Bike hire delivered to holiday lets and hotels

Holidaymakers, families and groups staying in tourist areas, plus accommodation owners who add bike hire as a guest extra.

Daily or weekly hire fees per bike, with extras for helmets, child seats, locks and a delivery charge. Commission or partner deals with accommodation owners can bring repeat bookings.

• Basic bike maintenance and safety checks
• Organising bookings and delivery routes
• Friendly customer service

• Public liability insurance and cover for the bikes themselves, including theft and damage, so check what policies include hired-out items
• Written hire terms covering damage, loss, deposits and helmets, since you are lending out equipment people may be unfamiliar with
• Keep bikes roadworthy with regular checks, as faulty brakes or tyres are a real injury risk
• Check vehicle insurance covers carrying bikes for business use
• Storing bikes at home may need permission from your landlord or mortgage lender, so check

Startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £7,000, depending on the size of your fleet and the vehicle or trailer you use. These are estimates, so check your own numbers before you buy bikes.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £3,500, depending on your fleet size, prices and how many bookings you get. These are estimates rather than guarantees, and you would usually need at least about ten hours a week.

Check public liability insurance and cover for the bikes, including theft and damage. Also check written hire terms for damage, deposits and helmets, regular roadworthy checks, vehicle insurance for carrying bikes, and landlord or mortgage lender permission for storing bikes at home.