Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about renting an e-bike in Chicago. Can't find your answer? Contact us.
Booking & Payment
How do I book an e-bike?
Booking is fast and fully online. Choose your rental plan (8-hour, weekend, or monthly), select your start date, and complete payment through our secure Stripe checkout. After payment, you'll receive a digital rental agreement to sign electronically. Once signed, your booking is confirmed and you're ready for pickup.
See our How It Works page for a step-by-step walkthrough of the full process.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards through Stripe, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Apple Pay and Google Pay are also supported at checkout. All transactions are encrypted and processed securely through Stripe's PCI-compliant payment infrastructure.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes. Cancellations made 48 or more hours before your rental start time receive a full refund. Cancellations between 24 and 48 hours receive a 50% refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start time are non-refundable.
You can cancel directly through the booking confirmation link in your email. Visit our cancellation policy for full details.
What is the security deposit?
A $300 refundable security deposit is required for all rentals. The deposit is held on your card and fully refunded within 5 business days after the bike is returned in good condition. The deposit covers potential damage or loss during your rental period.
Learn more on our pricing page.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least 2-3 days in advance, especially for weekend rentals which fill up quickly. Same-day bookings may be available depending on the calendar. You can check real-time availability on our booking page up to 60 days out.
Do you offer group or recurring bookings?
We currently operate a single premium e-bike, so group bookings are not available at this time. However, if you're a regular rider or delivery driver who wants to book recurring weekends or months, reach out to us at admin@peromnia.co and we can arrange a standing reservation.
The E-Bike
What kind of e-bike do you rent?
We rent the Big Sur Sport, a premium Class 3 electric bike with pedal-assist up to 28 mph. It features a powerful mid-drive motor, a long-range battery, front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and an integrated rear rack. It's built to handle everything from city commuting to food delivery.
What is the battery range?
The battery provides 30+ miles of range on a single charge under normal riding conditions. Range varies depending on pedal-assist level, rider weight, terrain, and wind. For delivery drivers doing stop-and-go city riding, expect around 25-35 miles per charge.
Weekend and monthly rentals include a charger so you can top off between shifts.
How fast does the e-bike go?
The pedal-assist system supports speeds up to 28 mph, making it a Class 3 e-bike. You control the assist level, so you can ride at a comfortable pace or push it for faster deliveries. The bike only assists while you're pedaling, so you're always in full control.
Is the e-bike good for hills?
Absolutely. The mid-drive motor provides strong torque that handles Chicago's inclines and overpasses with ease. Even with a loaded delivery bag, you'll climb hills without breaking a sweat. The front suspension also keeps the ride smooth on rough roads and potholes.
What accessories are included?
All rentals include a helmet and a quick safety briefing. Weekend and monthly rentals also include a battery charger and a premium U-lock. The bike comes with an integrated rear rack, front and rear lights, and fenders.
If you need a phone mount or delivery bag rack, let us know in advance and we can have them ready for pickup. Check our pricing page for what's included with each plan.
Process & Logistics
Where do I pick up the e-bike?
Pickup is at our Lake Shore Drive location in downtown Chicago (680 N Lake Shore Dr, Suite 110-1327, Chicago, IL 60611). It's centrally located with easy access to the Loop, River North, Lincoln Park, and the lakefront trail.
We'll send you exact meeting details and directions after your booking is confirmed. See our How It Works page for more on the pickup process.
What do I need to bring for pickup?
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport) and the phone you used to sign the rental agreement. We'll verify your identity, walk you through the bike's features, and get you on the road in about 10 minutes.
What happens if I return the bike late?
Please return the bike on time to avoid additional charges. A grace period of 30 minutes is provided, but returns beyond that may incur a late fee equivalent to a prorated daily rate. If you realize you'll be late, contact us as soon as possible so we can work out a solution.
What if something breaks during my rental?
Contact us immediately at admin@peromnia.co if you experience any mechanical issue. Do not attempt to repair the bike yourself. For minor issues like a flat tire, we'll arrange a quick swap or repair.
Damage from normal wear and tear is covered, but damage due to misuse or negligence may be deducted from your security deposit as outlined in the rental agreement.
Do I need bike insurance?
Personal bike insurance is not required but is recommended. The $300 security deposit covers minor damage, but significant damage beyond the deposit amount may be the renter's responsibility as outlined in the rental agreement. Check if your renter's or homeowner's insurance covers rental equipment.
For Delivery Drivers
Is this e-bike good for food delivery?
It's one of the best bikes you can use for delivery. The Big Sur Sport's 28 mph pedal assist lets you cover more ground faster, and the 30+ mile range easily handles a full delivery shift. The integrated rear rack supports insulated delivery bags, and the Class 3 speed means you can keep up with traffic to reach customers quickly.
Visit our delivery drivers page to see how an e-bike can boost your earnings.
Which delivery platforms work best with an e-bike?
An e-bike works great with all major platforms: DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Instacart. Platforms that let you set your vehicle type to "bicycle" often give you shorter-distance orders in dense areas, which is ideal for maximizing deliveries per hour. Many drivers run multiple apps simultaneously for maximum earnings.
Can I use the e-bike for multiple delivery apps?
Yes, absolutely. Many of our renters multi-app across DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Instacart during a single shift. The e-bike's speed and range make it easy to juggle orders from different platforms. Just make sure you manage your accepted orders carefully to keep all customers happy.
How much more can I earn with an e-bike?
Delivery drivers on e-bikes typically complete 2-3x more orders per hour compared to walking or regular biking, and save significantly on gas, parking, and car maintenance versus driving. A weekend rental at $100 can easily pay for itself within the first few hours of deliveries.
Visit our delivery drivers page for a detailed earnings breakdown and ROI calculator.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help. Reach out anytime and we'll get back to you quickly.