7 trends to leverage when growing your bike rental shop in 2025

The bike rental industry is evolving quickly, and keeping up means more than simply maintaining your fleet. From changing commuter habits to the rise of e-bikes and flexible pricing models, 2025 brings new opportunities for any bike rental shop ready to grow.

In this blog, we highlight seven research-backed trends that are shaping the rental space right now. For each one, you will see why it matters, how bike rental shops can make the most of it, and a practical example of how to put it into action. Whether you are just starting out or looking to scale, these insights are designed to help you adapt, stay competitive and build lasting success in the year ahead.

The 7 Trends and How You Can Use Them to Grow Your Bike Rental Shop

The trends below highlight what’s changing in the industry and what customers are starting to care about most. They’re here to help you take small, focused steps that support growth and keep your bike rental shop evolving with confidence.

Trend 1: Urbanisation

More than half of the world’s population, around 4.4 billion people, currently lives in cities. That number is expected to rise sharply, with nearly 70 percent of people projected to live in urban areas by 2050. As cities grow, transport networks face increasing pressure, and daily commuting becomes more time-consuming and unpredictable.People are looking for faster, more flexible ways to move around. With limited parking and crowded public transport, many turn to bikes for short-distance travel. This shift creates a clear opportunity for your bike rental shop to provide a convenient, reliable solution that fits the pace of city life.

How Your Bike Rental Shop Can Make The Most of This Trend

Position your bike rental store as the go-to solution for daily commuting and short trips. You can:

• Partner with local businesses, co-working spaces, and residential developments to offer exclusive commuter deals.
• Set up weekday commuter bundles or monthly memberships for regular riders.
• Offer deliveries and collections to appeal to busy professionals who want a bike brought to them and picked up later.
• Promote your services as a car-free, hassle-free way to get around the city.

These small changes make your service more convenient and more appealing to city dwellers, while also opening up additional revenue streams through delivery fees.

Example: Imagine you’ve partnered with a co-working space in the city centre. Anyone renting a workspace also gets a discount on weekly or monthly bike rentals from your shop. They collect their bike from the co-working space on Monday morning and leave it there again on Friday evening, ready for your team to collect. You could also keep a few spare bikes nearby in case quick swaps are needed during the week.

For added convenience and an extra charge, you could offer deliveries and collections directly to and from the customer’s home. Bikes are dropped off and collected at times that suit the customer, making the entire process seamless. Your booking system can then manage everything from scheduling and reminders to coordinating deliveries and collections.

This setup makes commuting easier for your customers, brings in consistent bookings, and creates a new income stream through delivery services. It also positions your bike rental shop as a practical transport option that fits naturally into the working week.

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Trend 2: E-Bikes

E-bikes might once have seemed like a passing trend, but recent data shows otherwise. The global e-bike rental market was valued at around 1.8 billion dollars in 2024 and is projected to reach 5.6 billion dollars by 2032. That’s a projected annual growth rate of over 15 percent, driven by growing demand for efficient, accessible and sustainable ways to get around.

Commuters, tourists and riders with mobility concerns are all turning to e-bikes for different reasons. Some want a quicker ride to work without arriving exhausted. Others are exploring more ground while on holiday. For bike rental stores, offering e-bikes is a practical response to this shift in customer demand. It allows you to serve a wider range of riders and position your business for long-term growth.

How to Make the Most of This Trend

To capitalise on the growing demand for e-bikes, you don’t need to completely overhaul your fleet. Consider these simple steps to add e-bikes to your bike rental shop:

• Start with a small fleet of e-bikes to test demand in your area. Even a handful of e-bikes can attract both commuters and tourists.
• Promote e-bikes as a low-effort option for customers who want to avoid traffic, reach destinations quickly, or explore without getting too tired.
• Create rental bundles that include an e-bike, helmet, lock, and charger to provide a complete and convenient rental experience.
• Provide clear, simple information on e-bike range, battery life, and usage tips so customers understand what to expect and feel confident in their decision.
• Train your staff on basic e-bike handling and maintenance to ensure you can assist customers with any questions or issues.

These steps help you diversify your offerings without a significant upfront investment, while tapping into the demand for e-bikes and expanding your customer base.

