The Free Wheelers bike share program provides free daily bicycles for students, faculty and staff mid-March through mid-December (weather permitting). Bicycles are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and must be returned by 7 p.m. daily or earlier depending on station operating hours.
Eligible renters must register using the Free Wheeler App. Use it to find out how many bikes are available at each check-out station, reserve a bike, track your usage and more! You will need to sign in with their UMass Lowell credentials.
Once you are registered, you can go to any Free Wheelers check-out station and request a bike. The staff will give you a key and helmet and then you can proceed to the racks to find your bike. Racks are typically blue or black, close to the building and marked with UMass Lowell Free Wheelers decals just like the decals on the bicycles. Simply match your key number with the appropriate bike number and you can unlock your bike. When returning your bike, bring it inside station, and check bike back in with staff by 7 p.m. or earlier depending on location operating hours.
Here's how to lock your Free Wheeler properly:
- The U-Lock should pass through the rear wheel, the frame, and lock around the bike rack.
- Never leave the key in the lock.
- For more information visit our Bicycle Resources page.
Students, faculty or staff can rent a bike with a lock, helmet and lights for the entire semester. The program is meant to serve those who would like to be avid riders, but either don't own their own bike or are on campus for a semester and bringing or buying their own bike is not feasible.
Semester Rental Fees
- Fall: $75
- Spring: $50
- Summer: $75
How to Rent a Semester Bike
- Register for the Free Wheelers program. This will include a rental agreement, safety quiz and waiver.
- Contact the UMass Lowell Bike Shop by phone: 978-934-6797 or email: Freewheelers@uml.edu to confirm availability and schedule a pick up. Walk-ins may also be available.
- Pick up your bike and pay at the Bike Shop and Outdoor Center, 5 Lawrence Drive Lowell, MA 01854
Semester Rental Bike Options
Terms
- Renters must register via the Free Wheeler App.
- Bikes are available in limited quantities and are first come first served, one bike per person for current students, faculty and staff.
- Semester rental bicycles can be dropped off for service at the UMass Lowell Bike Shop at any time. Regular Maintenance from normal wear is included in the cost of the rental.
- By renting a bike you agree to be held financially responsible if the bike is damaged or stolen. Damage repair and new parts due to damage are the financial responsibility of the renter.
- Renters must supply their own bike light batteries.
- If a renter reserves a bike that does not fit them, the bike shop may exchange or cancel and refund their reservation at its discretion.
- Renters returning bikes with damage or abnormal wear and tear will be charged an appropriate repair fee. Anyone not returning a bike will be charged up to $500 replacement fee. A hold will be placed on the borrowers university account and he/she will also not be allowed to register for classes without paying the replacement fee.
Returning Free Wheeler Equipment
The bicycle, key, lock and any other equipment must be returned to a staff member at a designated Free Wheeler station by 7 p.m. or earlier depending on Free Wheeler station operating hours. Potential fees include:
Late Fees
- Bike: $20/day
Lost/Stolen Equipment Fees
- Bike: $800
- Helmet: $35
- U-Lock or Key: $45
Damaged and Missing Bikes
By borrowing a Free Wheeler you agree to be held financially responsible if the bike is damaged or stolen. A hold will be placed on the borrowers university account and they will not be allowed to register for classes until they pay the replacement fee.
Any person borrowing a bike not returned in the condition that it was issued will be charged an appropriate repair fee.
Suspensions and Payment of Fees
Incurring fees while using the Free Wheelers Program will result in the temporary suspension of a users account. Suspensions will be removed once fees have been paid. Users may pay fees online or at the bike shop during open hours. Please allow 24-36 hours for your suspension to be lifted once the fee has been paid.
Email: freewheelers@uml.edu for any questions related to your damage/lost/stolen fees.
Questions or Mechanical Issues?
Email: freewheelers@uml.edu
Bike Shop Phone: 978-934-6797