Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our bicycle rental service in London. Whether you're planning a leisurely ride through Hyde Park or commuting across the city, we're here to help make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

We maintain a diverse fleet to suit different riding preferences and purposes. Our selection includes city bikes with comfortable upright seating positions, hybrid bikes that work well on both roads and light trails, mountain bikes with suspension for rougher terrain, and road bikes for those seeking speed and efficiency. We also stock electric bikes for riders who want pedal assistance, folding bikes for easy transport and storage, and children's bikes in various sizes. Each bicycle is regularly serviced and equipped with lights, locks, and basic repair kits.

Our pricing structure is designed to accommodate both short-term visitors and longer-term users. Standard city and hybrid bikes start at £8 for two hours, £15 for a full day, £40 for a week, and £120 for a month. Electric bikes are priced at £12 for two hours, £25 per day, £70 per week, and £200 monthly. Children's bikes cost £6 for two hours or £10 for a full day. We offer discounts for group bookings of three or more bikes and reduced rates for students with valid identification. All prices include helmet, lock, and basic insurance coverage. Payment can be made by card or contactless methods.

Both options are available depending on your needs and our availability. Walk-in rentals are welcome during business hours, and we typically have bikes available for immediate use on weekdays. However, during peak tourist season from May through September, and on weekends throughout the year, we strongly recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance to guarantee your preferred bicycle type. Advance bookings can be made through our website, by phone, or via email. For group rentals of five or more bikes, or for specific models like electric bikes, we suggest booking at least three days ahead to ensure availability.

To complete your rental, you'll need to present valid photo identification such as a driving licence, passport, or national identity card. We also require a payment method - we accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as contactless payments. For rentals longer than one day, we take a refundable security deposit of £100, which is held on your card and released upon safe return of the bicycle. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must be present to sign the rental agreement. We recommend bringing comfortable clothing suitable for cycling and weather-appropriate gear, though we provide helmets and basic safety equipment with every rental.

Yes, safety is our priority and all necessary equipment is included at no extra charge. Each rental comes with a properly fitted helmet that meets British safety standards, a sturdy D-lock for securing your bicycle, front and rear LED lights that are already installed and charged, and a high-visibility vest for riding in low-light conditions. We also provide a basic repair kit containing tyre levers, a spare inner tube, and a multi-tool. For longer rentals, we include a small pump. All helmets are sanitised between uses, and we have various sizes available to ensure proper fit for both adults and children.

Currently, all bicycles must be returned to our location at 124 Telford Avenue in London. We operate as a single-location service, which allows us to maintain close quality control over our fleet and ensure each bicycle is properly inspected and serviced between rentals. However, we understand that plans can change, and we offer flexible return times within our business hours. If you find yourself unable to return during our standard hours, please contact us in advance and we can often arrange alternative drop-off times for an additional fee of £15. For multi-day rentals, you're welcome to keep the bicycle overnight and return it on your final rental day.

All rentals include basic insurance that covers normal wear and tear and minor damage such as punctures or brake adjustments. If the bicycle is damaged due to an accident or misuse, you may be responsible for repair costs up to the value of the security deposit. In case of theft, you must report it to the police within 24 hours and provide us with a crime reference number. If the bicycle was properly locked using the provided lock and reasonable precautions were taken, your liability is limited to the security deposit amount. We strongly recommend always using the lock provided, never leaving the bicycle unattended in isolated areas, and taking photos of where you've parked if leaving it for extended periods. Additional theft protection insurance is available for £5 per day.

We specialise in bicycle rentals, giving you the freedom to explore London at your own pace and according to your own interests. While we don't currently offer guided tours, we provide detailed maps of popular cycling routes around London, including paths through Richmond Park, along the Thames Path, and through quieter residential areas. Our staff are local cycling enthusiasts who can recommend routes based on your fitness level and interests, suggest good places to stop for refreshments, and advise on areas to avoid during busy times. We also provide information about local cycling clubs and community rides if you're interested in group cycling experiences.

We understand that plans can change unexpectedly. For advance bookings, you can cancel or modify your reservation free of charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled pickup time, and we'll provide a full refund. Cancellations made between 12 and 24 hours before pickup incur a 50% cancellation fee, while cancellations with less than 12 hours notice are non-refundable. If you need to shorten a multi-day rental, we'll refund unused days minus one day's rental fee, provided you notify us before 10:00 on the day you wish to return. In cases of severe weather warnings issued by the Met Office, we waive cancellation fees entirely and offer full refunds or the option to reschedule.

Riders must be at least 16 years old to rent a bicycle independently. Those aged 16-17 can rent with written parental consent and must have a parent or guardian present during pickup to sign the rental agreement. Children under 16 can use our children's bikes, but these must be rented by an adult who takes full responsibility. We stock children's bikes suitable for ages 4 and up, with sizes ranging from 12-inch wheels for young children to 24-inch wheels for older kids. There's no upper age limit for rentals - we welcome riders of all ages who feel comfortable and confident cycling. Our staff can help assess whether a particular bicycle is suitable for your height, fitness level, and intended use.

Absolutely, extensions are usually possible subject to availability and advance notice. If you're on a daily rental and wish to extend, contact us before your return time and we can arrange continuation at the daily rate for each additional day. For those already on weekly or monthly rentals, extensions receive discounted rates - additional weeks are charged at £35 instead of £40, and additional months at £110 instead of £120. We require at least two hours notice before your scheduled return time to arrange an extension. If the bicycle has been reserved by another customer following your rental period, we may be able to offer a different bicycle of the same type to allow your extension.

