Starting a bike rental business can be a great opportunity if you live in an area with tourism, cycling routes, or high demand for sustainable transportation. However, it’s essential to understand the initial costs before getting started. In this article, we break down the main expenses you need to consider.
The biggest expense in this business is acquiring bicycles. Prices vary depending on quality and type:
To begin, a fleet of 10 to 20 bikes may be enough, representing an investment of approximately €5,000 to €30,000, depending on the type of bikes chosen.
You’ll need a place to store and manage bike rentals. Costs vary depending on location:
If you opt for a physical store, you should also consider costs for furniture, signage, and renovations, which can add an extra €1,000 - €5,000.
To streamline business operations, bike rental management software is essential. Options and costs include:
A system like Pulso can help improve efficiency and simplify business management.
To operate legally and safely, you must consider:
Bicycles require regular maintenance. Expect to spend approximately €10 - €50 per bike per month, meaning a fleet of 20 bikes would cost €200 - €1,000 per month in maintenance.
To attract customers, investing in marketing is crucial:
If you hire staff, expected costs are:
You should also account for utilities like electricity, internet, and accounting services, adding up to €200 - €800/month.
Adding up all these factors, the initial investment for a bike rental business can range from €7,000 to €50,000, depending on the scale and specific business setup.
A bike rental business can be profitable, but it requires a significant initial investment. It's recommended to start with a small fleet and scale up based on demand. Additionally, using tools like Pulso can help optimize business management and maximize revenue.
Do you need help setting up your business? Let us know!