Rental policy
Plain-English rental policy
The full terms below are provided in English; the English version is the binding one. Ask our staff if you'd like anything explained in your language.
This page summarises how renting with Lithium Bicycle works. The full legal terms are in the rental agreement you sign at pickup – if anything here differs from your signed agreement, the agreement applies.
Booking & confirmation
You can book online any time. A $10 refundable booking fee, paid with your unique 10-digit reference, secures your request. Staff then review your payment and contact you to confirm your pickup time. The deposit and first week's rent are paid at the shop when you pick up.
Refundable booking fee – the conditions:
- Come to the shop on your pickup day and test ride the bike. Not satisfied? The $10 is refunded in full.
- Happy with the bike? Choose: use the $10 as credit toward your rent, or take it back in cash.
- If you do not show up at the shop on the day, for any reason, the booking fee is not refunded.
Your bike can be prepared and available from the next day after the required booking payment/deposit is received and verified.
Online booking is a request, not automatic confirmation. Your booking is only confirmed after staff verify your payment/deposit and send you a confirmation.
Weekly payment
Rent is paid weekly, in advance. Your weekly rate depends on the plan and the rental length you commit to – prices step down at 4, 8 and 12 weeks.
After each payment, please upload or send a payment screenshot so staff can match it quickly. Pay by bank transfer to our Westpac account or by PayID (details shown during booking).
Rental fees continue until the rental contract is officially ended and the bike and all accessories are returned and checked by staff.
To keep riding beyond your current rental period, pay the next week's rent in advance – before the current period ends.
Deposit rules
The refundable security deposit depends on your visa type. It covers the bike and accessories during your rental and is refunded in full within 10 business days of return, less any damage, loss or outstanding fees.
| Visa type | Security deposit |
|---|---|
| Student VisaVisa must be valid for at least 2 more months. | $0 |
| Working Holiday VisaRefunded in full after return, less any amounts owing. | $400 |
| Bridging VisaRefunded in full after return, less any amounts owing. | $400 |
| Spouse of Student VisaRequires the primary applicant's passport, visa and CoE, plus your own passport and visa. Refunded in full after return. | $200 |
| Other VisaWork visa and PR. Refunded in full after return, less any amounts owing. | $200 |
| Australian CitizenNo visa letter needed. Refunded in full after return, less any amounts owing. | $200 |
Deposits are fully refunded within 10 business days of return, less any damage, loss or outstanding fees.
Rent-to-Own has no refundable deposit – a $500 upfront payment ($150 administration fee + $350 initial payment) applies instead.
Pickup rules
Pickup is at 185F Burwood Rd, Burwood NSW 2134 during opening hours. Bikes need advance preparation, so please book a time slot and arrive on time.
Bring these documents (clear photos, PDFs or printed copies are all accepted):
- Passport
- Official bank statement or balance statement
- Visa grant letter
- Valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), if you hold a student visa
- Two emergency contacts – names and phone numbers (may be verified)
At handover, staff walk you through a pre-departure checklist covering the bike's condition, safe charging and legal riding, and you sign the rental agreement.
Staff may refuse or delay pickup if the required payment, ID, deposit or booking details are incomplete.
Return before 1:00 PM
Return the bike to 185F Burwood Rd before 1:00 PM on your agreed return date. If you want to keep riding instead, simply pay the next week's rent in advance before your current period ends.
The rental only ends after staff check the bike and all accessories and confirm the return in writing. Until then, weekly fees continue to apply.
Bikes must be back at the shop before 1:00 PM on the agreed return date. Late returns are charged as another rental week.
Accessories return
Everything supplied with the bike must come back with it: charger, helmet, all locks and keys, battery, hi-vis vest, delivery box and any other items listed on your agreement.
Missing, damaged or unreturned accessories are charged at the accessory retail price. Once charged, the item becomes your property.
The delivery bag must be returned clean – a $20 cleaning fee may apply otherwise.
Late payment & extra fees
If a payment is not transferred before its due date, a $30 administrative fee applies to each missed payment, and interest of 1% per week accrues on all overdue amounts until paid in full.
- Ending a 2-week fixed term early: $200 early termination fee.
- Unpaid amounts may be referred to a debt collector or solicitor; their costs, plus a collection management fee of $350 per hour, are payable by you.
- Parking fines, road fines and any other charges caused during your rental are your responsibility.
- A bike that is not returned after the rental ends may be reported to the police as stolen.
Damage & loss responsibility
You are responsible for damage, loss, fines, incorrect use or misuse of the bike during the rental period – including fire, accident and theft. Repairable damage is charged at reasonable repair cost; see our common repair price list in store.
Standard maintenance and servicing (every 2,000 km or 1 month) is free. Fair wear and tear is accepted and never charged.
Student visa holders do not pay the tyre repair fee – flat tyre repairs are on us.
The optional eBike Hero® Theft Protection Plan ($15/week) limits your liability if the bike is stolen: you pay a flat Lost eBike Search Fee instead of full replacement cost, and if the bike is not recovered within 48 hours a replacement is provided.
| Theft scenario | With lock photo | No lock photo |
|---|---|---|
| Whole e-bike lost or stolen | $600 | $800 |
| Frame only (battery retained) | $400 | $600 |
| Battery only (frame retained) | $400 | $600 |
Safety rules
- Use the e-bike safely and legally, following NSW road rules. Legal assisted speed is 25 km/h.
- Only you may ride the bike – no passengers, towing, racing or lending to others.
- Dangerous goods must not be carried. Only standard bike-related items and delivery accessories may be transported.
- Charge only with the charger we supply, and follow the lithium-battery safety guide provided at pickup.
- Lock the bike to a fixed object with the supplied locks whenever it is unattended.
- Bring the bike in for its free service every 2,000 km or 1 month – skipping services can create safety risks and void warranty cover.
Report accidents, breakdowns, loss, theft or damage to us immediately.
Ending the contract
Either side can end the agreement with 7 business days' written notice (except during a 2-week fixed term, where the early termination fee applies). The maximum length of a single rental contract is 12 weeks – long-term riders simply sign a new agreement to continue riding on the same low rate.
After you return everything and staff confirm the check, your contract is marked as returned and your deposit refund is processed within 10 business days.
The rental officially ends only after the bike and all accessories are returned and checked by staff.
Clear on the rules?
Send your booking request – you'll confirm the key points again before submitting.
Book an E-bike