RENTALS AND SELF-GUIDED TOURS

1. DIRECT RENTALS AT OUR SHOP

Equipment can be rented at any time during shop opening hours. No prior booking is required, subject to availability.

2. RESERVATIONS

• Bike & Water Flow offers sports equipment rental through waterflow.pt, social networks, email, or phone.
• By making a reservation through any of these channels, you agree to these Terms and Conditions.
• The customer acknowledges that under certain circumstances, such as simultaneous requests exceeding available equipment, Bike & Water Flow may be unable to fulfill reservations.
• If reserved equipment is unavailable, Bike & Water Flow may propose an alternative date or issue a full refund via the original payment method.

2.1. MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM ADVANCE RESERVATION ON OUR WEBSITE

• Reservations can be made at least 12 hours in advance of the rental start time, and up to less than 12 months in advance.
• Reservations more than 12 months in advance are not accepted; please contact us directly.
• Reservations made less than 12 hours in advance require direct confirmation from Bike & Water Flow. Please contact us directly via WhatsApp, call or text message.

3. RENTAL PERIODS

3.1. MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM RENTAL PERIOD

• The minimum rental period is 1 day, as listed on our website. One day corresponds to the period between shop opening and closing hours.
• For 24-hour rentals, an additional fee of €10 applies to electric equipment and €5 to non-electric equipment.
• Half-day rentals are only available for kayaks and stand-up paddle equipment.

3.2. EXTENSION OF RENTAL PERIOD

• Rental periods can be extended subject to confirmation by Bike & Water Flow, based on equipment availability.
• Bike & Water Flow reserves the right to deny extensions due to unavailability.

4. RESERVATION CONFIRMATION

• Upon reservation through our website, social networks, or by phone, you will receive a confirmation email with details.
• Contact us if you require an invoice with a Tax Identification Number, which will be provided upon equipment delivery or by email.

5. RENTAL PRICES

• Prices, subject to change per these Terms and Conditions, are available on waterflow.pt and include VAT at the current legal rate.
• In the event of a computer payment error resulting in an overpayment, Bike & Water Flow will refund the excess amount.
• Underpayments must be settled in cash or through MBway at the time of signing the Liability Term.

6. PAYMENT METHODS

• Bike & Water Flow accepts electronic payments via debit/credit cards on our website, encrypted with SSL.
• Payment can also be made in cash, bank transfer or through MBway upon equipment delivery, applicable to reservations by phone, email, social networks, or website with cash or MBway payment selected.
• Payment must be made at the time of signing the Liability Term.

7. PICK-UP AND RETURN OF EQUIPMENT AT BIKE & WATER FLOW SHOP

7.1. EQUIPMENT PICK-UP

• During shop opening hours, the equipment will be prepared for pick-up at the agreed-upon time during checkout.
• Delays of up to 1 hour will be accommodated without penalty; beyond this, equipment may be reassigned to other clients without refund.

7.2. EQUIPMENT RETURN

• Return times vary by season:
  • June – August: 9 AM – 1 PM | 3 PM – 7 PM
  • September – May: 10 AM – 1 PM | 3 PM – 6 PM
  • Closed on Sundays.
• Delays must be promptly communicated via call, text, or WhatsApp.
• A €10 fee applies for all delays, plus €10/hour per delayed equipment.

8. DELIVERY AND COLLECTION OF EQUIPMENT TO THE CLIENT

8.1. DELIVERY TO THE CLIENT

• We offer delivery services in Ferragudo, Carvoeiro, Alvor, Portimão city and Lagoa city. If you’re located outside these areas, feel free to contact us for more details and delivery quotes.
• Delivery is free on orders over €99. For orders below €99, a delivery fee of €15 applies. If you’re located outside the areas mentioned above, feel free to contact us for more details and delivery quotes.
• Deliveries are scheduled between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., with alternate times requiring prior arrangement and confirmation.
• Clients must schedule delivery at least 12 hours in advance, complete and sign the Liability Term, and present a valid ID upon delivery.

