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Why renting a bike could cost you

Click to play video: 'Woman faces shocking bill when rental bike is stolen'
Woman faces shocking bill when rental bike is stolen
Renting a bike in Vancouver is a popular choice with tourists but what if that bike gets stolen? Our consumer reporter Anne Drewa is here with a cautionary tale and what you can do to protect yourself – Aug 1, 2016

If you’re renting a bike this summer and its stolen, you could be on the hook for hundreds of dollars.

A B.C. woman has been left with a $1,500 bill, after her rented electric bike was stolen near Canada Place.

Lindsay Kyle says she stopped for a bite to eat and in less than 30 minutes from renting her bike, it was gone.

“I was absolutely stunned. I ran right back to the bike rental and showed them the lock and said I have no idea what happened, the bike is gone.”

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Kyle says she locked the bike, even double checked to make sure it was secure.

Kyle also found out she would have to pay for the replacement cost of the bike, which was $1,500.

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She did sign a waiver, but says she should have read it more carefully.

Owner of Simon’s Bike Shop in downtown Vancouver, Simon Coutts, says consumers should take the time to read the fine print.

“Wherever they go to rent a bike, they should read the form. Read it all, instead of just signing it off,” says Coutts.

He also recommends making sure the rental company offers customers a quality lock like a folding lock made of heavy steel.

“If you are renting a bike and they won’t provide you with a lock, or the lock is not viable, I wouldn’t rent the bike.”

So if you are thinking of renting a bike this summer make sure to read the waiver. Vancouver’s new bike share program could charge a rider $2,000 if a bike is stolen if left unlocked or unattended.

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