Bike & Equipment Loan Library

Keen to incorporate cycling into your everyday life, but don’t have a bike? Considering buying a bike trailer, but not sure if it’s something you or your wee one would enjoy? Want to hit the trails over the weekend, but don’t have a mountain bike? Our Bike & Equipment Loan Library is here to help!

Introducing our Bike Equipment Loan Library! Whether you're looking to explore the neighbourhood, go about your daily journeys with your wee one or embark on an outdoor adventure, we've got you covered. From bikes in all sizes to child bike seats, trailers and beyond, our library offers a wide range of biking equipment for women and families to borrow.

Now, you can enjoy quality time together on two wheels without the hassle of purchasing pricey gear. Simply borrow what you need, get support from our experienced staff and enjoy trying new ways of getting about. It's biking made easy and accessible for everyone!

Interested? Get in touch with Katherine, our Families Activities Coordinator, at families@womenonwheels.org.uk or 07927 357140 she’ll be able to help you get started.

How the Loan Library works

STEP 1

Select the bike(s) and/or equipment you would like to borrow.

STEP 2

Email Katherine or Holly on families@womenonwheels.org.uk or women@womenonwheels.org.uk to organise a loan.

STEP 3

We’ll ask for a little bit of information to set up the loan.

STEP 4

You come to our Hub to collect your items and off you go!

FAQs

How long is the loan?

Loans are available for up to one month at a time.

How much does it cost?

A loan cost between £0-50. We run on a ‘pay as you can’ basis, so you pay what you can comfortably afford. If money is a barrier, you don’t have to pay a penny.

What information do you require to take out a loan?

We will ask to see photographic ID and take some info when you’re booking our equipment.

Do you offer guidance on how to use the equipment?

When you come to collect your bike/equipment our friendly staff will take you through the basics of how the bike/equipment works. We also offer lessons, to make sure you are confident before going out and about with the equipment.

Do you have any more questions?

Remember no questions are silly questions - we are here to help! Just get in touch, and we’ll do our best to answer any questions you may have.

Quick overview of available equipment

A quick list of what we’ve got:

  • 2 x double bike trailers (double means two kids can fit in at a time!)

  • 2 x rear kids seats

  • 1 x front kids seat

  • Range of balance bikes for age 1-5 yrs

  • Range of kids bikes from 14inch to 26inch wheels

  • Range of adults bikes from small, medium and large ( hybrid and MTB)

  • Helmets

  • Locks

  • Panniers

  • Lights

Now onto all the details

Hamax Kiss - Rear Frame Mounted Child Seat

What is it:

The Hamax Kiss rear bike seat is a comfy and safe way for your child to ride along with you on your bike journeys. It's easy to install and has adjustable features to fit your bike and your child securely. The seat provides excellent support and cushioning for your little one, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride for both of you. Just strap your child in securely, hop on your bike, and you're ready to go explore together!

We’re here to help:

We can provide support in setting up the bike seat - and if you want to get used to using it before having a wee one in it, we have ways to help you feel confident doing this. Pop into the hub and have a chat with Katherine to get started. 

More technical info (don’t worry we can help with this!):

  • Ergonomic rear mounted childseat with 3 point harness fitting

  • Safe and flexible belt system with belt buckles that cannot be opened by the child itself

  • Safe and simple to fit and to remove from the bike

  • May be fitted to bikes with or without luggage carriers

  • Adjustable safety harness and footrests

  • The suspended fastening bracket ensures excellent cushioning

  • Fits frame tubes from 28-40 mm (round)

  • For children above the age of 9 months and weighing up to 22 kg

Polisport - Rear Mounted Child Seat

What is it:

The Polisport rear bike seat is a comfy and safe way for your child to ride along with you on your bike journeys. It's easy to install and has adjustable features to fit your bike and your child securely. The seat provides excellent support and cushioning for your little one, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride for both of you. Just strap your child in securely, hop on your bike, and you're ready to go explore together!

We’re here to help:

We can provide support in setting up the bike seat - and if you want to get used to using it before having a wee one in it, we have ways to help you feel confident doing this. Pop into the hub and have a chat with Katherine to get started. 

More technical info (don’t worry we can help with this!):

  • 3 point safety belt

  • adjustable foot rests

  • ergonomic shape for helmet use

  • Large lateral protection fixing brackets fits most tube styles. 

