Flat tyre

Overview

A flat tyre can happen at any time, especially with heavy stop-start riding for delivery work. Your priority is to stay safe and prevent further damage to the bike.

Tyre punctures and flat tyres are treated as normal wear and tear. You are responsible for the cost of repair or replacement, but Motion Rental can help with towing and guidance on what to do next.

What causes a flat tyre?

Most flat tyres on rental bikes come from everyday riding conditions, not defects. Common causes include:

• Nails, screws, glass, or other sharp objects in the road

• Damaged or leaking valve stems

• Bent, cracked, or damaged rims

• Tyres worn past safe tread depth

• Running tyres at the wrong pressure for long periods

If you ride for long hours carrying delivery loads, your tyres wear faster. Regularly check your tyres so you catch issues before they become dangerous.

What we cover

Motion Rental provides you with a roadworthy bike at the start of your rental, including tyres that meet legal and safety requirements.

If you get a flat during your rental, Motion Rental supports you with:

• Roadside assistance towing from the incident location

• Guidance on safe repair or replacement that meets Queensland standards

• Information on correct tyre size and rating for your bike

Roadside assistance provides free towing for up to 15 km from where the incident happens to the nearest suitable mechanic. If you need towing beyond 15 km, you pay the extra distance directly or through your account.

For more information about roadside coverage, refer to the Roadside Assistance Doc in the Related Docs section below.

What you are responsible for

You are responsible for keeping the bike in a safe, roadworthy condition at all times, including tyres.

Tyre-related costs that are your responsibility:

• Puncture repair when safe and legal

• Tyre replacement when the tyre is too damaged or worn due to puncture

• Any extra towing distance beyond the free 15 km roadside assistance limit

• Any damage caused by riding on a flat tyre, such as bent rims or damaged brakes

Motion Rental treats punctures and flat tyres as wear and tear. They are not covered by standard rental fees or insurance.

What to do if you get a flat tyre

When you notice a flat or serious loss of pressure, act immediately. Do not try to finish your delivery or ride “carefully” on a flat.

Tyre repair guidelines in Queensland

Queensland road rules require that motorcycle tyres are safe and roadworthy. The main points that apply to your rental bike are:

• Minimum tread depth: At least 1.6 mm of tread across the central part of the tyre that contacts the road. Most tyres have a Tread Wear Indicator (TWI) in the grooves to show when the tyre is close to the legal limit.

• No exposed cords: You must not see any fabric or steel cords through the rubber.

• No bulges or deep cuts: Sidewalls and tread must be free from bulges, chunks missing, or deep cuts that expose internal layers.

For repairs:

• Front tyres are generally not repaired. Because the front tyre is critical for steering and braking, many workshops refuse to repair front punctures and will only replace the tyre.

• Rear tyres may be repairable if:

  • The puncture is in the tread area (not the sidewall)

  • The tyre has enough remaining tread

  • The puncture size and location meet repair standards set by the workshop and relevant guidelines

If a mechanic advises that a tyre cannot be repaired safely or legally, you must replace it. Do not instruct a mechanic to perform a repair that does not meet Queensland standards.

Preventative tips

Reducing the risk of a flat tyre saves you downtime, hassle, and repair costs.

• Check tyres weekly for nails, cuts, and unusual wear. Use the Weekly checks guide as your routine.

• Watch your tread depth and replace tyres before they reach the 1.6 mm legal minimum, especially if you ride in wet conditions.

• Avoid potholes and road debris wherever it is safe to do so.

• Maintain correct tyre pressure, checking when tyres are cold. Under-inflated tyres overheat and are more likely to fail.

• Use correct tyre size and rating for your Motion Rental bike. Refer to the Tyre size page for the exact specifications for your model.

Final notes

A flat tyre is part of normal riding, but how you respond affects your safety, your costs, and potential damage to the bike.

Act quickly, do not ride on a fully flat tyre, use roadside assistance when needed, and always follow Queensland roadworthiness standards for any repair or replacement.

FAQs

Related docs

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