Electric scooter showroom and service shop

Commuters, students, city residents wanting a cheaper alternative to a car, and older riders looking for easy-to-use scooters.

Margin on each scooter sold, plus accessories, paid service and repair work, and optional extended warranties or financing referrals.

• Sales and friendly customer service
• Basic mechanical and electrical know-how
• Inventory and cash flow management

• Many states require a vehicle dealer license for scooters above certain speeds or power, check your state's rules for each model
• Titling, registration and helmet rules differ by state and by scooter class, so check what you must tell buyers
• General liability, product liability and garage or property insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire
• Lithium battery storage and charging carry fire risk, check with your insurer and local fire marshal
• Some brands have territory or franchise agreements, read dealer contracts carefully
• Sales tax registration with your state and a local business license

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your storefront, the brands and stock you carry, and how much you spend on accessories and service equipment. Use this as a planning estimate only.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $10,000 to $45,000, depending on location, the brands you sell and how much servicing and accessory business you add. That figure is revenue, so rent and stock costs come out of it.

Check whether your state requires a vehicle dealer license for scooters above certain speeds or power, and review titling, registration and helmet rules for each model. Also check lithium battery storage with your insurer and local fire marshal, plus dealer contracts.