The fine print, made clear
Terms &
conditions
Everything you need to know about booking, paying, cancelling and riding with Reykjavik Bike Tours.
Bookings
Bookings for tours, transfers and bicycle rentals can be made by email, SMS/text message, WhatsApp, telephone, or through our online booking engine, which provides automatic confirmations for selected tours and bicycle rentals.
Depending on how far in advance a booking is made, it may initially be issued as a tentative confirmation, pending payment. A booking becomes fully confirmed once the required payment has been received in accordance with our Payment Policy (see Sections 3 and 4), which sets out applicable deposits and payment deadlines based on booking type and season.
Payment methods
Payment can be made via:
- Our online payment system (credit/debit card)
- Direct bank transfer to our account, in ISK, EUR, or USD (please allow 2 to 3 business days for funds to arrive, especially when paying close to a deadline)
- In person by Visa or MasterCard at our shop
- Cash, in ISK, EUR, or USD, for all bicycle rentals and tours
Cash payments in EUR or USD will be converted using the daily market exchange rate on the date of payment. Invoices are available on request.
Payment policy: tours, transfers & rentals under 1 day
For all bookings made in advance via email or WhatsApp, a tentative confirmation is issued unless full payment has already been provided, in which case the reservation is considered confirmed.
Bookings made within these deadlines, including same-day bookings, must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Failure to pay by the applicable deadline will result in automatic cancellation of the reservation. Where a deposit or partial payment has already been made, our standard cancellation policy (see Section 5) will apply to the amount received.
Payment policy: tours, transfers & rentals over 1 day
For bookings made more than 3 months prior to the start date, a tentative confirmation is issued unless full payment has already been provided, in which case the reservation is considered confirmed.
A deposit of 20% of the total cost is required to confirm the booking. This deposit is due either:
- At the time of booking, if the booking is made within 3 months of the start date, or
- No later than the point at which the start date reaches 3 months out, for bookings made further in advance.
The remaining balance must be paid in advance of the start date:
Failure to pay the deposit or remaining balance by the applicable deadline will result in automatic cancellation of the reservation. Our standard cancellation policy (see Section 5) will apply to any amount already paid.
Cancellations & refunds: bicycle rentals, tours and transfers
All cancellations must be made in writing via email to Reykjavik Bike Tours.
Refund policy
10% of the tour, rental or transfer price is non-refundable in all cases. This covers administrative and preparation costs.
All periods are counted back from the start time of the tour, rental or transfer. No refunds are issued for "no-shows," early returns, or any other unused portion of a tour, rental or transfer.
Rescheduled bookings
Cancellation periods are always calculated from the originally booked date of the tour, rental or transfer. If a booking is moved to a later date, the cancellation tiers above continue to apply from the original date, not the new one.
Cancellations by Reykjavik Bike Tours
If we cancel or significantly change a tour, rental or transfer for weather or safety reasons (see Section 13), you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund of the amount paid.
Partial refunds
In the event of a mechanical issue (e.g. frame or critical component failure) that prevents use of the bicycle through no fault of the renter, a partial refund will be calculated on a pro-rated basis, covering the period from when the issue is reported until the bicycle is repaired or replaced. Flat tires are not considered a manufacturing or maintenance fault and are treated as normal wear occurring during use of the bicycle.
Conduct-based refusal
We reserve the right to refuse participation to any individual who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or whose behavior is deemed unsafe or disruptive to others. In such cases, no refund will be issued and full cancellation charges will apply.
Deposit
A valid Visa or MasterCard credit card number, together with a photograph of a valid form of identification (passport or national ID card), is required as a security guarantee for all bicycle rentals.
No charge or pre-authorization is placed on the card, and no cash deposit or prepayment is required. The card and ID details are held on file for the duration of the rental only, as a guarantee in case of loss, theft, or damage to the bicycle or its accessories (see Section 7).
The photograph of your identification is retained solely for the duration of the rental and is deleted upon the bicycle's safe return. It is not used for any other purpose.
Lost, stolen, or damaged bicycles
Customers are responsible for selecting a bicycle suitable for their intended use, including terrain and rider weight (see Section 11).
All bicycles are regularly maintained and inspected before rental. We ask customers to check the bicycle and report any pre-existing damage or issues before leaving the shop, so that any new damage during the rental can be identified accurately.
Lost or stolen bicycles, and damaged or missing parts or accessories (including locks and helmets), will be charged to the customer at cost price.
