frequently asked questions
We've answered some of our most frequently asked questions below, or you can call or email us on our contact page.
How old do I have to be?
You need to be at least 18 years old and eligible to hold a UK licence.
What is a CBT?
CBT stands for Compulsory Basic Training and is a course you must take before you can ride on the road. After you’ve completed a CBT at the age of 18 you can ride a 125cc scooter:
The cost of a CBT differs depending on the CBT centre you choose.
You must always ride with L plates when on a provisional licence.
How long can I have a scooter for?
The minimum hire term is four months. There is no maximum hire period, you can hire for as long as you wish.
What happens when the scooter needs servicing?
Scooters need to be regularly serviced, every 3,000 miles or annually for a Piaggio Liberty 125. You need to schedule in a service at Spyder, making sure you won’t run over the service mileage limit if the workshop is busy. Spyder usually book workshop work in a week in advance.
What happens if my bike breaks down?
When you get your bike, we’ll give you a telephone number to call for a 24-hour recovery service if your scooter breaks down.
If you have a puncture you will need to pay for this yourself.
What else do I need to know about?
Besides the hire fee, you’ll also need to make sure you top up the oil on the bike and do weekly safety checks, we’ll show you how to do this once you get your scooter. If you don’t carry out these basic checks or misuse the bike then you could be liable for the full value of the bike.
Other costs that you’ll need to pay for:
- repair work if you damage the bike
- if you get a PCN (Penalty Charge Notice) or any tickets during your hire
- if you lose the lock we provide you with
- replacement of the key if you lose it
- replacement tyre if you get a puncture
- The scooter is filmed on delivery and terms are signed, if it’s not returned in the same condition you’ll be charged to put it right
Do I have to have a driving licence?
You need to be eligible to hold a UK provisional licence and have or complete a CBT. If you don’t already have a driving licence you will need to apply for your provisional licence so you can take your CBT
What's included in the hire fee?
A Spyder Scooter Hire fee includes manufacturer scheduled servicing at Spyder Motorcycles, tyre changes due to wear and tear with Spyder, breakdown cover, MOT, tax, a chain lock and tracker, delivery at the start of your hire and pick up at the end.
What happens if I damage the scooter?
You can insure the scooter third party fire and theft or fully comprehensive depending on your budget. All riders will sign our terms and conditions to agree to pay an excess of up to £500 in the event a bike is stolen, written off or damaged in anyway and there is no third party or insurance cover to claim against. It’s very important that you always secure with the scooters integrated steering lock and the chain lock we supply you with. You also need to look after the scooter as if it were your own. If you cause any damage you’ll be charged, if the repair costs Spyder £20 to mend it, that is what you will need to pay.
How long does it take to get a bike?
The length of time it takes to get a bike largely depends on if you already have taken your CBT or not. If you have and you meet all the affordability criteria and you are quick getting your paperwork to us and insurance organised, then we could get you on a bike in less than a week. If you need to take a CBT and can book it quickly, we hope to get you on a bike between ten days to two weeks.
What happens when the scooter needs tyres replacing?
It is illegal to ride a scooter with worn tyres. Tyres have a wear bar to help you understand when they require changing. Spyder will replace your tyres when worn within your hire fee. You need to schedule in tyre replacements at Spyder, leaving enough time and tread depth if the workshop is busy. Spyder usually book jobs into the workshop a week in advance.
It is your responsibility to replace a tyre due to a puncture, this isn’t covered in your hire fee.