Here’s what bike-share companies in the U.S. typically say regarding insurance, liability, and rider responsibility. Most of them include legal disclaimers in their terms of service (TOS) that shift responsibility to the rider.
🚫 1. No Insurance Provided
Most bike-share companies do not provide any insurance for:
- Injuries to the rider
- Damage or injury to others (liability)
- Stolen bikes during your rental
Example: Lime’s User Agreement
“You understand and agree that your use of the Services is at your own risk. Lime is not responsible for injury, death, or property damage related to the use of the Vehicle.”
📜 2. Mandatory Waiver of Liability
You usually have to agree to a waiver of liability, which means:
- You can’t sue the company if something goes wrong
- You accept full responsibility for your actions and safety
Example: Citi Bike (Lyft-owned)
“You expressly agree to release the company from all liability for any and all claims… arising out of or in connection with your use of a bicycle.”
🧑⚖️ 3. You Assume the Risk
They make it clear that:
- You’re using the bike “as-is”
- You must inspect it yourself before riding
- You are expected to obey all traffic laws
Example: Bird (used more for scooters but applies to bikes too)
“Rider agrees to assume full responsibility for all risks, injuries, or death that may occur while using a Bird Vehicle.”
🧾 4. Rider Pays for Damages
If a bike is stolen while under your account or gets damaged:
- You may be charged up to the full replacement cost
- Some companies list fees up to $1,200
📌 Summary Table
| Company | Insurance Provided? | Rider Liability Waiver | Damage/Stolen Bike Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Bike (Lyft) | ❌ No | ✅ Required | ✅ Yes (up to full cost) |
| Lime | ❌ No | ✅ Required | ✅ Yes |
| Bird | ❌ No | ✅ Required | ✅ Yes |
| Spin | ❌ No | ✅ Required | ✅ Yes |
| Divvy (Chicago) | ❌ No | ✅ Required | ✅ Yes |
🔐 How Can You Protect Yourself?
- Use personal health insurance for injuries.
- Consider personal liability coverage (through renters or umbrella insurance).
- Always inspect the bike before riding and obey local laws.