Moped and scooter hire base

Holidaymakers, day visitors, students and locals who want a bike for a day or a weekend.

Hourly, half-day, daily and weekly hire rates, plus extras such as helmet or luggage box hire and a refundable deposit. Summer and event weekends will usually be your busiest times.

• Customer service and clear explaining
• Basic bike maintenance or a reliable mechanic
• Organised with bookings and paperwork

• Standard motor insurance will not cover hiring out, so check you have the right hire and reward cover
• Check each renter's licence category and entitlement before handing over keys, using the DVLA checking service where it applies
• Roadworthiness: check MOT, tax and servicing rules for every bike you hire out
• Check with the council about planning use, parking and displaying bikes outside
• Seasonal income, so plan for the quiet winter months
• E-scooters cannot be freely hired out on public roads; in the UK they are only legal through official trial schemes, so check before adding them

Startup costs are typically around £6,000 to £30,000, depending on fleet size, whether bikes are petrol or electric, and the unit or kiosk you rent. Helmets, servicing, insurance and security also need budgeting.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on fleet size, location, pricing and season. Income is seasonal, so plan for quiet winter months when demand is lower.

Check you have hire and reward insurance, as standard motor cover will not do. Check each renter's licence entitlement, MOT, tax and servicing rules for every bike, council rules on parking and display, and e-scooter rules before adding them.