I watched from my porch as the guest wobbled down the driveway on my vintage cruiser bike, hit a pothole, and flew over the handlebars. Two hours later, I got a text from the ER: broken collarbone. Now their lawyer is claiming “negligent maintenance” of the bicycle, and my insurance agent is pointing to the “Recreational Vehicle Exclusion” in my policy, leaving me exposed for the $45,000 medical bill.
Key Takeaways
- The “Recreational” Gap: Most standard policies exclude liability for “motorized land vehicles” and often limit coverage for watercraft (kayaks) or non-motorized bikes off-premises.
- Maintenance Logs are Mandatory: If you provide equipment, you must prove you maintained it. Without a log, you are automatically negligent in court.
- Waivers aren’t Magic: A waiver warns the guest, but it does not absolve you of “gross negligence” (e.g., providing a bike with rusted brakes).
- Commercial Endorsements: You likely need a specific “watercraft” or “incidental business activity” endorsement to cover the liability of provided amenities.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Implied Warranty of Safety.”
When you offer a bike or kayak as part of the rental, you are legally acting as a rental shop. Courts assume the equipment is safe. If a chain snaps or a kayak takes on water, the burden of proof is on you to show it was in perfect working order. Standard homeowner policies (HO-3) are designed for your personal use of a bike, not the commercial lending of equipment to strangers.
The Investigation: I Called Them
- Proper Insurance: I asked about the “guest takes the kayak to the lake” scenario. They cover this under their commercial package if the amenity is disclosed. They don’t have the standard “off-premises” exclusion for guests using your gear.
- State Farm (Homeowner): “If the guest gets hurt on your bike at the house, you might have some medical payments coverage,” the agent said. “If they take it to the store and get hit? No coverage. That’s off-premises liability for a business activity.”
- Airbnb AirCover: They cover “incidental” use. However, if the injury is due to “equipment failure” (the bike broke), they often push the claim back to the host for negligence.
Comparison Table: Amenity Liability
| Feature | Proper / Commercial | Standard Homeowner | Airbnb AirCover |
| Bike Liability (On-Site) | YES | YES (usually) | YES |
| Bike Liability (Off-Site) | YES | NO (Excluded) | Varies (Grey area) |
| Kayak/Canoe | YES (Must disclose) | NO (Often excluded) | YES |
| Maintenance Defense | YES | NO | YES |
[IMAGE: A photo of a simple maintenance log clipboard hanging next to two bikes in a garage]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Create a Digital Waiver: Use a tool like WaiverSign. Send it automatically before check-in. It must explicitly list “Bicycles, Kayaks, and Gym Equipment.”
- Start a Maintenance Log: Every month, check the tire pressure and brakes. Write the date and your initials in a logbook. This is your “get out of jail free” card in a negligence suit.
- Provide Helmets: If you provide a bike without a helmet, you are handing the lawyer a “negligence” win.
- Check the “Watercraft” Length: Many policies cover kayaks under 26 feet, but only if they aren’t rented out. Since you are Airbnb-ing, you are renting them out. Confirm this distinction with your agent.
FAQ
Can I just say “Use at your own risk”?
You can say it, but it doesn’t hold up in court if the equipment was faulty. “Use at your own risk” covers accidents; it doesn’t cover broken gear.
Are electric bikes (e-bikes) covered?
NO. Almost all standard policies exclude “motorized vehicles.” An e-bike is motorized. You need a specific motorcycle/e-bike policy or a commercial rider.
Should I just remove the bikes?
Honestly? In 2026, yes. The liability risk often outweighs the booking value. Partner with a local rental shop and give guests a coupon instead.