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FAQ – Bike rental in Annecy

Rental & return

At Roul’ ma Poule (Annecy, Annecy-le-Vieux, Sévrier), we offer all rental durations, as we are open continuously depending on the season:

  • 1 hour,
  • 2 hours,
  • 2 to 4 hours,
  • 4+ hours, full day
  • then 24 hours, 2 days, 3 days, etc.

We also offer long-term rentals (over several days, a week or several weeks) depending on the models available — the easiest way is to check directly in-store.

Yes. To rent equipment, you must be of legal age and provide proof of identity.
Please bring one of the following documents:

  • ID card
  • Driver’s license
  • Passport
  • Vehicle registration document

A rental contract is completed and signed at departure.
A deposit may also be requested (see question below).

It’s simple: head to one of our 3 stores (Annecy, Annecy-le-Vieux, Sévrier), making sure beforehand to check the opening periods.

Remember to bring:

  • your ID (for the contract + deposit)
  • your bank card (or a cheque depending on the type of rental)

Rented equipment must be returned ??????????? to the same Roul’ ma Poule store where it was rented:

To rent from Roul’ ma Poule, you must have personal third-party liability insurance.
By signing the contract, the customer agrees to return the equipment in the same condition as at departure.

Any damage, breakage, malfunction or theft is the responsibility of the customer in charge of the rented equipment.
Repairs carried out outside Roul’ ma Poule stores are not reimbursed, unless agreed beforehand.
In the event of an accident or theft, you must inform us within 24 hours (and provide the police report if necessary).

On our side, Roul’ ma Poule has professional insurance, and our bikes are maintained by qualified bike technicians.

For children’s safety, we only rent suitable equipment:
Child seat (baby carrier): minimum 12 months up to 5 years max, 25 kg max.

Child trailer:

  • model 1: 12 months to 7 years
  • model 2: 16 months to 8 years max, 35 kg max load

We do our best to offer a solution suited to your outing, your route and above all everyone’s safety. (PS: we’re parents too!)

Helmets included for children (and adults if needed, subject to availability).

You must notify Roul’ ma Poule within 24 hours, then provide a police report (police / gendarmerie) if necessary.
Costs related to breakage/theft/damage remain the responsibility of the customer in charge.

It is forbidden to:

  • ride without a helmet for a child under 12
  • ride on pedestrian crossings
  • ride up/down kerbs
  • carry a person on the luggage rack
  • sublet the equipment
  • extend the rental period without the store’s prior agreement

The busiest periods are: weekends, long weekends/public holidays (especially in May), school holidays… and above all summer:

  • Weekends
  • As soon as the weather is nice, there are many more rentals (especially on Sundays).
    On the other hand, February, March, April, October and November are generally quieter.
  • In May, June and September, we recommend coming in the morning to be sure to get the bike you want, in your size.
  • Long weekends & public holidays
  • When the weather is good, long weekends can attract as many people as in the height of summer (Annecy is less than 2 hours from Geneva, Lyon, Grenoble…).

Depending on the season, some models may be offered for long-term rental (over several days / a week / up to 3 weeks).

We operate in 24-hour blocks:

  • picked up at 1 pm? returned before 1 pm the next day = 24 hours
  • returned at 5 pm? 48-hour block

If you plan for 4 days but return after 2 days, you pay for 2 days.

The maximum duration is 3 weeks, subject to agreement in-store.

Booking

Booking is possible only via our online interface and only for certain stores (Annecy and Sévrier) depending on the season.

In high season (holidays, weekends, public holidays…), and especially in July / August, demand is very high: bikes often go out in the morning, which can make booking impossible.

Depending on the season, booking can be made:

  • online (if available)
  • by phone, email,
  • or on site (with validation by the team)

We will need:

  • type of bike / equipment required
  • quantity
  • participants’ sizes
  • first name, last name, phone number and/or email

In case of high footfall, we prioritise in-store face-to-face (faster and more reliable than phone/email).

Depending on the season and the store, it is possible to book:

Depending on the season: between 3 days and 4 weeks (or more) before the desired date, depending on availability.

Yes, depending on availability. We can equip groups of up to 40/50 adults.

For groups of children/teens, we need to confirm sizes in advance (more limited stock).

Rates, payment and deposit

All our rates (hourly, half-day, full day, several days…) are clearly shown on this page Rental rates.

You can easily compare by bike type (hybrid/trekking bike, electric bike/VAE, kids’ bike, longtail cargo…) and the desired duration.

