Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the hire charge as standard?
Does the hire charge include a helmet?
Can I hire any other safety equipment?
What kind of licence do I need to hire a bike?
I’ve got some points on my licence – can I still hire one of your bikes?
What happens is I get a parking ticket or speeding fine?
What do I do if I have an accident?
How do I know the bikes are roadworthy?
How old to I need to be to hire a bike?
Can I carry someone on the back?
Can we have more than one rider?
Can I take a bike abroad?
Do the bikes have gears?
Can I come and see the bikes before I book?
What is the booking process?
Do you provide any training?
What is the security deposit used for?
Where are you based?
What are your opening hours?
Do you deliver?
Can I get a discount?
Where do you suggest we go with our bikes?
Do you have any more bikes, other than those mentioned?
Do you sell any bikes?
What happens if I’ve booked and it rains or I need to cancel for another reason?
What other things are the bikes available for?
I’ve got a foreign licence – is that ok?
Think you’ve got a silly question?

What is included in the hire charge as standard?

  • Unlimited mileage
  • Standard (Third Party, Fire and Theft) insurance for one rider. Additional insurances are available.
  • A full tank of unleaded fuel. The bike must be returned with the same level of fuel as at the start of the hire period. If not you will be charged the cost difference in fuel, the cost being based upon the AA’s published rates, plus 20%.
  • Oil for oil/petrol mix on 2 stroke engines (Vespa LX50), for short-term hires. Oil for longer-term hires by arrangement.
  • Security lock. This must be fitted to the bike at all times when left unattended.
  • VAT at 17.5%

Does the hire charge include a helmet?

  • No, we charge a small fee to allow us to change the helmets regularly. The hire rate is capped at maximum 2 days charge per week.
  • You are welcome to provide your own helmet.
  • No bikes will be released for hire unless the hirer takes a helmet from VBTS or provides their own.

Can I hire any other safety equipment?

  • Yes, we have a number of protective jackets and gloves available for hire. The hire rate is capped at maximum 2 days charge per week.
  • VBTS does not insist that you wear any other protective clothing apart from a helmet, however, if you choose not to take a jacket and gloves you will be asked to sign on the rental agreement that you did not require these items.
  • VBTS will provide reflective tabards free of charge if required.

What kind of licence do I need to hire a bike?

  • You’ll either need your full driving licence passed before 01st February 2001 or a licence detailing motorcycle or moped entitlement.
  • If you passed your full driving licence after 01st February 2001 you’ll need a CBT certificate.
  • We need to see both photocard and paper copy of your licence.
  • Confused? Call us on 01273 772222 to discuss licence requirements for your scooter hire and motorcycle hire in Brighton

I’ve got some points on my licence – can I still hire one of your bikes?

  • Yes, provided any convictions are acceptable to our insurers. Please call us to check what is acceptable.

What happens is I get a parking ticket or speeding fine?

  • You will be personally responsible for all fines generated within the hire period.

What do I do if I have an accident?

  • The hirer must not under any circumstances admit liability for any damage, accident or claim to any persons without the consent of VBTS. If an accident occurs please remain with the bike and contact VBTS prior to exchanging the required details. DO NOT ADMIT LIABILITY IN ANY FORM.
  • No hirer is to attempt to make, or accept payment from a third party as compensation.
  • Do not hesitate to contact the emergency services should anyone be injured.

How do I know the bikes are roadworthy?

  • All of our bikes are either brand new or very young.
  • We use the main Piaggio and Honda dealers for the bike’s main servicing and we perform regular checks on the bikes to ensure their quality and safety.

How old to I need to be to hire a bike?

  • The minimum age to hire a bike from Vroom By The Sea is 18.

Can I carry someone on the back?

  • Yes, provided your licence allows that.

Can we have more than one rider?

  • Yes, but Vroom By The Sea must be informed at the start of the hire period, and they must have the necessary licence.
  • A fee will be charged of £15 per additional rider, per day on 50/125cc bikes.

Can I take a bike abroad?

  • No, our insurance only extends to the bikes being used within the UK.

Do the bikes have gears?

  • All of our Piaggio bikes (ZIP, Vespa LX50, Vespa LX125) are “Automatic Twist and Go”
  • Our Honda CG125’s are standard 5-speed constant mesh, ‘1 down, 4 up’

Can I come and see the bikes before I book?