Example: Start by introducing a small fleet of e-bikes to your rental options, promoting them as a convenient choice for commuters looking to avoid traffic or tourists wanting to explore more. Create a “Weekend Explorer Package” that bundles an e-bike, helmet, lock, and charger, making it easy for tourists to book and access everything they need in one go.

For commuters, offer a monthly e-bike plan that includes a discounted rate and all necessary gear, making it easy for them to rent regularly. This will not only attract new customers to your bike rental shop but also encourage repeat rentals as they experience the convenience of e-bikes.

By gradually adding e-bikes to your fleet and offering flexible packages, you can diversify your services, meet growing customer demand, and increase your rental revenue without requiring a large upfront investment.

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Trend 3: Sustainability

Sustainability is a word you’ve probably heard often, and maybe even brushed aside. But it's more than a passing trend. Nearly two-thirds of consumers, according to Deloitte, are actively trying to reduce their environmental impact. This shift is starting to influence how people travel.

More customers are making thoughtful choices. Some are tourists who want to explore a new city without adding to traffic. Others are city dwellers who are fed up with packed public transport and rising emissions. For many, renting a bike is a simple and affordable way to travel that also fits with their values.This change in mindset gives your bike rental shop a chance to stay in step with what customers care about and offer a service that supports those everyday decisions.

How to Make the Most of This Trend

Your bike rental shop already offers a transport option that aligns with what many customers are looking for. The next step is to make that value visible in simple, practical ways:

• Position your shop as a green alternative to appeal to eco-conscious tourists and commuters, using marketing messages that highlight the environmental benefits of bike rentals.
• Create a loyalty programme that rewards repeat customers with discounts or perks for choosing sustainable transport, such as a free rental after a certain number of rides.
• Differentiate from competitors by showcasing your commitment to sustainability, making your shop a standout choice for customers who value eco-friendly practices.
• Participate in or sponsor local green initiatives, boosting your shop’s visibility and reinforcing your commitment to sustainability.

These small steps can help your bike rental shop connect with more customers, encourage repeat business and show that you’re aligned with what people care about.

Example: Your bike rental shop could introduce a loyalty programme that rewards customers for choosing sustainable transport. For example, after ten eco-friendly trips, a customer might receive a free rental. This encourages repeat business while highlighting your commitment to environmentally conscious practices. It also helps your shop stand out from competitors in a meaningful way.

Small gestures like this resonate with customers. They see that your business shares their values, which builds trust and loyalty over time. The result is more repeat bookings and a stronger relationship with your community.

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Trend 4: Technology

Technology is changing the way people rent and ride bikes. From mobile booking apps to GPS tracking and secure digital payments, these tools are making things more convenient for both customers and shops. Digital convenience plays a more significant role in how people choose transport in cities, and the exact expectations now apply when someone is looking for a bike to rent.

For your bike rental shop, adopting even simple tech upgrades can make a noticeable difference. Online bookings, mobile-friendly pages and automated confirmations help reduce admin while making the rental process easier for customers.

How to Make the Most of This Trend

Many bike shops now offer online booking through their website, using a booking widget that allows customers to check availability, reserve a bike to rent, and pay online with ease. Here are a few ways to enhance your rental experience with simple tech upgrades:

• Ensure your website is mobile-friendly so customers can book a bike on the go.
• Use automated emails or texts for booking confirmations and reminders.
• Include a map or pickup location guide to make it easy for customers to find you.
• Offer secure online payment options to speed up the booking process.

These small changes can help your bike rental shop run more smoothly and create a better overall customer experience. If you're considering ways to implement these features, rental software can be a valuable tool. It often includes a booking widget, automated messaging, and other features that help you manage your bookings, deliveries, and collections efficiently.

Example: A customer is out for lunch and decides they want to explore the area by bike. They visit your website on their phone, check availability, and book a rental for that afternoon. The process is simple. They pay online, receive a confirmation email with pickup details, and head over when they are ready.

Without the option to book online, you might have missed out on this customer altogether. A mobile-friendly site with clear information and easy booking gives people what they need in the moment, helping your bike rental shop stay visible, accessible, and ready to grow.

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Trend 5: Flexible Pricing Models

Not every customer wants to pay the same way. Some prefer to rent a bike for just a few hours, while others want a flat monthly fee or a commuter bundle. Flexible bike rental pricing models, like pay-as-you-go and subscriptions, are becoming more common as people look for better value and control. Stripe reports that 58 percent of businesses have adopted or tested usage-based pricing, reflecting a broader shift in how customers want to pay.

