Understanding Negligent Use

This article outlines Ridepanda’s negligent use policy, covering damage from misuse, poor maintenance, or unauthorized modifications. It explains when negligence applies, gives examples, and offers tips to prevent extra costs. It also lists prohibited uses, banned modifications, allowed accessories, and key exclusions like rust damage.

Negligent use refers to any damage to a vehicle arising from improper usage, misuse, or modifications that negatively impact its performance or safety. This includes failing to properly maintain or protect the vehicle, installing incompatible parts, and other actions that compromise its condition.

Knowing what constitutes negligence helps you avoid unexpected costs and ensures your Ridepanda vehicle remains safe and reliable. Repairing negligent damage to a vehicle will insure a repair cost up to $500 at the time of repair or vehicle return. See our Pricing for Negligence Repair Items article for more information).

Negligent use typically involves situations where the user’s actions or inactions directly harm the vehicle. Common examples include:

• Continuing to operate a vehicle despite damage or a flat tire.

• Exposing the vehicle to corrosive substances (e.g., saltwater, sand) without proper cleaning.

• Failing to charge or care for the battery, resulting in battery cell damage or failure.

• Leaving the vehicle outside for extended periods or in an unsecured area.

• Installing incompatible parts that cause performance or structural issues.

Note: Determination of negligence is at the discretion of our expert mechanics.

Negligence Repair Limit: Repairs due to negligence will be limited to a maximum of $500. This limit applies to replacement parts and labor during a subscription period or upon return of a vehicle.

Here are practical steps to help you avoid damage and extra costs:

• Keep your vehicle clean and protected from saltwater, sand, and other corrosive substances.

• Ensure the battery is properly charged and stored according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

• Store your vehicle in a secure area with sufficient protection from weather and potential theft.

• Avoid leaving it outdoors for prolonged periods, especially in harsh climates.

• If your vehicle becomes damaged, discontinue riding until it is repaired.

• Address any flat tires or signs of structural damage immediately to prevent further harm.

• Only install parts approved or recommended by Ridepanda to avoid performance and safety issues.

Any modifications to our vehicles are not allowed. Vehicles must be returned to their original condition; any accessories or upgrades installed when returned will be considered property of Ridepanda and forfeited. Improperly installed accessories that cause damage will result in a negligence fee. 

Allowed Accessories:

• Phone Holders

• Bottle Cages

• Fenders

• Racks

• Frame bags

• Clip-on Lights

Prohibited Upgrades:

• Drivetrains

• Suspension

• Frame mounted child seats 

  • Only rack mounted child seats are allowed

• Converting wheels to tubeless

Prohibited Modifications:

• Cutting forks 

• Adjusting brake lines (vehicles that have the left lever controlling front brake and right lever rear brake)

• Installing Kickstands and lock mounts for Road, Gravel, and Mountain Bikes:

  • Road Bikes:

    • Specialized Roubaix

    • Trek Domane AL & SL

    • Trek Checkpoint ALR

  • Mountain Bikes:

    • Specialized Stumpjumper

      • Installing kickstands on incompatible bikes can cause permanent damage and will result in a negligence fee.

Additional notes:  

• Our scooters use tubeless radial tires. Any tire change must match the manufacturer’s specs. Converting to tube-type or solid tires is not allowed and will incur a negligence fee. 

Ridepanda vehicles are intended for personal use only. Prohibited uses include:

• Ridesharing, delivery services, or transportation for hire without prior written consent.

• Attendance at events like Burning Man or similar gatherings that might involve conditions unsuitable for vehicle care.

Negligence generally covers avoidable damage you cause by misuse, improper maintenance, or unauthorized modifications. Examples include failing to charge the battery properly, leaving your vehicle in an unsecured area, or continuing to ride with damage that worsens the issue.

No. Rust damage is not classified as normal wear and tear and is not covered by PandaCare. You may incur additional costs for rust-related repairs.

These scenarios fall under separate guidelines. Please see our theft coverage under our Insurance Coverage article for more information.

PandaCare reimbursement is exclusively for local bike shop services relating to normal maintenance and repairs, not negligent damage.

Our negligent use policy applies to riders in all programs.

• Pricing for Negligence Repair Items

• PandaCare

• Insurance Coverage

If you have more questions or need more assistance, please email us at support@ridepanda.com.