Bicycle issues in Reykjavík
If you experience a flat tire or mechanical issue while in Reykjavík, please return the bicycle to our shop. We will repair it immediately or provide a replacement bicycle at no additional cost.
Flat tires are considered normal wear and are not eligible for a refund (see Section 5). Where a genuine mechanical fault has prevented use of the bicycle, a partial refund may apply in accordance with Section 5.
If you are unable to return the bicycle yourself, please call us and we will do our best to assist, depending on staff availability, location, and the nature of the issue. We do not offer or guarantee a pickup service, and any assistance provided is at our discretion and subject to availability.
Bicycle issues outside Reykjavík
Customers renting bicycles for travel outside Reykjavík are expected to have basic repair knowledge (e.g. fixing flat tires, tightening bolts).
If an issue arises:
- Notify us immediately by phone (available daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM). Time is critical for arranging parts or replacement bicycles via public transport.
- For normal wear and tear (e.g. worn tires, broken spokes), we will cover the cost of replacement or repair.
- We may send parts or bicycles by bus or plane when practical, or direct you to the nearest available bicycle repair shop.
- Please keep all repair receipts and present them when returning your bicycle for reimbursement.
Where a genuine mechanical fault (not normal wear and tear) prevents use of the bicycle, a partial refund may apply in accordance with Section 5.
Rider responsibilities
By renting a bicycle, the customer confirms that they are in good physical health and possess the necessary skill and experience to ride safely under the conditions of their rental or tour.
Reykjavik Bike Tours reserves the right to assess a customer's suitability to ride prior to rental and may decline to rent a bicycle where there is reasonable concern for the rider's safety or the safety of others.
Riders must comply with all applicable Icelandic traffic laws and regulations at all times, as well as any instructions given by Reykjavik Bike Tours staff or guides.
Weight limit
Our standard bicycles are designed for riders up to approximately 100 kg. Premium models (e.g. TREK) can typically accommodate up to 125 kg including luggage, though the risk of mechanical damage increases on rough terrain at higher weights.
Rear racks are designed to carry a maximum of 20 kg.
These limits should be taken into account when selecting a suitable bicycle (see Section 7). Damage resulting from exceeding these limits may be treated as customer-caused damage under Section 7.
Travel insurance
We strongly recommend that all participants obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering:
- Trip cancellation or interruption
- Loss or theft of personal items
- Medical expenses or injury
Please confirm that your policy includes coverage for cycling, mountain biking, or trekking in remote areas, as standard travel insurance policies often exclude these activities.
All payments, cancellation fees, and costs described elsewhere in these Terms & Conditions (see Sections 5, 6, and 7) must be settled directly with Reykjavik Bike Tours in accordance with those terms. If you wish to claim any of these costs back, you will need to seek reimbursement directly from your own insurance provider. Reykjavik Bike Tours is not responsible for filing, supporting, or guaranteeing the outcome of any insurance claim.
Weather & clothing
All outdoor activities in Iceland are weather- and condition-dependent. We reserve the right to modify itineraries or cancel tours for safety reasons (see Section 5). Please note that weather in Iceland can change rapidly throughout the day, which may affect cycling conditions.
Participants must wear suitable outdoor clothing and appropriate footwear. This is particularly important in spring and autumn, when conditions can shift quickly. We have a limited supply of extra clothing (e.g. hats, gloves, coats, rain gear, thermal overalls) available at our shop at no additional cost, if needed.
Luggage storage
By storage, we mean the storage of personal belongings (e.g. bags, backpacks, bike boxes).
Storage is free of charge for customers renting a bicycle from us during their rental period. For those not renting a bicycle or using any other service that we provide, storage is available for a fee.
In both cases, Reykjavik Bike Tours and its staff accept no liability for lost, missing, or damaged belongings, except where such loss or damage is caused by our gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Liability waiver
By renting a bicycle or participating in a tour, the renter acknowledges that cycling, including on roads, trails, and in variable weather and terrain conditions, involves inherent risks. These risks include, but are not limited to, physical exertion, road and traffic conditions, weather changes, the actions of other road users, and injury resulting from mechanical failure occurring during use.
The renter agrees to release Reykjavik Bike Tours, its staff, agents, and guides from liability for injury, loss, or damage arising during the rental or tour period, except where such injury, loss, or damage is caused by our gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Participants are strongly encouraged to review Section 12 (Travel Insurance) to ensure adequate coverage for cycling-related risks before their rental or tour begins.
