B1English

Renting a Bike or Scooter

Use these phrases to ask about prices, apps, and rules when renting a bike or scooter in a new city.

Key Phrases

Voice
Requesting a rental · 2 ways to say it

I'd like to rent a scooter for the afternoon.

neutral

US: Use 'rent' for bikes, scooters, and cars.

I'd like to hire a scooter for the afternoon.

neutral

UK: Use 'hire' for bikes and equipment.

Asking how it works · 2 ways to say it

How exactly does this work?

casual

Could you explain how to set up the rental?

polite

Use this if the system seems complicated.

Asking about the app · 2 ways to say it

Can I just pay with my card, or do I need the app?

casual

A natural way to ask for payment options.

Do I have to download an app to unlock it?

neutral
Asking the price · 2 ways to say it

How much is it an hour?

casual

Could you tell me the hourly rate, please?

polite
Asking about a deposit · 2 ways to say it

Do I have to leave a deposit?

casual

Is there a security deposit?

neutral
Asking for safety gear · 2 ways to say it

Can I get a helmet, too?

casual

Do you provide helmets, or do I need my own?

neutral
Asking about return location · 2 ways to say it

Where can I leave it when I'm done?

casual

Do I have to return the scooter to this exact spot?

neutral
Reporting damage · 2 ways to say it

Hey, this bike already has a scratch on it.

casual

Important to point out before you start riding.

I want to report a scratch, so I don't get charged for it.

neutral

Practice Dialogue

Traveler
Hi, I'd like to rent a bike for a few hours.
Staff
Sure. Have you downloaded our app yet?
Traveler
No, not yet. Do I need it to unlock the bike?
Staff
Yeah, you set up an account and scan the code on the handlebars.
Traveler
Okay, great. How much is it per hour?
Staff
It's five dollars an hour, plus a twenty-dollar deposit.
Traveler
Sounds good. Do you provide helmets?
Staff
We do. You can grab one from the rack over there.
Traveler
Thanks. And where can I leave it when I'm done?
Staff
You can drop it off at any of the green parking zones in the city.
Traveler
Perfect. Oh, I just noticed a scratch on this bike.
Staff
Thanks for pointing it out. I'll make a note so you don't get charged.

More Travel & Transport (B1)

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