You ride for as long as you want during opening hours, and payment is made when you return, based on the actual duration. (Handy if you want to go for 1h, 2h, 2 to 4h, +4h, or the whole day.)

A deposit may be required at departure, depending on the equipment rented:

  • generally via a bank card pre-authorization (PLBS+ type) + ID
  • or sometimes by cheque + ID (to be confirmed on site)

Important: remember to increase your card limit (or enable PLBS+ mode) if needed.
The deposit amount can vary from €150 to €1,700 (or more) depending on the equipment rented.

FREE! We offer them to you when the contract is made, for your comfort and safety.

Helmets

  • Required for children under 12 on bikes
  • Optional in trailers

We recommend a helmet for everyone, and we provide it free of charge.

Repair / puncture-proof kits

Already on the bikes depending on the model:

  • either an inner tube + tyre levers + pump
  • or a puncture repair spray (a liquid that hardens to let you finish the ride with peace of mind)

Front baskets

  • Only for adult hybrid bikes, with a max load of 3 kg (small items, water, picnic, phone…).

Locks (highly recommended in Annecy)

There are many bike thefts in central Annecy.
We lend you 1 lock to secure your bike during the ride (cycle path / around the lake / rest stop).

However, the bike remains under your supervision and your responsibility in case of theft.

Tips: always lock the bike by attaching the frame + one wheel to a fixed point, in a visible place.
For long-term rentals, remember to store it in a secure place at night, locked up.
Please note: there is no guarantee against theft or damage (this remains the customer’s responsibility).

Equipment

Because here, you can rent the right bike for the right plan, right by Lake Annecy and its cycle path: comfortable hybrid bikes, fitness / light sport bikes, electric bikes VAE / e-bikes, longtail family cargo bikes, kids’ bikes, kids’ trailers, baby seats, and even a dog trailer (depending on availability).

And above all: our fleet is serviced, checked and cleaned very regularly so you can ride with confidence, whether it’s a leisurely ride or more sporty routes.

We have a range designed for all levels and all desires: comfort, sport, electric, family…

You can rent in particular:

  • Comfort hybrid bikes (upright position, super pleasant for the greenway / cycle path)
  • Fitness / light sport bikes (lighter, more responsive, perfect for dynamic riding)
  • Electric bikes VAE / e-bikes (Bosch motor depending on model, variable range; from 80 to 120 km)
  • Longtail family cargo bike (VAE) (to carry 1 to 2 children on the rear depending on equipment) Kids’ bikes (different sizes: 16 / 20 / 24 inch)
  • Child seats (on certain compatible bikes)
  • Kids’ trailers (1 or 2 seats depending on the model)
  • Dog trailer (1 unit: best to call us beforehand)

The simplest: tell us your plan and we’ll point you to the ideal bike.

Yes. Our bikes are designed for rentals in Annecy and for riding on the cycle path / greenway along the lake, but also on the road if you head out on hillier rides.

Aluminium frames, reinforced puncture-resistant tyres, effective brakes (often hydraulic disc brakes), lights, bell… everything is designed for comfort and safety.

The VAE / e-bike is the “fun + freedom” bike: it makes the ride easier, helps on climbs, and lets you cover more kilometres without burning out.

It’s ideal if you want to:

  • ride longer,
  • enjoy the lake + the surrounding terrain,
  • or go out as a duo/group with different fitness levels.

VAE bikes are intended for adults.

Depending on the model, you have a rear rack, and it’s sometimes possible to add a rear basket or child equipment (depending on compatibility).

The longtail family cargo e-bike is the perfect option for riding as a tribe: sturdy frame, low centre of gravity, stable handling… and the ability to install 1 to 2 children on the back (depending on equipment).

Note: this type of bike is not designed to attach a child trailer behind it.

We have kids’ bikes suited to young riders, with several sizes (16 / 20 / 24 inches) depending on height and confidence.
And of course: helmet required for under 12s, and we provide it.

  • Child seat: practical for a short ride, from 12 months (depending on size), with close attention to the child’s comfort.
  • Child trailer : great for longer outings, and so the child can rest (or even take a nap).
    Depending on the model, trailers accommodate 1 or 2 children, with age and weight limits to be respected.

In all cases, we’ll advise you on site to choose the safest and most comfortable option.

Chainline is the alignment between the chainrings at the front and the sprockets at the rear.
If the chain is too “crossed”, it can cause:

  • gears that shift poorly,
  • noise,
  • premature wear,
  • or even a derailment or breakage.

A simple tip: shift gears without forcing and avoid extreme cross-chaining. And if needed, we’ll explain it in 30 seconds before you set off.