In this article you will find a checklist for checking your bike to make sure it meets the Vapaus criteria.
Returning your benefit bike to Vapaus is made simple. We want to offer our customers great service by offering a return option (fees may apply). Multiple bikes are returned to our premises every week. From the very beginning, we have been thinking that someone’s old benefit bike can be another's new ride. This mission is called Precycled. Our team of mechanics carefully inspects returned bikes and makes sure they are running smoothly before we find new users for bikes.
This is the point where you step into the play. Our user agreement and conditions require the bike to be in a functional and rideable condition when returning to us. In this document, we have gathered instructions for you on how to make sure your bike best meets the Vapaus’s expectations when returning the bike.
Wash your bike
Note: Make sure not to use a power washer, turn off any electronics, make sure the battery is attached and all port covers are in place. Do not spray water directly on the bearings or on the electronics. If you are unsure on how to wash your bike - please, take it to a bike shop for a service.
- Use a garden hose to gently spray water on the bike.
- Take a bucket and fill it with water. Pour bike cleaning liquid or other bike-safe product (Fairy for example) into the water to make the water soapy. Take a brush and dip it in the soap water. Gently brush the bike to apply soap water onto it.
- Rinse the bike again with clean water to remove the soap from the bike.
- Wipe the bike with a towel and let it dry
- Apply bike chain oil on the chain and spin the cranks backward a few times. Use a rag to remove any excess oil. Note: Do not use oil for any other components than the chain. If using spray oil, make sure to not to spray on the brake parts or rotors. Only use oil meant for bicycles, do not use for example oil for chainsaws, mopeds etc.
Make sure your bike is working properly
We highly recommend you to take your bike to a bike shop for maintenance before returning it to us. This can save you money and time, making sure the bike meets Vapaus expectations when returning. Costs may apply if the bike is not in a functionally ridable condition when returned.
To help with checking the bike, we have prepared a list for you to go through before returning the bike. Leave the checking for trained mechanics, if you are unsure of how to do it yourself. Bike shops can help you to check the bike. You can take the list to a bike shop and ask them to run through it.
The checklist can be found here: https://support.vapaus.io/fi/support/tyosuhdepyoran-palautusohje
Prepare your bike
- Do not disassemble your bike for transport. Bike can be protected with a cardboard mantle if you have one.
- Use zip ties to attach bike keys to the handlebar. Do not leave any keys to locks as they might break or drop during transport. Please, do a double check to make sure you are returning all of the keys.
- Place the charger, tools and other materials returning with the bike into an undamaged plastic / re-usable bag, and mount them on to the bike handlebar. Attach your name and Vapaus code to the bag or into the bag. If you have a numeric lock or e-bike system owner codes (Bosch and Shimano user apps, Vanmoof bike for example) write them down and leave the paper with this information in the bag. Remember to remove your bike ownership in the user apps.
- Do not use tape when attaching things to your bike as it may leave markings or damage the paint.
- If you received a package slip, attach it to your bike.
- If you find anything missing or damaged, please, contact Vapaus customer service in advance so we can sort things out.