We understand that delays can occur, and we build some flexibility into our system. There's a grace period of 30 minutes beyond your scheduled return time at no extra charge. After that, late returns are charged at £5 per hour or part thereof for the first three hours. If you're going to be more than one hour late, please call us to let us know - this courtesy call can help us manage our schedule and may allow us to waive late fees in genuine emergency situations. Returns that are more than three hours late without prior notification are charged an additional full day's rental. Repeated late returns may affect your ability to rent from us in future.

Yes, we offer child seats and bicycle trailers to help families enjoy cycling together. Rear-mounted child seats suitable for children aged 9 months to 5 years (up to 22kg) are available for £5 per day. These attach securely to adult bikes and include safety harnesses and foot straps. We also rent bicycle trailers that can accommodate one or two children, suitable for ages 1-6 years, at £12 per day. Trailers provide weather protection and are ideal for longer rides. All child-carrying equipment meets British safety standards and includes helmets sized for young children. We'll demonstrate proper installation and safety checks before you depart, and provide written instructions for your reference.

First, stop in a safe location and assess the problem. For minor issues like a puncture, you can use the repair kit provided with your rental - we include instructions and our staff can talk you through simple repairs by phone. If you're not comfortable fixing it yourself or the problem is more serious, call us immediately on +44 20 3612 8754. We'll either guide you through a solution or, if necessary, arrange to collect the bicycle and provide a replacement. For breakdowns within central London, we can usually reach you within 90 minutes during business hours. You won't be charged for mechanical failures that result from normal use, and we'll credit your rental time for any significant delays caused by bicycle problems.

All our bicycles are specifically chosen and maintained for urban riding conditions in London. They comply with UK road traffic regulations, including proper lighting, reflectors, and bell or horn. Our city bikes and hybrids are ideal for cycle lanes, shared paths, and quieter roads, with comfortable geometry for navigating traffic. The tyres are puncture-resistant and suited to typical road surfaces including occasional cobblestones. We ensure proper brake function and gear operation before each rental. Our bikes work well on dedicated cycle routes like the Cycle Superhighways, canal towpaths, and park paths. We provide route advice to help you choose paths appropriate for your confidence level, whether you prefer separated cycle lanes or are comfortable riding in mixed traffic.

We offer several ways to save on your rental. Students receive 15% off all rentals with valid student identification from any recognised institution. Groups of three or more bicycles rented simultaneously get 10% off the total booking. Weekly and monthly rentals already represent substantial savings compared to daily rates - a week costs less than three daily rentals, and a month less than six days. We run seasonal promotions during quieter months, typically January through March, offering up to 20% off multi-day rentals. Returning customers who rent more than three times in a calendar year receive a loyalty discount of 10% on subsequent bookings. Sign up for our email newsletter to receive notification of special offers and early access to promotional rates.

About Dodasa

Providing London with reliable bicycle rental services since 2018

Dodasa bicycle rental shop in London

Our Story

Dodasa began operations in London during the spring of 2018. The company was established by three cycling enthusiasts who recognized a gap in the market for straightforward, accessible bicycle rental services in South London. Starting with 15 bicycles and a small shop on Telford Avenue, we focused on serving local residents and visitors to the area.

Over the past six years, our fleet has grown to include 120 bicycles of various types. We maintain partnerships with three manufacturers and work with certified mechanics who conduct regular maintenance checks. Our customer base includes daily commuters, weekend riders, tourists exploring London, and families looking for outdoor activities.

What We Do

We operate a bicycle rental service from our location at 124 Telford Avenue in London. Our fleet includes city bikes, mountain bikes, electric bikes, and cargo bikes. Each bicycle undergoes a 12-point safety inspection before rental. We offer hourly, daily, and weekly rental options with flexible booking through our online system or in person at our shop.

Our team consists of five staff members who handle rentals, maintenance, and customer service. During peak season from May to September, we process approximately 300 rentals per week. We stock helmets, locks, lights, and panniers available for rental or purchase.

Bicycle maintenance at Dodasa workshop

Our Approach

We maintain transparent pricing with no hidden fees. All rental costs, including insurance options and accessories, are displayed before booking confirmation. Our bicycles are serviced every 30 days or after 50 rental hours, whichever comes first. We use a digital tracking system to monitor maintenance schedules and ensure each bike meets safety standards.

Customer support is available during business hours via phone, email, or in person. We provide maps of cycling routes in South London, information about bike lanes, and basic cycling safety guidelines. For longer rentals, we offer free adjustments if customers need to change saddle height or handlebar position.

Core Principles

  • Equipment Standards: All bicycles meet British safety regulations and undergo regular inspections by qualified mechanics.
  • Clear Communication: Rental terms, pricing, and policies are provided in writing before each transaction.
  • Accessibility: We offer bicycles suitable for different heights, abilities, and purposes, from casual riding to cargo transport.
  • Local Knowledge: Staff members are familiar with cycling routes in Brixton, Clapham, and surrounding areas.
  • Maintenance Focus: We allocate 20% of revenue to equipment upkeep and replacement to ensure reliability.

Since 2018, we have completed over 45,000 rentals and maintained a fleet that serves both short-term visitors and regular customers across London. Our location in SW2 provides convenient access to cycling paths throughout South London.