FAQ’s

How do I get to Largs?
Getting to Largs – easily reached by Bus, Train or Car, Largs is about 40 Minutes from Glasgow, 

How do we get to Cumbrae?
Often referred to as Scotland’s most accessible island, the Isle of Cumbrae is situated a short ferry ride from the coastal town of Largs. There is a ferry terminal located in Largs town centre and is well signposted. 

How much does it cost?
Bringing the car will cost about £20.00 for a family of 4 with kids over 5 this includes car. It costs just over £3.00 per adult for a return ticket.  If you chose not to bring the car the local bus service meets the ferry’s as they arrive, this will also cost just over £3.00.

How do we get to your shop? How far is Millport from the ferry?
We are a short 10 – 15 minute bus ride or drive from the ferry and are situated in the centre of Millport beside the crazy golf. There is a bus stop almost right outside our shop. Our van sits outside and shows Cycle Hire.

Is there parking available?
Absolutely, there is on the street parking all along the front street. 

Do we need to book in advance? Can we just show up and get bikes?
We have over 400 bikes available so booking is not necessary. We have now launched our booking system so you can book online if you want, you can click the link below and go to the book now page

https://mapesmillport.co.uk/bike-hire/

Do you deliver bikes to the Ferry? 

Sorry no we don’t, with over 400 bicycles available in all different shapes and sizes we need to ensure we see the person riding to ensure that they get a bike that fits correctly. Also dependant on skill level some people will prefer smaller or larger than they should take because of confidence. 

How much does it cost to cycle round the island? 
This will largely depend on how long you are out for and what you are out on. Due to current restrictions we are only renting out our bikes once a day and as a result are only charging for a Half Hay at £8 or a Full Day at £10. All bikes are then sanitised and left fresh for the next day Please refer to the Bike Hire page for more info on deposits and charges.

Is there a weight restriction for your bikes? 
Generally, bikes can hold weights averaging 260 pounds or 18.5 stone at a speed of about 10 mph on level ground. But several factors should also be considered if you’re planning to carry heavy loads on a bike, such as the distribution of the weight as well as the wheels, tires, material components and make of the bike. Alloy steel is one of the most preferred materials when it comes to sturdiness because it combines several elements, including carbon and iron, to create a tough product.

Do you do Electric Bikes?
Yes we do, we have Forme Cromford 1 ELS and Barracuda Rogue “Monkey Bikes” available to rent. Please visit our bike hire page to book them
https://mapesmillport.co.uk/bike-hire/

Do you have kids bikes?
Yes we have everything from stabilizers/kids trikes through to 13inch frames with 26 in wheels for the early teen.

Can we put your Tag Alongs, Kiddie Cabs Baby Carriers on our own bikes? 
Sadly no, all our equipment is fitted to our own bikes. 

Do you have industry recognised qualifications to work on and maintain bikes?
Absolutely, we are the only bicycle hire shop on the island who have fully qualified bicycle mechanics working for us. Both have been trained to Gold Velotech standard, we are also certified for working on Bosch e-bikes, and we are a member of the Association of Cycle Traders.  

Do you have Public Liability insurance?
Yes as a business who works closely with schools and youth organisations we do have all insurances in place.

What bikes do you have for our under 1 year old child?
We would recommend minimum of 1 year old however read the below and do your research:
“It’s not so much a question of age, but of physical development. Infants vary a lot as to the age at which they are able to sit up unaided (as in sitting in the middle of the carpet, playing with toys etc), which is when they are ready to ride in the usual sort of bicycle child seat. Usually this is about nine months. And the length of your cycle ride between stops for some other activity should not exceed the length of time they are content to do that.”

Do you have Dog Carriers?
We absolutely do, being dog lovers we do not want them to miss out on the fun, as such we are the only bike shop on the island to offer dog carriers made for dogs and Kiddie Cabs for kids.

Do you service Bikes? Can I get my bike repaired?
Yes we do service bikes and repairs, we have a fully stocked servicing centre, two trained bike mechanics with over 10 years servicing experience and can carryout all work required from a simple puncture through to a full service. please call to book your bike in 01475530444 

Are you part of the Scotland Cycle Repair Scheme?

Yes we are, please call to book your bikes in and we will service and repair what is needed to get you on the road. Please not the first £50 (£100 for trikes, tandems and other bigger bikes) is paid through the scheme anything above would need to be paid by the owner. 

Do you do call outs for emergencies?
Whether you have a puncture or a thrown chain through to just cant make it, at Mapes of Millport we offer a collection service for up to two individuals or a replacement bike to keep you heading round the island. 

How far is it round the island?
Its has been said that the distance round the island is 10.25 miles, now whether or not it is shrinking according to route planners and all tracking apps it comes in at 9.97 miles, either way when you make it round you will get a certificate from one of the 10.2 crew to say you made it round the island! 

Do you still provide certificates for making it round the island?
Yes we do some traditions should never be changed! 

Whats the youngest age that a child can make it round the island? 
We have already seen as young as 3 years old get a certificate for covering the 10.2 miles so this is possible. However with a host of Tag Along’s, Kiddie Cab’s and Baby Carrier’s available we can cover off your need.