Starting a Bicycle Rental Business

The bicycle rental industry has been a popular venture through these years. It wouldn’t be surprising if you decide to enter into the trade as well. To find out how to make money loaning bikes to other people, scroll through our article as this will serve as a good business startup guide for people like you.

Bicycle rentals has never been more in demand these days now that oil prices are rising, and tourists would rather rent bikes rather than cars.

If you live in a place where private transportation is rare or a place small enough that automobiles cannot pass through – leaving bicycles and motorcycles as the only mode of transport – this business is perfect opportunity for you.

A Thorough Knowledge of the Bicycle Renting Industry

The industry has its own tricks of the trade that would be beneficial to have an awareness and knowledge of. You can only get this important information from someone who has experience in the trade, and essentially a potential competitor. There are a lot of bicycle rental businessmen who would be willing to discuss the trade with you, but finding them will take quite some time.

Start-up costs for a Bicycle Rental Venture

The core of your financing would obviously be set aside for acquiring a fleet of good bicycles. You would also need to have repair kits ready for the maintenance of your fleet. Although this is depending on how many bicycles you would be acquiring and the quality of these bikes, you would spend at least US$7,500 for a fleet of 20 to 25 bicycles. Second-hand bikes may lower this acquisition cost, but maintenance would naturally be higher as you bring these bikes up to par with quality. Make sure to maintain a varied fleet, as renters’ needs may be different from each other. For example, mountain bikes are popular and having these on your inventory would greatly benefit you. Do not discard the other kinds as some renters may find them suitable for their use.

Other costs that you may have to maintain in order to keep your bicycle rental business going include liability and theft insurance, as your bikes could be in danger of being stolen by ill-minded renters or thieves they encounter along the way.

A Good Location for Bicycle Rental Business

Your business needs to be in a strategically chosen position in order for it to attract customers easily. One good position is a place right beside the highway where motorists and tourists can see the bikes that you are offering for rent. Another would be to join in a location where other rental services like camera rentals and movie rentals are located. These are places that renters frequent regularly, and would also help build up the attention that is needed to be around your rental business.

