right, please tell us promptly at info@bellarine.com.au or 0494 363887 so we can resolve it quickly.

22. Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia. You submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Victorian courts.

23. Safety Rules

Wear your helmet at all times; adjust it properly.
Keep left, pass slowly, and use your bell on shared paths.
Ride sober and within your ability; control speed around others.
No beaches/saltwater or singletrack; stick to approved routes.
Lock the bike whenever unattended; keep the key secure.
Stop if there’s a mechanical issue; call us for assistance.
Return by 3:00 pm to avoid late fees.

24. What's included (typical day hire)

E-bike (charged), Australian-standard helmet, lock, basic repair kit, route notes, and safety briefing.
Add-ons: pedal bikes for 8–15 yr olds, child seat, tag-along, phone mount, pannier.

25. Hire Charges & Fees (guide)

Day hire 10:00 am–3:00 pm (rates published on our website)
Accidental Damage Cover (ADC): AUD 25 per e-bike; AUD 5 tag-along; AUD 10 child seat
Security pre-auth: AUD 200 per e-bike; AUD 50 per accessory set
Late fee: AUD 15 per 15 minutes per bike
Cleaning (excessive): AUD 50
Lost helmet: AUD 60 | Lost lock/key: AUD 35 | Lost kit: AUD 35
Standard excess (no ADC): AUD 1,200 per e-bike; AUD 150 per accessory
Reduced excess (with ADC): AUD 250 per e-bike; AUD 50 per accessory