Mobile bike mechanic

Commuters, families, office workers, students and employers running cycle-to-work schemes.

A call-out fee or fixed price per service, plus labour and a small margin on parts you fit.

• Bike mechanics and use of workshop tools
• Diagnosing faults quickly
• Friendly customer service
• Booking and route planning

• Public liability insurance, ideally with cover for your tools and for work on customers' bikes
• Business insurance for your van or cargo bike, and check whether your vehicle policy covers business use
• Check parking rules and whether you need permission to work on private or workplace sites
• Safety of repairs, such as brakes, as mistakes could cause accidents

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on whether you use a van or cargo bike, and on your tools, parts stock and insurance. Get quotes for each before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £600 to £3,500, depending on how many jobs you complete, your prices and the area you cover. These are estimates, and travel time and vehicle costs will affect what you keep.

Check you have public liability insurance, ideally covering your tools and customers' bikes, and that your vehicle policy covers business use. Check parking rules and permission to work on private or workplace sites, and take care with safety-critical repairs such as brakes.