FAQs and things you should know…


Please remind yourself of the Highway Code
& Ride Mendips Code of Conduct

Ride Responsibly – Be courteous and respect other users. Respect other riders and help those less experienced than you.

Leave No Trace – Keep your riding to suitable and permitted roads, tracks, paths & trails. Take your litter home.

Control Your Bike – Check out the route before you ride. Ride under control and within your ability.

Always Give Way – Let people know you are there. Pass wide and slow, particularly with horse-riders.

Always Plan Ahead – Know your bike, your equipment, and the route. Wear appropriate safety gear.

Whats the right bike for me?

Make sure you feel confident to ride safely on the road. If you would like some assistance with pedaling, why not chose one of our e-bikes? Our e-Bikes are the Kairos Sub E-bike for comfort cruising at your own speed, or Kairos E-mtb for a more sporty feeling with added power assistance. We also offer a full suspension E-bike for those off-road adventures! They come with suspension both front & rear making for a comfortable ride. We have a few non-electric step-through & cross bar bikes that are perfect for cruising along at your own pace. New to our fleet, we also have a number of kids bikes. These bikes are super child friendly and easy to use, making them the perfect companion for your child.

How far can we go on an Electric Bike?

Many factors influence this answer. With a full battery, it varies from 75km/47 miles down to 35km / 20 miles. In general, the more power you want from the motor, the more energy it uses up, and this affects how far you can go on your bike ride.Other factors that affect e-bike range are the steepness of the terrain, the road surface, the weight of the rider and kit on board, the wind conditions, and more. Think of it as miles-per-gallon in a car and being able to make the most of your range by riding economically. The trick is to optimize the power level and how you are riding while keeping an eye on the range left in your battery.

Are helmets provided?

Helmets are mandatory for hiring a bike with Cheddar Bikes. We will provide you with a helmet or you can bring your own if you prefer. DO NOT CYCLE WITHOUT A HELMET! All bikes are equipped with bells and rear lights. We also have optional hi-vis vests available – please ask when you arrive to collect your bike.

Damage & Theft

You are responsible for the safety of our bikes during your rental period. All rentals will be supplied with a lock and this should be used on every occasion that the bike is not under your control.
Our bikes should not be ridden on ramps and jumps or to excessive speeds that endanger you or other road users.
All un-characteristic damage and all theft will be charged to the credit card used to make your booking.

Are there age Restrictions?

E-bikes can be hired from the age of 14.
Our mountain bikes can be hired from ages 7+ subject to height restrictions.
All bookings must include at least one adult (18yrs+).

Deposit and Bookings

All confirmed rentals are paid in full at the time of booking. We combine with Stripe (our 3rd party payment system) to store your details to authorise us to charge your card with eventual costs incurred by any loss or damage. (Please see Stripe privacy policy)

A non-refundable booking fee of £3.00 per bike is included on all bookings - online and in store.

What should I Expect?

Cheddar, The Gorge, Strawberry line, The Mendips and the Somerset Levels are perfect for cyclists of all abilities. With our E-Bikes you can achieve more than you expect…. You’ll be able to go further and see more of the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing, be aware that your exposed skin can get cold quickly with wind chill on cooler days and you may get mud splatters should the terrain not be dry…. And if it is dry you may get dusty – don’t forget sunscreen!

Where can I ride?

We can suggest routes for different abilities and styles of riding. Please speak to our friendly staff to get their best suggestion for you! - See some suggestions here

When can I collect the bike?

Collections can be from 10am am and last drop off is 5pm. Your booking is for the day, not the hour. Should you miss drop off please call us to discuss. A late return fee will be applicable.

Refunds and Cancellation

We offer re-scheduling free of charge, please see our section on T&Cs for details on refunds.
We try to treat all circumstances individually.

I only want to hire for half a day

Half-day hire is only available with our mountain bikes on the day of booking/hire.
Our E-Bikes require charging and maintenance so half-day E-Bike hire is not possible.

There may be opportunity to hire E-Bikes for the afternoon only at a slightly discounted rate if they are available on the day.

Can I ride pump tracks & jumps?

We request that all riders keep both wheels on the ground and treat our bikes with respect. Our bikes although premium, are not designed for such use.
Any damage will be charged to the credit card used to make the booking.

Can I ride MTB tracks?

The Mendips has a great selection of MTB trails, feel free to use our mountain bikes in these areas.
Not all pathways are suitable for cyclists & damage can be caused to our sensitive natural environment by inconsiderate use.
Ride Mendips is a registered charity run by a team of local mountain bikers. Please see their website for routes and more information and be aware of all rules and etiquette of riding on these tracks.

Our E-Bikes are NOT suitable for aggressive MTB trails and must only be ridden on-road or designated cycle routes .

What can I do if I don’t want to ride a bike?

We have many suggestions for walks, beauty spots to visit or pubs to enjoy!
Please come with your group for a great suggestion on how to spend the day doing what you want to do while the others are out cycling!

We also have some suggestions for you to meet your family or friends on their route.

Payment for bookings

All bookings must be made online. This can be done on the day in our shop, however, advance booking is recommended.
We do not accept cash bookings.

Late Return

It is your responsibility to return the bike within your agreed rental period. Should you find yourself unable to return all of the bikes within this period, contact the shop as soon as possible. A Late fee will be applied.

Please note: We do not offer a taxi service for return, nor can we collect the rental bikes should you find yourself intoxicated on your journey. Plan your route before you set off and be realistic about your capabilities.

Please be aware

It is illegal to ride under the influence of alcohol. You can be fined up to £2500.