8.2. COLLECTION BY BIKE & WATER FLOW

• Pick ups only in the same areas as the deliveries. Check 8.1.
• Pick ups are scheduled during the last rental day by WhatsApp, call or text message. The last pick up time slot is at 6:30 p.m.
• Clients must confirm the collection time on the final rental day, with any changes to the collection location requiring prompt communication and confirmation.

8.3. DELAYS OR NON-APPEARANCE FOR EQUIPMENT DELIVERY TO THE CLIENT

• Clients must promptly notify Bike & Water Flow of any delivery delays. Exceeding a 20-minute delay without prior communication may result in reservation cancellation without refund.

8.4. DELAYS OR NON-APPEARANCE FOR RETURNING EQUIPMENT TO BIKE & WATER FLOW

• Clients must immediately communicate any delays in returning rented equipment. Late returns incur a fee of €10 per hour per equipment, with equipment deemed stolen if not returned within 2 hours of the agreed-upon time, potentially leading to criminal proceedings.

8.5. RETURN OF EQUIPMENT BEFORE THE END OF THE RESERVATION PERIOD

If the client returns the equipment before the scheduled end of the reservation period, no refunds will be issued for unused time.

9. DEPOSIT AND IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENT

• Bike & Water Flow does not impose a deposit requirement for equipment rentals; however, clients are obligated to complete and sign the Liability Term and present a valid identification document upon equipment pickup or delivery.
• Bike & Water Flow retains the right to retain client identification details until the equipment undergoes inspection. In cases of discrepancies, damage, or theft involving the equipment, clients shall be promptly notified and held liable for the costs associated with repair or replacement of the equipment.
• Complete details of equipment valuations can be reviewed at the conclusion of these Terms and Conditions.

10. CANCELLATION & REFUNDS

• Clients may cancel reservations free of charge up to 48 hours before the commencement of the rental period.
• Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice will incur a charge equivalent to 100% of the reservation value.
• All cancellations must be effected during the store’s regular business hours as currently scheduled.

11. ASSISTANCE TO EQUIPMENT

Assistance for equipment is available exclusively during operating hours and subject to availability.

• For locations within 15 km of our shop, assistance is offered at a fee of €15 per equipment, plus the cost of consumables or damaged parts, as outlined in the signed Liability Term.
• If on-site assistance is not possible, we recommend removing the front wheel and transporting the bike via Uber XL or Taxi Van to return it to our shop. The transport cost will be deducted from consumables/damaged parts, upon presentation of the transport receipt.
• FOR BIKES: A Flat Tire Repair Kit is always provided with every rental. The kit must be returned (excluding any used tube). Failure to return the kit will incur a €30 charge. The kit contains: instant repair foam, three plastic tire levers, a small air pump, and a multi-tool kit.

12. DAMAGE, LOSS, OR THEFT OF RENTED EQUIPMENT

• Bike & Water Flow operates under a trust-based rental model that does not necessitate a deposit. However, clients assume full responsibility for any damage, loss, or theft of rented equipment.

12.1. PROCEDURES

• Clients are strictly responsible for immediately notifying Bike & Water Flow of any damage, theft, or loss of equipment to facilitate resolution.
• Clients bear full financial responsibility for all costs related to repair or replacement of damaged equipment, calculated at the current retail price available at local stores.
• In cases of theft, Bike & Water Flow will cooperate with law enforcement to pursue recovery; however, clients remain fully liable for the total retail value of the stolen equipment as specified in these Terms and Conditions. Payment is mandatory regardless of the outcome or duration of any investigation.
• Clients must reimburse Bike & Water Flow the full retail price for any lost equipment, based on local or reputable online retail prices. This obligation is unconditional and must be fulfilled promptly to ensure replacement of the equipment and uninterrupted service to future customers.

12.2. VALUES

• Complete details of equipment valuations can be reviewed at the conclusion of these Terms and Conditions.

