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Hey boardies, need some info on renting scooters...
I've always wanted to ride one while in Negril,any suggestions on where to rent and How much?
Now, I have never rode one, but definitely not scared-I ride on the back of hubby's Harley all the time. What's your exerience with first time riding in Negril? Any Do's and Dont's?
I highly recommend this appropriately named guy called "Gas" on the west end. I can get you contact info.. but he's got a new spot which is right next to Home Sweet Home on the right side... just up past Jenny's a bit.
He's a super nice guy, will give you good rates and has nice bikes that are in good shape.
He gave us solid rates for a full week, and we didn't have any issues at all.
The scooter thing isn't for everyone, but they can be really great if used properly.
Up on the west end near summerset road-Bandmark has good scooters, good price...You can also exchange money there, money gram (ie cambio) as well as rent a scooter or motorcycle..
Usually about 20 per day, especially in the offseason .... maybe a little less for a full week, if you bargain. They're great to have, but watch out for pot holes and drive carefully while letting others pass. You should be OK. Wear a helmet (the locals never do) or the police will stop you at road blocks and tell you to put it on.
I would love to rent a motorcycle, my hubby and I each have a Harley. Sounds like a blast!
Emmie, we rent a Honda Shadow a few times each stay from Banmark. Their bikes are in great condition and they give us a great deal. I've never felt safe on those scooters, I prefer to keep up with traffic, but that's just me. We've also rented dirt bikes (Yamaha 225) from Banmark, same same - great condition, good deal. Its a fun way to get around!
We rent from Banmark, he has nice scooters (nicest I've seen). One thing to note regardless of were you rent is to be sure and note ALL damage to the rental BEFORE you take them. One time we returned the scooters and were charged $50 US for replacement parts due to scuffs on one side of the bike. I am sure they were not caused by me ( I think :)) but in the end it was my fault for not checking it over before we signed them out. I recommend the SECOND station out from the roundiebout for gas (less hustle). Oh, and that roundiebout can be a bit confusing the first few times!(follow the cars) While your learning the ropes, don't be afraid to pretend it is a bicycle and stay to the side of the road, though that has it's own tribulations. Watch the curves on the cliffs, look into/through the turn, your bike goes were you are looking (ask your hubby) wear a helmet it just makes sense and have a great time!
Funny you mention that....
We rent scooters all the time, and normally from a friend named Benz down on the beach, his bikes are a little older but he treats us right and we have never had a problem. This last trip we were at Negril Escape for our wedding and Banmark was nearly across the street and his bikes looked brand spanking new and he offered us a pretty good deal so we rented two bikes. During the week one of the bikes gave us some problems so we took it back to the shop and traded it out. A couple days later on the day we were leaving we brought the bikes back and were told that the previous bike had scratches and dents on the side. They brought the bike to show us (no way of proving it was the same bike we had before). I told them I knew for a fact that I did not turn that scooter in that way. That I had not done any damage to any of the scooters and they refused to believe that. They said it was my bike and the damage obviously happened while in my posession so I was responsible and they quoted me some huge amount of money and I refused, but hell they had a hold on my credit card and we had to get on the bus to go to the airport, I had no choice so I finally just paid $100 and got my card back.
I am sorry but thats not the way to run a business. I am a very loyal customer and rent every time I am there, but I will never rent from Banmark again, so yes, if you do so, take that advice and document every single inch of that bike so you have the proof that I didnt have to make my case.
That whole incident left a real bad taste in my mouth for that company I am sorry to say.
I guess the moral of the story is that when you find someone who treats you right, stick with them!
LOL You had to know I was going to see this. Yes they do and the helmets are disgusting bring miniature lysol! Also can I suggest staying off the West End road at night the scooters go so slow the cars come whipping around the corners and it is not very safe. JMH rider OQuote:
Originally Posted by gerryg123
http://gasbike.tripod.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8_vXU2N3RQ
Go Gas and save
I didn't get the feeling that gas would try and that 'damage scam' on anyone. He was very nice and professional and understands about boards like this and how to keep a decent reputation going.
Last time I rented a scooter on seven mile, they tried to charge me 40 dollars upon my return for a tiny dent on the rim of the wheel. Give me a break. That's why i NEVER give them my credit card info when I rent a scooter; they want it, but I just flash a $100 dollar bill, and they always let me have the scooter just by signing my name.
You know, this thing about checking out your rental vehicle for dents, rubs etc. - we've been doing that for years with rent a cars and we do it when we rent a dirt bike or motorcyle in Jamaica. Just something we always did and based on the stories I'm reading...it's not a waste of energy!
Only place I know if is Tykes at the cliff end. I know the Seastar sends you there, and I would any place the Seastar sends you to be fair and good.
This practice of blaming the customer for damage they did not do is not uncommon.....yet it is unfortunate. This is exactly why you must rent from an honest and reputable person....even if it costs you a little more (which it likely wouldnt)
Take "time dated" photos of every scratch and ding on the scooter prior to renting. Put the time of the rental on the contract and make the rentee initial the time. Now you have your proof damage was there prior to rental. I have never once had a problem using this method.
Tru tru Mr.Twister a picture is worth a thousand wordshttp://i213.photobucket.com/albums/c...s/IMG_0290.jpg
Yes I agree!
We have rented from our friend every time but last and never had a problem with "damage"
However I did full inspect our scooters both when we got them and when we returned them which was why I was able to tell him that the damage was not from me. BUT....I didnt take pictures or have them initial (lesson learned)
But when they showed me the damage on another scooter I said thats not the scooter I had, and if it is that damage was not there when I returned it, but they said no one else had it. Basically your word against mine, I had no proof (but neither did they).....what they did have was my credit card with $1000 hold on it....so in the end they won.
But in the long run they lose, because I will never rent from them again and we rent two scooters for at least 7-10 days every time we visit.
I will just return to our friend, or maybe try out Gas as I have heard good things, also heard good things about Tykes too
How much does Gas generally charge?
If you are looking for no nonsense bike rentals try Prento on the beach.He is located next to Coral Seas Garden across from Coconut International's lane.He has scooters ,shadows, and cars for rent;I have been renting from him for many years and never had a problem.If you negotiate a price that you are both happy with he will honour that price so long as you continue to go back to him.You might have to ask to talk to Prento if he has someone else working at the time you inquire.
Believe it or not....it was Prento's employee that gave me a hard time once after years o f renting from him. I told him to get Prento on the phone and that scared the crap out of the kid. He woke Prento up and got promptly chewed out. I didnt end up paying. While Prento may be honest.....I would insist on dealing with him only if you rent from his business.
I also agree that Gas is the man to rent from. I've never....ever....heard a bad thing come from renting from him.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful info...I think I'm gonna check out Gas and go from there!