  • Definitely. Demand is very high so give us a call on 01273 772222 to ensure the bike you are thinking about hiring is there to see.

What is the booking process?

  • Drop into our main rental location at Casa Vespino, call us now on 01273 772222 or send us an email to info@vroombythesea.com
  • We’ll check availability and answer any other questions you have.
  • We’ll check that you have the necessary licences and experience (where required).
  • We’ll take payment (usually by credit card) along with a deposit.
  • We’ll confirm your booking to you – all bookings require full payment at time of booking.
  • You’ll sign our rental agreement.
  • You can then select a helmet, along with jacket and gloves (if required).
  • The bikes is yours……..well, for as long as you pay for it!

Do you provide any training?

  • No, we’ll give you basic guidance, but we provide no formal training, and by signing our rental agreement you will be confirming that you are comfortable with the controls and a confident rider.
  • We can arrange CBT (compulsory basic training) for you – it’s a great day and you’ll enjoy your riding even more when you’ve done it. Call us on 01273 772222 to book your CBT in Brighton now.

What is the security deposit used for?

  • This is a fully refundable deposit that is only used where damage is caused to a bike/other equipment during the hire period.
  • We also reserve the right to deduct monies from the deposit in the case of late return of a bike.

Where are you based?

  • Our main rental location is ‘Casa Vespino’: Vroom By The Sea Ltd, 3A Queens Place, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 2LT
  • See map
  • We will soon have other rental locations throughout Brighton.

What are your opening hours?

  • Our normal hours are 9am – 6pm, 7 days per week.
  • There may be times when we’re all out delivering bikes, but we’re only ever 15 minutes away.

Do you deliver?

  • Yes, bikes can be delivered to hotels or private addresses for a small fee.
  • You will need to have pre-paid by phone and be able to provide copies of documents that would normally be taken at our rental location.

Can I get a discount?

  • See our ‘prices’ section. We’ve tried to cover all eventualities, including off-peak days, multiple bikes, early booking, long-term etc

Where do you suggest we go with our bikes?

  • If you’re using it to go to work, we suggest you go to work!
  • Go freestyle! Just follow the front wheel – see where it takes you!
  • If you’re a visitor to Brighton – how long have you got? Sit and make yourself comfortable……a great place to start is www.visitbrighton.com
  • A few of our favourites include:
    • Orb360.co.uk to play with some big balls!
    • Yellowave.co.uk for some sandy fun in the sun.
    • Marocco’s for the best ice-cream.
    • North Laines for a bit of cafe culture.
    • Brighton Marina for a spot of lunch and to hob-nob with the boaty folk.
  • Stanmerpark.co.uk rated as one of Britain’s top 10 walks.

Do you have any more bikes, other than those mentioned?

  • At the moment we have 20 bikes. We plan to increase our fleet size to meet demand.
  • We’re always keen to hear suggestions about what you would like to ride – if enough people suggest the same bike….we’ll get one!
  • How about a Piaggio MP3?

Do you sell any bikes?

  • We occasionally sell some of our ex-hire bikes.
  • Call us now to find out more about our scooters for sale on 01273 772222

What happens if I’ve booked and it rains or I need to cancel for another reason?

  • Unfortunately we are not able to offer refunds, but we will do all we can to offer you a bike for a later date.

What other things are the bikes available for?

  • There are dozens of reasons to hire our bikes, here are just a few:
  • For fun :-)
  • Tor get to work :-(
  • Learner riders
  • Stag and hen events
  • Quadrophenia Tours
  • Guided tours of Brighton
  • Product Launches
  • Advertising
  • Corporate Events
  • Wedding Bikes
  • Film and TV
  • Up to 80 mpg
  • We’re climate neutral

I’ve got a foreign licence – is that ok?

  • Yes, that’s fine, as long as your licence details entitlement to ride mopeds, scooters or motorcycles.
  • Our insurers also ask a premium for foreign licence holders of £25 per week or part week.
  • Don’t forget that you can drive in the UK on your foreign licence for 12 months before needing to get a UK licence.

Think you’ve got a silly question?

  • It might be, but call us anyway – on 01273 772222 to discuss your scooter hire in Brighton.