We’re all aware of the benefits of cycling: reduced congestion and noise pollution, lower carbon emissions and improved happiness and health for citizens.
Long-term rental projects require a significantly smaller investment to run than traditional bike-sharing schemes. From an operational perspective, there’s no rebalancing of the fleet, much less vandalism, and no stations to invest in. Users pay a monthly fee, usually for a minimum of 3 months, creating a constant flow of revenue coming in each month.
All that’s required is:
- An initial investment to acquire the bikes and spare parts
- A warehouse for maintenance (although you can always partner with local bike shops for repairs)
- A small team for recovering stolen bikes and making on-site repairs for users (if included in your offer)
2. Inclusivity: connect rural areas and suburbs
Micro mobility and pay-as-you-go bike-sharing doesn’t suit everyone. For example, not everyone lives near a public bike station, and there aren’t always micro-mobility vehicles right outside their door.
When demand ebbs and flows unpredictably – even with rebalancing efforts – people who travel regularly from A to B can’t rely on shared services.
Long-term rental is, therefore, a way to make cycling accessible to people who aren’t currently being served by bike-sharing or micro-mobility schemes.
With a scheme that serves a wider community, you extend the reach of cycling in your city.
