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What it is

 

The Wee Bike Library is a programme based in Edinburgh and Perth where families can borrow kids bikes for free and exchange those bikes for the next size up as their kids grow. It has been operating since August 2023.

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The aim of the programme is to remove barriers that families face when trying to access bikes for their children, such as not being able to purchase a new bike every year or so. It is also aimed at encouraging cycling from an early age in order to promote active travel and change behaviour around transport methods.

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When using the Wee Bike Library, customers can also borrow a set of lights, lock and helmet to use with their bike. Borrowed bikes can also be repaired for free during the loan period.

  • Can I reserve more than one bike?
    Yes! Providing that we have bikes available, you can reserve one bike for each of your children.
  • What if I am unable to return the bike on its due date?
    If you are unable to return the bike on its due date, please contact us as soon as you can to let us know, or amend your reservation on our website. Failure to do so may result in a weekly charge for each week the bike is overdue.
  • Why do you need my personal details?
    We need your name, proof of ID and address so we know who we are lending out bikes to and so we can confirm that the person who made the reservation is the same person who is collecting the bike. We need your email address to contact you about feedback on the programme, as we will need to report to our funders from time to time. We need card details because if a bike is not returned or has been lost/stolen/damaged beyond repair, we will need to charge compensation as per our Terms and Conditions.
  • What bike sizes are available?
    We aim to provide at least one bike of each size across all branches every week. Bike sizes will vary between a balance bike and a 24" wheel. If your child is under 16 and they need a bike bigger than a 24", please contact us on weebikelibrary@thebikestation.org.uk
  • How do I return a bike?
    When you reserve a bike, you will need to choose a return date as well. Bikes can either be returned on those dates or at any other time during our opening hours. You do not need to book an appointment to return bikes, however if you are exchanging it for the next size up we would recommend returning them on the same day you are collecting the new bike to save you from having to make two trips.
  • I have a question about something else. How can I contact you?
    You can contact us through social media or email us at weebikelibrary@thebikestation.org.uk.
  • Can I borrow a bike whilst in the shop?
    You can, providing that there is an unreserved bike available. You will still need to sign up and agree to our Terms and Conditions online, however you can do this whilst still in the shop.
  • Can anyone access this service?
    The Wee Bike Library is available to everyone in Edinburgh and Perth and is operated on a first come, first served basis. As long as there is a suitable bike available for reservation on our website, anyone in those areas can access the service.
  • How do I reserve a bike?
    To reserve a bike, please follow this link and create an account on our Wee Bike Library platform. Once you have created an account, you will be able to reserve a bike and choose a collection and return date. If you are having trouble reserving a bike, you can watch the video below.
  • What if I pick the wrong size?
    Upon collection, providing that we have a bike available that is the appropriate size for your child, you may borrow that bike instead of the bike you originally reserved. If there isn't a bike available, you would need to cancel your reservation and reserve the appropriate bike when it became available on our inventory. We always aim to have at least one bike of each size available every week.
  • Do I need to bring anything when I collect the bike?
    You will need to bring proof of ID (passport, driving licence, bank card) and proof of address (council tax or utility bill). We will accept those in electronic format if you cannot bring the physical copy. If you are collecting a bike on behalf of the person who made the reservation, you will need to provide your name as well as their ID and proof of address. You will not be able to collect bikes if you fail to provide ID and proof of address.
  • What if my child doesn't like the bike I reserved?
    If you would like to swap the bike for another bike of the same size (based on personal preference rather than the bike being the wrong size), you will need to cancel your reservation, return the bike you originally borrowed and make a new reservation for a different bike.
  • What if the bike I want is not available?
    Bikes are added to the inventory every week and we always aim to have at least one bike of each size available. Bikes will also be returned to us from time to time. If you don't find a suitable bike straight away, we recommend checking the inventory each week to see if more bikes have been added or returned.
  • Can I borrow a bike without registering/signing up?
    Customers must sign up online and agree to our Terms and Conditions in order to access bikes through the Wee Bike Library. This is so that we can keep track of who has our bikes, how many bikes are out and due back in, etc.
  • Can I buy a kids bike?
    We currently do not sell kids bikes as they are all provided free of charge through our Wee Bike Library. By using the Library, you can borrow bikes for all your children and swap them for the next size up as they grow, so you don't need to buy bikes until your children need adult bikes.
  • What if my child is too tall?
    The largest kids bike size we offer is a 24". If your child is under 16 and requires a bike bigger than a 24", please contact us on weebikelibrary@thebikestation.org.uk
  • If I'm based in Edinburgh and found a suitable bike in Perth (or vice-versa), will I be able to collect it from my local branch?
    Unfortunately our bikes are only available at the location specified on our website. If you are able (and willing) to go to a different branch to collect a bike we will not stop you from doing so. However, we will not transport bikes between branches ourselves and the bike would have to be returned to the same branch it was collected from originally.
  • How do I sign up?
    To sign up, please visit this link. If you are having trouble, you can follow the instructions on the video below.
  • Is this service free?
    Yes! There is no cost to borrow or repair a borrowed bike from us. Upon collection, you may receive a lock, lights and a helmet if you need them. These are also free of charge, however when you stop using the service the lock and lights must be returned. We cannot accept the return of used helmets.
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