  • 28-40mm diameter maximum. 

  • Child weight 22kg (48lbs).

Hamax Observer - Front Mounted Child Seat

What is it:

The Hamax Observer front bike seat is a fun opportunity for you and your child to share the joy of biking together - it’s super handy too. It securely attaches to the front of your bike, providing your little one with an exciting front-row view of the ride. 

We’re here to help:

This type of seat often suits those with really little ones and really is dependent on your own preferences and confidence when cycling. We can provide support in setting up the seat - and you can try it at our hub with our cycle trainers before heading out with it. Pop into the hub and have a chat with Katherine to get started. 

More technical info (don’t worry we can help with this!):

  • For children from 9 months to 15 kg

  • One-hand operation of harness and foot rests

  • Compact  –  providing enough space for the parent to cycle and step down between the saddle and the front seat

  • Stem diameter 20-28 mm

  • An innovative bracket ensures easy attachment/removing of seat and wind screen

Hamax Traveller - Twin Double Child Lightweight Bike Trailer

What is it:

The Hamax Traveller double bike trailer is a convenient way to bring your kids along for a bike ride. It easily attaches to your bike and can carry two children comfortably. With its sturdy design and safety features, you can be sure your kids are secure while enjoying the ride. Simply buckle them in, attach the trailer to your bike, and you're ready to go exploring together!

We’re here to help:

Trailers are a great way to bike around with little ones, especially if you need to carry snacks/ do some shopping/ do a nursery pick up in rainy Glasgow (it has a rain cover!). This one folds up so that you can store it easily. It can take a wee bit of getting used to cycling pulling the extra weight, but you would be amazed how quickly you get used to it. 

If you would like to pop into the Women on Wheels hub to give it a try in our local training space, please do. We’re here to help.

More technical info (don’t worry we can help with this!):

  • Bicycle arm and stroller wheel included

  • Roof window

  • Easy to fold/unfold

  • Rear storage compartment

  • Rear light (red) included

  • Front cover, mesh and sunshade, no zippers

  • Quick release wheels

  • 5 point harness with quality buckles

  • Foot operated parking brake

Hamax Double Bike Trailer - Yellow

What is it:

The Hamax Traveller double bike trailer is a convenient way to bring your kids along for a bike ride. It easily attaches to your bike and can carry two children comfortably. With its sturdy design and safety features, you can be sure your kids are secure while enjoying the ride. Simply buckle them in, attach the trailer to your bike, and you're ready to go exploring together!

We’re here to help:

Trailers are a great way to bike around with little ones, especially if you need to carry snacks/ do some shopping/ do a nursery pick up in rainy Glasgow (it has a rain cover!). This one folds up so that you can store it easily. It can take a wee bit of getting used to cycling pulling the extra weight, but you would be amazed how quickly you get used to it. 

If you would like to pop into the Women on Wheels hub to give it a try in our local training space, please do. We’re here to help.

More technical info (don’t worry we can help with this!):

  • Roof window

  • Easy to fold/unfold

  • Rear storage compartment

  • Rear light (red) included

  • Front cover

  • Quick release wheels

  • 5 point harness with quality buckles

What is it:

Balance bikes are pedal-less bikes designed to develop your child’s sense of balance. Balance bikes are the ideal first bike. Once a child is zooming comfortably about on a balance bike, learning to pedal becomes a breeze! 

We’re here to help:

We’ve got a few sizes, and have even had little ones as young as 18 months on our balance bikes - it’s never too young to start! These bikes can be pricey to buy, so if you would like to loan one for a month - we’ve got you covered! 

Balance Bikes - various sizes

We’re here to help:

We have a range of kids bikes ranging from 14inch to 26inch wheels. Whether your child is just learning to pedal or would like to try out the next size up from their bike - we’ve got you covered! Best thing to do is visit our hub and one of our staff will help size the bike to your child.

Kids Bikes - various sizes

Adult Bikes - various sizes

We’re here to help:

We have a range of bikes available in sizes small, medium and large. We also have different types of bikes including Dutch-styled bikes (step-through frame), hybrid models and mountain bikes. If you need advice on size and type of bike that would be suitable for you, do not hesitate to ask. Our friendly staff is here to help you!