Rental Terms & Conditions
We want everyone to have a safe, relaxed and enjoyable time exploring St Mary’s. These hire terms are here to make sure everything runs smoothly for you and for us. By hiring a cart from Scilly Carts, you’re agreeing to the terms below.
Who Can Drive the Cart
To hire and drive one of our carts, you and any additional named drivers must be aged between 21 and 80 years old and hold a full UK driving licence that has been held for at least one year. All drivers must be named on the hire agreement before the cart is taken out.
Our carts are fully road legal and must be driven in accordance with UK road laws and the Highway Code at all times.
The main hirer is responsible for the actions of any additional drivers named on the booking.
What’s Included in the Hire Price
Your hire price includes the cart rental, VAT and third-party insurance for the named drivers listed on the booking. Any extras or additional charges are outlined below where applicable.
Hire Period and Collection Times
Our standard daily hire runs from 9.00am to 5.30pm.
Collection is from our base at Porthmellon Business Park between 9.00am and 10.30am. If you’re visiting St Mary’s on a day trip by plane or boat, just let us know your arrival time and we’ll be here for collection.
For consecutive day hires, the hire period runs from 9.00am on the first day until 5.30pm on the final day.
Passenger Limits
Each cart must only carry the number of passengers it is insured for.
Two-seater carts may carry a maximum of two people
Four-seater carts may carry a maximum of four people
Six-seater carts may carry a maximum of six people
These limits must not be exceeded at any time.
Payments
All hire charges must be paid in full at the time of cart collection. Please note we take card payments only.
Charging and Overnight Parking for Multi-Day Hires
All carts are supplied fully charged.
If you are hiring a cart for more than one day, the cart must be charged every evening after use, even if it has only been driven for a short time. A full charge takes approximately four to five hours.
For multi-day hires, you must be able to park the cart overnight on private property, off the main highway. Charging cables must never cross a public footpath or pavement.
If we are made aware of any breach of this rule, the cart will be recovered immediately and the hire cancelled with no refund.
Where You Can and Can’t Drive
Carts must only be driven on the island’s metalled roads.
Driving is strictly prohibited on beaches, the Quay, farmland, pedestrian paths, tracks, private land or Duchy land. All carts are fitted with GPS tracking for safety and monitoring.
Any breach of this condition may result in the immediate recovery of the cart, cancellation of the hire with no refund, and charges for any damage caused. A call-out charge of £25 may also apply.
Accidents, Breakdowns and Damage
If the cart is involved in an accident or suffers damage, you must contact Scilly Carts immediately. Please do not attempt to repair the cart yourself.
In the event of an accident, you must obtain a signed police report, complete an accident form and collect details of any third parties or witnesses involved.
Any suspected malicious damage or damage caused by negligence or dangerous driving will be investigated and charged accordingly.
Fines, Penalties and Misuse
Any parking fines, penalties or charges incurred during the hire period are the responsibility of the hirer. We will pass the hirer’s details to the relevant authorities where required. An administration fee of £25 applies.
A £25 call-out charge may be made for any recovery or repair caused by misuse, including flat batteries, getting stuck off-road or driving onto prohibited areas.
Lost Keys
If a cart key is lost during the hire period, a replacement will be provided at a cost of £5.
Alcohol, Drugs and Unsafe Driving
Scilly Carts cannot be held responsible for damage or incidents caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Any resulting damage, recovery or claims will be the responsibility of the hirer.
We reserve the right to refuse to provide a cart or to end a hire if a driver appears unfit to drive or does not meet the eligibility requirements.
Early Returns, Cancellations and Refunds
There are no refunds for early returns if you choose to bring the cart back before the end of your hire period.
Scilly Carts reserves the right to cancel a booking at its discretion. Any refunds issued will be made by card.
General Considerations
Please drive considerately and be mindful of pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. Our carts are quiet, and pedestrians may not hear you approaching.
Only park in permitted areas and never use a mobile phone while driving, as this is a traffic offence.
Failure to follow these terms and conditions may result in the immediate cancellation of the hire and recovery of the cart with no refund.