Billy's Rentals — Local services in Sanibel

Two stars for a handful of reasons.

I must say, seeing SanCap via scooter or motorcycle alike ended up being a great choice, I just wish there were more options than Billy's after our experience.

Our first interaction was upon walking up to the shop and greeting one of the employees, to which was met with a blank stare as he walked right by us...odd interaction, and it only got more interesting as the experience with Billy's continued.

Rented a two person scooter for two days, pay attention as there are relatively low weight limits on a single scooter, @ 170lbs. Overall condition was less than mediocre, instructed to use rear brakes that were definitely ready for repair, had to feather the front brakes to slow from 30 - 0 at stop signs and lights.

The machine was a dog, I understand you can't expect too much from a 49cc motor but talk about not being able to get out of your own way, the thing was a kymco brand scooter, clearly in service for a while with 9,500 miles on the clock. For reference we did 60-70 miles, I think they've gotten their money out of this scooter quite a while back. No worries if well maintained, but can't say that about this one.

There is no lockable storage on the scooter, and on our machine what storage there was, was under the seat and had a broken clasp so it wouldn't patch much alone lock. The seat was ripped, right down the middle as well. If charges are made due to damage, it doesn't seem as if it's going to the equipment.

The helmets, pretty gross, smelled bad with old sweat, past renters hair stuck inside, the whole bit. The agreement you sign "forces" you to wear the helmet, in light of Florida not requiring the use of one by law over the age of 21. Upon returning the scooter, we were told by the short guy with freckles, I'll be easy on you guys, but if the owner had seen you, he would have stopped you and taken the scooter back and left you to walk home. We did wear the non-maintained helmets on our long ride against our preference, and not when returning. Try doing something about the cleanliness of your equipment and perhaps you will get more people using it.

The riding test, freckles guy again, multiple times in front of a my wife and I were several comments about how ladies drive, the damage they do to the equipment, and all done with a seemingly light hearted southern approach yet noticeable and disrespectful. My wife is not often affected by this type of thing, but she did make mention of it and I most certainly took notice while it was occurring, talk about lack of professionalism, and I'm no feminist.

Two stars only because the lady behind the counter worked on price with us to the tune of $20 off because we weren't going to have the scooter for the full 48 hour...

Billy's staff is consistently knowledgeable; competent; and kind and inviting. Their rentals, services, and goods are priced fairly, their rental bikes are generally well-maintained, and their repair quality is excellent. They even remember my name (results my vary), giving a warm hometown feeling.

My bike took a beating on the my bike rack during a 950 mile drive. My crankshaft squeaked and clicked, my rear derailleur got knocked a bit and gave me sticky shifting, etc. I took my bike to this location for a tune-up and they did marvelously. My ride is smooth and silent and rides like new.

Additionally, we made a strange request to which Billy's obliged: We requested that they receive a shipment of our new bike, assemble it, and hold it for a week until we arrived in the area. This bike is a Madsen bucket bike (look it up - it's different!), which, by most definitions of the word, is a "non-standard" type of bike because of its size and structure, and was probably not a normal assembly. For a fair price, they did all that we asked, and the bike rides great, thanks to their quality work.

This is a top-notch store and you should give then...

We called about availability of bikes, and they didn't feel like checking and told us we had to come there to see what they had. They wouldn't look it up and tell our friend if they were supposed to return their bikes or have them picked up, when they couldn't remember what they had chosen. Many of the bikes are in bad shape, with rust on them, or just old looking. We rented 5 bikes.

One day, I was riding my bike, and a pedal fell off! I walked the bike almost a mile back there, and the guy said sorry and gave me a different bike. I rode it a half mile down the path, and the chain popped off while I was pedaling. I put it back on, got grease all over my hands, and it happened again. I called them and told them I was walking it back again. A guy met me with a bike near their location. I told him I would like the rental to be taken off our bill, and he said he would not. He said he was the manager, and that "we do our best." If they did their best, the bikes would not be so old and in disrepair. Very disappointing service! Find another...