Clear policies designed to help your rental day run smoothly. If you have questions before booking, we’re always happy to help clarify — just give us a call or send a message.
Not sure how long to ride or which direction to go? Visit our Plan Your Ride page before booking.
Table of contents
- Reservations and Payment
- Age Requirements and Waivers
- Arrival Time, Check-In, and Late Arrivals
- Cancellation and Rescheduling
- Special Packages and Add-Ons
- Early Returns
- Return Time, Late Returns, and Impact on Other Reservations
- Bike Assignment and Switching
- Pets and Passenger Equipment
- Weather Policy
- Trail Assistance and Recovery
- Battery Assistance
- Equipment Condition and Excessive Cleaning
- Authorization Holds
- Damage Assessment and Charges
- Safety and Fitness to Ride
- Need to Cancel or Reschedule?
Reservations and Payment
A valid credit card or eligible debit card is required for all reservations.
Debit cards may be used for reservations with a total rental value under $500 (before taxes and fees). For reservations exceeding $500, a valid credit card is required at the time of booking.
- A completed rental waiver is required before riding.
- A temporary authorization hold will be placed on the card on file at check-in. Holds are not charges and are released after equipment is returned in good condition, unless additional charges apply.
Age Requirements and Waivers
- E-bike operators must be at least 16 years old.
- Operators who are 16 or 17 are considered minors by Tioga Wilds and may ride only with the consent of a parent or legal guardian.
- A parent/legal guardian is expected to complete: a waiver for themselves, and a separate waiver for all minor riders (two waivers are required).
- Adult waivers may be completed online. Minor waivers must be completed in person at the shop prior to riding.
- The adult completing a minor waiver must be the rider’s legal parent or legal guardian.
Identification may be requested to verify age or guardianship.
Arrival Time, Check-In, and Late Arrivals
- Significantly late arrivals may be classified as a no-show, especially during busy periods.
- Please arrive at least 20 minutes early to allow time for check-in and bike orientation.
- Reservations begin at the scheduled start time. Late arrivals reduce your available ride time and do not extend the reservation period.
Identification Requirement
At least one valid, government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license) is required per reservation at check-in.
If multiple riders are included on a single reservation, only one ID is required. If separate reservations are made (even within the same group), each reservation must provide its own ID.
Identification is securely recorded and attached to the reservation for verification purposes.
Cancellation and Rescheduling
Cancellations (24 hours or more)
Reservations canceled 24 hours or more before the scheduled start time are eligible for a refund of rental charges and taxes, minus a 10% cancellation fee calculated from the rental subtotal (before taxes).
The cancellation fee helps cover credit card processing costs and reservation system expenses associated with processing reservations and refunds.
If a reservation is rescheduled within the same operating season, Tioga Wilds may waive the 10% cancellation fee at its discretion.
Late Cancellations (less than 24 hours)
Reservations canceled less than 24 hours before the scheduled start time may be charged the full reservation amount, including rental charges, taxes, and applicable fees.
No-Shows
Customers who fail to arrive for their scheduled reservation without notice will be charged the full reservation amount, including rental charges, taxes, and applicable fees.
Example
For example, if a rental subtotal is $50 and sales tax is $3, the 10% cancellation fee is calculated on the $50 subtotal only.
In this case, the cancellation fee would be $5, and the refund would be $48.
Special Packages and Add-Ons
Special packages and add-ons (including but not limited to charcuterie boards, flowers, celebration packages, or similar items) are non-refundable once reserved.
If a reservation is canceled for any reason, charges for special packages and add-ons will not be refunded, as these items are prepared or purchased in advance.
Customers who cancel their reservation will still be responsible for the full cost of any special packages or add-ons included in the reservation, even if the bike rental portion of the reservation qualifies for a refund under the standard cancellation policy.
Early Returns
Rentals are reserved and priced by the selected rental period. Early returns do not qualify for refunds or partial credits, regardless of actual ride time.
Return Time, Late Returns, and Impact on Other Reservations
- Bikes and equipment must be returned by the end of the reserved rental period.
- If a rental is returned late, additional time will be charged based on the time used. In most cases, this is calculated as the difference between rental time tiers.
- Authorization holds may be used to apply any additional time charges to the card on file.
If a late return affects other reservations, additional charges may apply. This may include hourly late fees (up to $15 per 30 minutes or $30 per hour, per bike) and, in rare cases, costs associated with a disrupted or canceled reservation.
We always aim to be fair and will apply the most reasonable charge based on timing and availability.
Bike Assignment and Switching
Each rider is assigned a specific e-bike for the duration of their rental. Riders may not switch bikes during a rental. Each rider is responsible for the bike assigned to them, including any damage or loss that occurs during their rental period.
Pets and Passenger Equipment
All pets must be transported only in an approved pet carrier provided by Tioga Wilds. Pets may not ride in baskets, on laps, or using any other equipment or accessories.
