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Ride Didn’t Start or Bike Didn’t Unlock — What To Do

If you scanned a bike and the ride didn’t start, the lock didn’t open, or the bike didn’t move, don’t worry. In most cases you either won’t be charged at all or the system will automatically refund the ride.

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Written by Barry Sweeney
Updated this week

Here’s what to expect and what you can do.

1. When a Ride Won’t Start Because the Bike Isn’t Available

Sometimes a bike cannot be rented due to:

  • Low battery

  • The bike being marked for service

  • The bike not being active or available in the system

In these cases:

  • The unlock will not begin

  • The ride will not start in the app

  • You will not be charged

Simply choose another nearby bike.

If this happens repeatedly at the same location, please report the bike number to support.

2. When the App Shows the Ride Started, But the Bike Didn’t Unlock

This is different.

Here, the app begins the ride, but the bike itself doesn’t open or move.

It can happen if:

  • The lock didn’t open after scanning

  • The bike was offline or temporarily lost connection

  • The app froze during the unlock

  • The bike detected no movement after the ride began

This situation triggers our automatic refund rules.

3. Automatic Refunds (No Need to Contact Support)

If the ride began in the app but the bike didn’t unlock or didn’t move, the system will automatically refund it as long as:

  • The ride lasted less than 4 minutes, and

  • The bike travelled less than 100 metres

These cases are refunded automatically:

  • Unlock attempts where the lock didn’t open

  • Short rides ended immediately due to a mechanical issue

  • Failed starts where the app showed a ride, but the bike didn’t move

You’ll receive a notification confirming the refund.

Make sure notifications for the MOBY Move app are enabled so you don’t miss it.

4. If the Ride Lasted Longer or the Bike Moved

If your ride:

  • lasted more than 4 minutes, or

  • travelled more than 100 metres

…the system won’t automatically refund it because it appears to have been a completed ride.

If you believe you were still charged incorrectly, contact support and we’ll investigate.

5. Quick Steps If the Bike Didn’t Unlock

Try these if the app shows the ride started but the bike won’t open:

  1. Refresh the app and check your trip history

  2. Confirm the bike is still physically locked

  3. Try scanning again

  4. Move the bike slightly to help it reconnect if it’s offline

6. Need Help?

If the automatic refund rules don’t apply or you believe something is wrong, message support with:

  • Time of the unlock attempt

  • Bike number (QR code or frame sticker)

  • A photo of the bike if possible

We’ll check the ride logs and resolve it for you.

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