Scooter hire stand near a tourist spot

Tourists, backpackers, holidaymakers and locals wanting a fun or practical way to get around for a few hours or a day.

Hourly, half-day and full-day hire rates, with extras like helmet upgrades, phone mounts, multi-day discounts and group bookings.

• Friendly customer service
• Basic scooter maintenance and charging routines
• Organising bookings and a fleet
• Clear safety briefing

• Rules for e-scooters and mopeds differ by state and territory, including helmets, speed limits, where you can ride and licence or registration needs
• Check with your local council whether you need a permit to trade or operate on public land
• Public liability insurance and cover for the fleet, theft, damage and rider injury (check that insurers will cover hire use)
• Strong rental agreements and waivers, and checking renters' ages and licences where required
• Seasonal demand, so plan for quiet months and wet weather
• Register for an ABN and check when GST registration applies

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on the size of your fleet, the helmets and locks you supply, and your kiosk or shopfront. Fleet size is usually the biggest driver.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your location, fleet size and the season. Demand varies, so plan for quiet months and wet weather.

Check e-scooter and moped rules in your state or territory, including helmets, speed limits, where you can ride and licence or registration needs. Also check council permits for trading on public land, insurer cover for hire use, and rental waivers.