Weather Policy
Tioga Wilds operates rain or shine. Refunds are not issued due to weather conditions. In cases of severe or unsafe conditions, Tioga Wilds may contact you to reschedule for a safer time.
Trail Assistance and Recovery
Tioga Wilds may offer limited trail assistance when available. Trail assistance is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
When assistance is available:
- A replacement bike may be provided for mechanical issues such as a flat tire.
- The original bike will be recovered and returned to the shop.
- Replacement equipment may differ from the original bike and may include a cargo or passenger-capable bike if required for recovery.
Availability is limited. Tioga Wilds operates with one recovery trailer and a limited number of replacement bikes. Assistance may not be possible if resources are already in use.
Abandoned Equipment & Retrieval Fee
Bikes must be returned to the shop at the end of your rental.
If a bike is left on the trail for any reason other than a mechanical issue and requires retrieval by Tioga Wilds, a $150 retrieval fee will be charged.
E-bikes remain fully rideable even if the battery is depleted. Riders are responsible for managing battery use and completing their ride.
Battery Assistance
E-bikes remain fully rideable if the battery is depleted, though pedaling will require more effort. If staff are dispatched to replace or replenish a battery on the trail, a $85 service fee will apply (when available). Riders are responsible for monitoring battery levels and managing usage accordingly.
If you are unsure about distance or battery usage, please ask our team before departing—we’re happy to help you plan your ride.
Equipment Condition and Excessive Cleaning
Bikes and accessories are expected to be returned in reasonably clean condition consistent with normal trail use.
Equipment returned with excessive mud, debris, spills, pet mess, food residue, tar, or other conditions requiring additional cleaning beyond normal trail use may be subject to a $50 excessive cleaning fee.
If a bike or accessory requires specialized cleaning, detailing, or service before it can be returned to use, additional charges may apply.
Normal trail dust, damp conditions, and routine outdoor use are expected.
Authorization Holds
A temporary authorization hold is required for all rentals.
Authorization holds are not charges, but may be used to cover applicable costs such as damage, excessive cleaning, additional time, or add-ons requested during your rental.
Authorization Hold Amounts
Authorization holds are tiered based on total reservation value:
- Orders up to $500: $150 hold
- $501–$1,000: $250 hold
- $1,001–$1,500: $350 hold
- $1,501–$2,000: $500 hold
Holds are designed to cover potential additional time, minor damage, or add-ons—and are released after your rental if no additional charges apply.
Equipment Responsibility & Inspection
All bikes and equipment are inspected upon return. Customers are responsible for any damage, loss, or excessive cleaning beyond normal wear and trail conditions.
Some issues may not be immediately visible and may be identified during a follow-up inspection. If needed, additional time may be required to assess repairs or cleaning before final charges are determined.
If charges apply, they will be billed to the card on file.
Additional Time & Charges
If a rental is returned late, additional time may be charged to the card on file using the authorization hold.
In most cases, this is calculated as the difference between rental time tiers.
If a delay impacts other reservations, additional charges of up to $15 per 30 minutes or $30 per hour, per bike, may apply.
Hold Release
If equipment is returned in acceptable condition, the authorization hold will be released. Release timing depends on your card issuer and typically appears within a few business days.
Normal trail dust, damp conditions, and routine outdoor use are expected and are not considered damage.
Damage Assessment and Charges
Damage Responsibility
Renters are responsible for damage to bikes, accessories, batteries, or equipment beyond normal wear and tear, as outlined in the rental waiver.
Damage charges may include:
- parts and replacement components
- labor and repair time
- shipping and handling
- applicable taxes and fees
- third-party service or repair costs, if required
Damage Assessment Process
Damage is not always immediately visible at the time of return. If damage is identified during inspection, Tioga Wilds will document the issue and provide an itemized invoice.
Equipment is typically evaluated within 3 business days following the end of the rental period. In cases where damage requires further mechanical review, parts sourcing, or disassembly before the full extent can be determined, a preliminary assessment may be issued first, with a final invoice to follow. Repair and service costs are based on the work required to return equipment to safe, rentable condition.
Billing
Approved charges may be applied to the card on file in accordance with the rental waiver and authorization agreement.
If damage costs exceed the authorization hold, additional charges may apply.
Safety and Fitness to Ride
Tioga Wilds reserves the right to refuse rental to any individual who, in our judgment, cannot safely operate an e-bike. This determination is based on observed safety concerns at the time of rental, regardless of the cause.
Have general questions about e-bikes, batteries, or riding with kids or pets? Visit our FAQs page for quick answers.
Need to Cancel or Reschedule?
To cancel or reschedule a reservation, please contact us directly 📞 (570) 707-6010
You can also contact us if you have questions before booking.
