Gobbler Gears Rental Agreement

The Gobbler Gears program is open to all currently-enrolled students. To participate in the program, students must have a valid student ID number, a Virginia Tech email address, and be currently enrolled in classes at Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus.

Bicycles are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis.

Each Gobbler Gears bicycle may only be ridden by the person to whom it has been rented, and may not be shared with additional riders.

Please be aware that all rental and late fees are 100% non-refundable.

Gobbler Gears bicycle rental rates are:

• Any one semester (Fall, Spring or Summer): $60
• Any two semesters (Fall-Spring, Spring-Summer, or Summer-Fall): $100

Each semester rental term begins on the first day of classes for that semester and ends on the last day of regular classes for that semester. Reading days and final exam dates are not included in the rental term. However, if someone needs to extend their rental through reading day/finals, they can contact Sustainable Transportation to arrange that extension.

After an interested person completes the Gobbler Gears application form, Sustainable Transportation staff will review it to ensure there is a bicycle available that fits the individual. If a bicycle is available, the student will be contacted and notified that their University account has been charged. They will need to pay their account and complete the Heads Up Hokies course (~1 hour time commitment) within two business days. Failure to complete this step within two business days will result in the bicycle being reassigned to another person.

Once the rental fee has been paid, and the Heads Up Hokies course has been completed, individuals have seven days to pick up their bicycle from the Hokie Bike Hub. Proof of payment is required prior to receiving a bicycle. A bicycle safety check, helmet fitting and lock demonstration will occur at pick up.

People who fail to pick up their bicycle within seven days of having paid for their rental will have their rental agreement terminated without refund, and their bicycle shall be reassigned.

Individuals are responsible for returning their bicycle on or before the scheduled return date (shown above under Rental Rates). The bicycle should be returned with all of its accessories (see Bicycle Accessories). People who do not return their bicycle by the end of their rental period return date shall be charged a late return fee of $60.

People who wish to discontinue their rental prior to their normal scheduled return date are solely responsible for contacting Sustainable Transportation and scheduling a date and time to return their bicycle to the Hokie Bike Hub.

Bicycles not returned within six days of the normal scheduled return date, for any reason (lost, damaged, stolen, etc.), shall be subject to a $250 replacement fee charged to the student’s account. This fee is in addition to the $60 late return fee.

Bicycles that are damaged beyond repair will result in the person being charged the full $250 replacement cost.

If the bicycle is stolen, the person must report the theft to the VT Police Department as soon as the theft is discovered and provide Sustainable Transportation with a copy of the police report. Sustainable Transportation may then waive the replacement fee based on the contents of the police report.

Any person who has reported a stolen bicycle, had the replacement fee waived through the police report process, and wishes to continue participation in the Gobbler Gears program during the same semester or any future semester shall be subject to a one-time, non-refundable administrative fee equivalent to the cost of a semester rental. This fee must be paid, along with any applicable rental charges, prior to the issuance of a replacement or new bicycle.

The $250 replacement fee for a stolen bicycle may only be waived once per person. Any other bicyles reported stolen by the same person must have the replacement fee paid in full.

Any person who returns a bicycle without the U-lock shall be charged a $85 replacement fee.

All fees associated with Gobbler Gears will be charged to students’ University accounts. Rental fees are 100% non-refundable.

Bicycle repair services are performed at no charge by Hokie Bike Hub staff. Repairs are performed by appointment only. To schedule a repair appointment, please email us at gettingaround@vt.edu with a description of the problem, your phone number, and dates/hours of availability, and our mechanics will contact you as soon as possible to schedule a repair appointment.

Most repairs will take place at the Hokie Bike Hub, but staff may be able to travel to your location on campus to perform repairs. Repair appointments are normally available each week from 9:30am – 5pm, Monday – Friday. Hokie Bike Hub staff will not travel off campus for repair appointments.

Gobbler Gears participants agree to adhere to all federal, state, and local traffic and safety laws pertaining to bicycling. Furthermore, participants also acknowledge they have the necessary experience to use a bicycle and ride properly, and they do not have any pre-existing medical conditions that would be adversely impacted through participation in the program.

Virginia Tech assumes no liability for any accident or injury which may arise from participation in the Gobbler Gears program. Participants acknowledge and assume the risk of all conditions arising from their use of the Gobbler Gears bicycle. Participants understand and acknowledge that riding a bicycle involves inherent risks, including (but not limited to) falls, collisions, mechanical failures, and the unpredictability of road and weather conditions.

The Borrower agrees to promptly notify Virginia Tech of any defects, malfunctions, or necessary repairs needed during the loan period.

Each Gobbler Gears bicycle comes with a keyed U-lock, front white light, and rear red light. People may purchase and install their own additional safety and convenience-related accessories (bells, baskets, racks, fenders, etc.) as long as these accessories do not permanently damage or alter the bicycle in any way. However, people may not modify their bicycle by replacing or removing any existing parts.

Bicycles and locks must be returned undamaged with all parts and accessories installed as originally accepted, and any additional accessories installed by the person must be completely removed prior to returning the bicycle.

A free helmet will be provided with the bicycle. Sustainable Transportation highly recommends the use of a helmet when riding a bicycle in order to reduce the risk of head injuries and provide a safer riding experience. The helmet does not need to be returned at the end of the rental term.

Gobbler Gears bicycles are registered with Virginia Tech.

Bicycles must be locked using the Gobbler Gears-issued U-lock at all times when left unattended or not in use, and participants acknowledge that they bear sole responsibility for ensuring their bicycle is locked under these conditions. Participants may not use the Gobbler Gears-issued lock to lock up any bicycle other than their Gobbler Gears bicycle. Bicycles left unlocked, locked with a different lock other than the Gobbler Gears-issued U-lock, or inappropriately locked to trees, railings, etc. may be subject to removal by Sustainable Transportation and termination of the rental agreement without refund.

Gobbler Gears bicycles are not designed for, and may not be used for, mountain biking, trick riding, ramp jumping, riding on severe terrain, or racing. Participants acknowledge that they understand and agree to these restrictions and will not use the bicycle in a prohibited manner.

Sustainable Transportation retains the right to refuse replacement and/or additional participation in our program for any student who has been determined to be negligent in operating, maintaining or securing their bicycle and directly or indirectly contributing to its damage, loss or theft.

Gobbler Gears participants are required to bring their bicycle to the Hokie Bike Hub once per month for a safety check. Safety checks shall be performed by Hokie Bike Hub staff at no charge. Participants will be contacted to schedule a time that is convenient for them.