Small motorcycle rental fleet

Visiting tourists, locals who want to try a bike before buying, riders whose own bike is in the shop, and groups planning a weekend ride.

A hire fee per day or week, plus optional extras such as helmets, jackets, luggage and a security deposit. Most income comes in the riding season, so plan for quiet winter months.

• Good knowledge of motorcycles and basic maintenance
• Organised booking and paperwork
• Confident checking licences and talking about safety

• Insurance is the biggest hurdle: check that your commercial policy covers renters, theft and damage, and what your province requires for rental vehicles
• Renters must hold the right motorcycle licence class for your province, so check licences every time and keep copies
• Check whether your province or municipality requires a business licence or rental registration for vehicle hire
• Bike damage, theft and unpaid fees are real risks, so use a deposit and a written agreement
• The riding season is short in much of Canada, so work out whether you can cover storage and insurance through winter
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on how many bikes you buy and your insurance. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on bookings and the riding season.

Check that your commercial policy covers renters, theft and damage, and what your province requires for rental vehicles. Renters must hold the right motorcycle licence class for your province, so check licences every time and keep copies.

The riding season is short in much of Canada, so work out whether you can cover storage and insurance through winter. Also check whether you need a business licence or rental registration, and register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold.