Electric motorcycle showroom and service shop

Commuters, city riders, experienced motorcyclists curious about electric, and people who want a low-maintenance bike.

Margin on new bike sales, plus accessories and riding gear, service labor, parts, and sometimes financing or extended warranty commissions.

• Sales and customer service
• Mechanical aptitude or a trained technician on staff
• Managing inventory and cash flow

• Most states require a motor vehicle or motorcycle dealer license, often with a surety bond and an approved physical location, so check with your state's DMV or licensing board
• Some states have franchise laws or limits on direct-to-consumer sales that affect which brands you can carry
• General liability, garage liability and property insurance, plus coverage for test rides
• Inventory ties up a lot of money, so check how floor-plan financing works before you commit
• High-voltage battery work needs proper technician training and safe handling and storage
• Check city or county zoning and sales tax registration for your location

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $50,000 to $250,000, depending on your location, inventory, fit-out and how you finance stock. Inventory ties up a lot of money, so check how floor-plan financing works first.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of around $20,000 to $100,000, depending on the brands you carry, how many bikes you sell and how much service work you take on. The idea assumes about 40 or more hours a week.

Check whether your state requires a motor vehicle or motorcycle dealer license, often with a surety bond and approved location, through your state's DMV or licensing board. Also check franchise or direct-sales limits, insurance for test rides, and local zoning.