Rental Agreement Terms & Conditions

Article 1: Definitions

• Lessor: Het Zwarte Fietsenplan (Black-Bikes.com).
• Lessee: Individual or commercial entity renting bicycles.
• Hire Period: Duration of bicycle rental as defined in the rental agreement.

Article 2: Rental Fees & Payment Terms

Rental fees are based on the Lessor’s current price list, available at branches. The primary payment method is by Debit/Credit Card; alternatively, cash payment is accepted if card payment is not feasible.

• Reservation Deposits:
  • E-bike: €250 hold via credit card
  • E-cargo bike: €500 hold via credit card
  • No deposit required for regular bikes, tandems, or cargo bikes

A non-refundable guarantee fee covers theft or damages (subject to deductible). ID verification of the Lessee's identification document number is mandatory.

Cancellations with at least 48 hours' advance notice qualify for a full refund or rental credit and must be submitted via email to reservations@black-bikes.com.

Article 3: Hire Period & Conditions

The hire period begins at the agreed time. Bicycles must be returned by the specified date and time. Extensions require explicit permission and upfront payment.

• Early Return: No refunds or discounts.
• Late Return: Extension fees apply; rental continues until return.
• Non-return: Lessor may reclaim bicycles at Lessee's expense and terminate the rental without judicial process if terms are breached.

The Lessor is not liable for delays due to events beyond its control, including extreme weather, strikes, riots, or governmental restrictions.

Article 4: Reservations

• The Lessee must arrive on the agreed reservation date and time. If the Lessee fails to show up within 24 hours after the reservation start time without prior notification, the Lessor reserves the right to cancel the reservation and reassign the bicycle(s) to other rentals.
• The Lessor reserves the right to relocate the reservation to another branch based on logistical needs or inventory availability. The Lessee will be informed promptly of any such changes.
• If the specifically reserved bicycle is not available, the Lessor may offer a similar bicycle as a substitute, with compensation or discount at the Lessor’s discretion.
• Refunds for cancellations are only provided if the cancellation is made at least 48 hours before the scheduled pick-up date. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable but may be eligible for a rental credit.
• Reservations are personal and non-transferable without the Lessor’s prior approval.
• Changes to reservation dates or times must be requested at least 48 hours in advance and are subject to availability and possible price adjustments.
• In the event of force majeure, the Lessor may cancel or modify reservations and will communicate options to the Lessee, including refunds or rescheduling.
• The Lessor requires full payment upfront to confirm any reservation; only fully paid reservations will be accepted.

Article 5: Conditions of Bicycle Use

Bicycles may only be used in a normal and appropriate manner by authorized individuals. Lessees must return bicycles clean, complete, and undamaged.

• Occupancy Limits:
  • Regular bikes and E-bikes: One person, plus an infant in an approved seat
  • Cargo bikes: Intended solely for seating children

Lessees must protect bicycles from loss, damage, and theft.

Article 6: Damages, Loss, and Theft

Lessee's liability covers damages and theft with the following deductibles:

• Bike absent but keys returned: €100 (regular), €330 (special bikes), €850 (cargo E-bikes).
• Bike absent without keys: Replacement costs (€430 regular, €1430 special bikes, €4850 cargo E-bikes) plus lock charges (€70–€150).
• Lost keys: €50–€100.

Accessories are not covered by the guarantee and incur the following charges if lost or damaged:

• Child seats: front €110, back €130
• Helmets: €40
• Front carriers with baskets: €50
• Battery: €700
• Charger: €250
• Display: €150
• Charger adapter: €70
• Disk lock: €30

If bicycles are recovered, reimbursements minus outstanding fees apply. Unpaid liabilities may involve an international collection agency, incurring a minimum €750 charge per bicycle.

Article 7: Additional Costs and Penalties

The Lessee is responsible for all storage costs during the rental period and fully liable for fines and penalties due to improper or illegal bicycle use.

Article 8: Handling of Personal Data

Personal data will be processed in compliance with GDPR (EU 2016/679) and national privacy laws, solely for executing the agreement, customer service, and direct marketing. Lessees may request access, correction, or deletion of their personal data.

Article 9: Lessor's Liability

The Lessor is not liable for damages resulting from improper, illegal, or careless use by the Lessee, nor for hidden defects, theft, loss, or confiscation unless due to gross negligence or intentional misconduct. The Lessor waives liability for the Lessee’s inability to use rented bicycles.

Article 10: Company Identification

• KvK Amsterdam Registration: 50.11.75.80
• VAT Number: NL 82.25.60.264.B01
• IBAN: NL13INGB0652635768

Article 11: Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

This agreement is governed by Dutch Law. Disputes should first be resolved amicably through negotiation or mediation. Should mediation fail, disputes will be settled by the competent court in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.