12.3. CLEANING FEE AND EQUIPMENT CONDITION

• Upon return, all equipment must be in clean and proper condition.
• Bike & Water Flow reserves the right to apply a cleaning fee if equipment is returned in a condition that requires extra cleaning.
• The cleaning fee will be communicated to the client at the time of return and must be paid immediately.

• Standard cleaning fees are as follows:
  • Bicycles: €15
  • Fat Tire Bikes: €20
  • Electric Scooters: €20
  • Helmets and Accessories: €5
• In the event of excessive dirt, mud, sand, or saltwater exposure requiring special treatment, additional cleaning charges may apply.

12.4. TRACKING AND RESPONSIBILITY IN CASE OF THEFT OR LOSS

• Some of our equipment, including certain bicycles, are equipped with tracking devices (GPS) to assist in recovery.
• However, not all equipment has these devices, and even those with GPS can malfunction or be disabled.
• Therefore, having a GPS tracker does not exempt the customer from full payment responsibility in case of loss or theft.
• The recovery process involves police investigations, formal complaints, and inquiries, which can take months or even over a year, without any guarantee of equipment recovery.
• For this reason, the customer must assume full financial responsibility for the equipment immediately upon confirmation of loss or theft, allowing Bike & Water Flow to replace the equipment promptly and maintain service availability for other customers.
• Failure to settle the amount may lead to legal actions to recover the owed sum and possible suspension of services.

13. RENTALS FOR MINORS

• Minors are eligible to reserve Bike & Water Flow equipment, provided a responsible adult with valid identification is present during equipment pick up or delivery.
• The adult must execute the Liability Term on behalf of the minor and shall bear responsibility for any incidents arising during the rental period.

14. SAFETY EQUIPMENT

• Bike & Water Flow offers complimentary safety equipment tailored to each rental, such as flotation vests, signaling buoys, and helmets.
• The client assumes sole responsibility for their use.
• Bike & Water Flow disclaims any liability for accidents arising from failure to utilize safety equipment.

15. INSURANCE

• Equipment rentals do not encompass personal accident or liability insurance from Bike & Water Flow. Clients assume full responsibility for any damage to equipment, third parties, or themselves during the rental period.
• The rentals does not include any liability insurance or personal accident insurance from Bike & Water Flow, and this responsibility lies solely and entirely with the Client.

16. RISKS AND LIABILITY

• Clients commit to the appropriate use of equipment, refraining from competitive applications. They acknowledge full responsibility for accidents, losses, thefts, or misuse of equipment, including associated expenses. Clients indemnify Bike & Water Flow for complete recovery costs.
• Deterioration, loss, theft, or robbery does not warrant suspension or termination of the contract at the client’s initiative. Rentals remain subject to billing under the originally agreed conditions. Clients confirm awareness of inherent risks linked to equipment use and affirm suitability for use without contraindications.
• By executing the Liability Term, clients acknowledge and assume the risks and responsibilities related to equipment usage. Client discretion concerning adherence to self-guided routes or activities recommended by Bike & Water Flow is entirely at their own risk.

17. CIVIL LIABILITY

• Clients bear full responsibility for any damage, accidents, thefts, or deterioration of equipment and accessories from receipt until return. Clients also assume accountability for any fines or penalties resulting from violations of prevailing legislation.
• Clients expressly consent to Bike & Water Flow disclosing their identity to pertinent authorities in cases where clients fail to do so and are suspected of committing offenses.

18. FAILURE TO RETURN EQUIPMENT / FRAUDULENT USE

• In the event of failure to return rented equipment without prior agreement, or if the client breaches clauses 12 to 17, Bike & Water Flow reserves the right to file a police report for theft. Additionally, Bike & Water Flow may pursue a civil claim to recover the full retail value of the product, as well as all resulting damages, including lost income and judicial costs such as legal fees, court fees, and enforcement expenses. The client expressly acknowledges and accepts liability for all such amounts.