25 Comments

  • alex sharff said on October 20, 2010
    i would like to open my bicycle rental store in central park, nyc
  • Kirby A. Johnson said on January 22, 2011
    I will like to start a bicycle rental business in St. Criox United State Vigin Island.
  • Candace C said on March 22, 2011
    I would like to start a green bicycle rental business in the southeastern region. Preferably near or National Park.
  • carlos m silva said on April 2, 2011
    i would like to start my bicycle rental at daytona beach fl
  • Lisa Schulz said on June 11, 2011
    I would like to start up a bicycle rental business in Las Cruces, NM
  • Kevin M said on July 28, 2011
    Does anyone know where I can find a sample rental agreement? Also, what other documents would be useful in starting my bike rental business.
  • ms. kenya mitchell said on February 13, 2012
    To whom it may concern: I live in Farrockaway, new york and i'm thinking about opening a bike rental business. The area has alot of tourist in the area when the weather is nice. give me some good suggestion opening up by the beach and boardwalk. thank u.
  • ruben.v said on April 8, 2012
    I want to start a bike shop by the nmsu in Las cruces NM do you think I would make goop money
  • David hardin Sr. said on May 3, 2012
    Decatur, il. 62522 I am starting my Tandem bicycle business June 1st of 2012 something I have always wanted to do for this city. We used to have a rental service about 40 years ago and it went away. I am very excited to bring this back to our city!
  • Mike said on June 7, 2012
    I fix bicycle, if anyone wants to hire mechanic on call, contract out me. Boston Bike Guy
  • Tyler McCaig said on August 31, 2012
    If anyone can e-mail me some information on how you got started with your business please let me know I am sault ste marie ontario and we do get heavy winters but I do have two prime locations in which I would like to make these bikes available to the public as we just got a brand new hub trail within our city.
  • SANDRA LIMPIADO said on December 25, 2012
    MY LOCATION IS IN OUR LOCAL TOWN HERE IN THE COUNTRY Philippines. nAVAL, BILIRAN, VISAYAS, LEYTE.
  • greg brewton said on December 25, 2012
    Plan on opening electric bike rental in galveston tx and the woodlands tx. Could use a little help w/business plan, and any other helpful ideas. Plan to open in March 2013 both locations.
  • Mark Elson said on January 3, 2013
    Glad to see so much interest! I sold my bike shop years ago and did the corporate thing for a while, but I missed the lifestyle and autonomy of biz ownership. Last year I opened a bike/kayak/tubing rental, sales and livery company. After 16yrs as an employee I'll never work for someone else again. I would be glad to help the right person w biz plans and guidance. Philly/NJ. Scootchels@aol
  • Phatt Tire Mager said on February 5, 2013
    I live in the great wilds of the U.P./Upper Pensulia of Michigan. Where summers are great, and the winters will freeze the air in your tires. I have a little bike repair shop on a bike trail/ski/snow shoeing trail, and also located on a state snowmachine trail. I have always wanted to expand to see what the rental biz would be like. I am open to words of wisdom from anyone, and I am willing to help also drop me an e-mail I look forward to hearing from you guys thanks.
  • david coello said on February 22, 2013
    Good morning, I’m David from Staten island, I would like to open a bike/kayak, activity rental shop in Staten island and I don’t know much about it, I don’t know where to get the bikes/ kayak or the equipment for this venture. Can you help me please. david@urbanthrillseekers . com
  • suzanne said on April 16, 2013
    I open up a shop called Monster Garage in Lewiston , Idaho across from thee skate park we sell snacks and drinks. I'm wanting to start a bike renting business there I have several bikes on hand all sizes. And can't find insurance? Do I need one and what kind my agent found one but it was way expensive! Is there a cheaper route?
  • maritza croes said on July 7, 2013
    I am very interested on starting my own business in Aruba Island, and would like to have all information about the starting cost of: 30 unit bikes, with a four stand in different places, stand for credit card(automatic) doing yourself, and GPS incorporated at a hide place and all the other matter you would think important, beside of course the estimated cost on this request, very thanks for you cooperation and attention on my demand. attn maritza croes
  • Mitchell Gam said on October 25, 2013
    I am looking to set up a bike rental business in Florida. I was wondering if anybody has such a business in another place and could contact me to discuss the business. mitch@gamnation.com
  • Paul said on December 4, 2013
    I'm looking at opening a bike rental business in rural Nevada and any help or guidance on start up would be appreciated. Pgraf41@gmail.com
  • Paul said on January 7, 2014
    Plan to set up a bike rental business in the Republic of Vanuatu, could use a little help with business plan and any other helpful ideas. p.inggamer@gmail.com
  • Kenan beginner adviser said on February 19, 2014
    Alot of interest in the rental business . I cannot assist anyone with their actual business plan or model perhaps SCORE and some online forums can help Yet I can assist with getting the equipment from the manufacturers at great prices even for custom designs or colors etc. Should anyone be interested you can email me with the subject Bike/Kayak Rentals Etc at bogardz@gmail.com also send me a text and we can discuss a time to speak on the phone (347) 651-1855. Best Regards, Kenan

    bogardz@gmail.com || (347) 651-1855 || Consultant

  • Chad said on March 21, 2015
    I have a location on the methow river in Twisp Washington. I would like to have a bike/tube rental shop. Any information would be greatly appreciated. I have 10k for startup. We have a facility on the river and a restaurant/bar on property.
  • Jose mc said on August 20, 2015
    Electric bike/regular bike and scooter rental. Worcester mass.
  • EDRICK said on June 27, 2016
    I want to open rent a bike place in Barberton MP South Africa ,would grateful if you give me tips ,but what l was reading above is a good start thank you so much

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