Moped and scooter shop with servicing

Commuters, students, delivery riders, retirees, and people living in cities, college towns or beach areas who want low-cost, fuel-efficient transport.

Profit on vehicle sales, labor charges for service and repairs, and margin on parts, gear and accessories. Service work tends to bring in steadier income between sales.

• Mechanical skills or a trusted mechanic to work with
• Sales and customer service
• Inventory and basic bookkeeping
• Local marketing

• Most states require a vehicle dealer license, and some require a surety bond and an approved premises, so check with your state's licensing agency
• Zoning and local business license rules for sales and repair; check with your city or county before signing a lease
• Imported scooters need to meet federal (DOT and EPA) and state emissions and safety requirements, so check any brand's compliance before agreeing to sell it
• Garage liability, garagekeepers and property insurance for stock and customer vehicles, and workers' compensation once you hire
• Inventory ties up a lot of cash, and sales are seasonal in colder areas, so plan for slow months
• Environmental rules on handling oil, batteries and tires; check local requirements

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on premises, stock and any dealer agreements. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, season and how much servicing you offer.

Check with your state's licensing agency about a vehicle dealer license, and whether a surety bond or approved premises is needed. Check zoning and local business license rules before signing a lease. Confirm imported scooters meet federal DOT and EPA and state requirements.

You'll need mechanical skills or a trusted mechanic, plus sales, customer service, bookkeeping and local marketing. Estimates suggest at least around 35 hours a week. Plan for slow months, since sales can be seasonal in colder areas and inventory ties up cash.