For your bike rental shop, this trend presents an opportunity to serve a wider range of needs. Offering a few simple pricing options can help you appeal to both tourists and regular riders while also encouraging repeat bookings and longer-term rentals.

How to Make the Most of This Trend

You don’t need to overhaul your pricing structure. A few flexible options can make your services more appealing to different types of customers:

• Offer a commuter plan with a flat monthly fee for weekday rentals.
• Create bundles for tourists, such as weekend or multi-day rentals with add-ons included.
• Provide pay-as-you-go pricing for short-term or spontaneous rentals.
• Reward loyal customers with discounts or perks after a set number of bookings.
• Keep pricing clear and easy to find, both online and in-store.

These options give customers more control over how they rent, while helping your bike rental shop attract new riders, increase repeat bookings, and create more consistent revenue throughout the year.

Example: You introduce a monthly commuter plan for local customers who ride regularly. For a fixed fee, they can rent a road bike from Monday to Friday, with a lock and basic insurance included. Instead of paying for five separate rentals each week, they get a better rate by booking in one go. And if they commit to a whole month, the cost per ride drops even further.

This kind of flexible pricing benefits both sides. Customers save money while enjoying a hassle-free, reliable way to get to work. At the same time, your bike rental shop gains more consistent income by securing longer bookings upfront. It’s a simple shift that improves the customer experience and supports long-term revenue growth.

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Trend 6: Infrastructure Collaborations

Better cycling infrastructure benefits everyone, but it rarely happens in isolation. Local governments are increasingly partnering with private businesses to make cities more bike-friendly. In its United for Net Zero white paper published in January 2025, the World Economic Forum highlights how public and private partnerships are essential for building sustainable infrastructure, including urban mobility projects.

For your bike rental shop, being involved in these efforts can directly support business growth. More bike lanes and better parking make cycling more accessible, which increases demand for rentals. When your shop plays an active role, it builds community visibility, helps shape local improvements, and brings in more riders. All of this supports long-term growth.

How to Make the Most of This Trend

You do not need to be a large company to get involved in local infrastructure efforts. Small contributions and community partnerships can help improve cycling access while also growing your customer base:

• Attend local transport or city planning meetings to advocate for safer bike routes and more secure parking.
• Reach out to local councils or transport providers to suggest practical improvements near your shop or key commuter areas.
• Collaborate on small-scale projects like installing bike racks or signage around high-traffic zones.
• Offer incentives or discounts to commuters who use public transport alongside your bike rental services.
• Promote local cycling initiatives on your website, in-store and on social media to show community involvement.

Getting involved in this way helps position your bike rental shop as part of the solution to urban mobility challenges. It increases your visibility, builds goodwill, and encourages more people to choose cycling as part of their daily routine. These are the kinds of actions that support steady, long-term growth.

Example: Your shop partners with the local council to install secure bike racks near a busy train station. Some racks are for public use, while others hold your rental bikes for commuters to collect. Customers can reserve a bike online in advance, and a QR code displayed at the rack links directly to your booking page, making it easy for passers-by to book on the spot.

This setup supports local infrastructure, increases visibility, and helps your bike rental shop capture both planned and last-minute bookings. It is a simple way to boost weekday rentals and build lasting customer habits.

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Trend 7: Go Beyond Bike Rentals

Many shops are expanding their rental fleet to include more than traditional bikes. E-scooters, e-bikes, cargo bikes and child trailers are all growing in popularity, especially in busy cities and tourist hotspots. The bike and scooter rental market is on track to grow from around 6.5 billion dollars in 2024 to over 30 billion by 2034, as more people choose flexible, eco-friendly ways to get around. Offering a wider mix helps your bike rental shop attract new types of customers and boost daily bookings.

Alongside rentals, shops are also adding small services to support rider needs. This might include fitting parts, stocking basic accessories, or offering light repairs. There is a rising demand for e-bike servicing in particular, as more customers need quick help with tyres, brake pads or minor adjustments. These added services can turn one-time renters into repeat visitors and help keep your shop busier throughout the week.

How to Make the Most of This Trend

You don’t need to overhaul your business to take advantage of this shift. Small, strategic additions can help you meet changing customer expectations and unlock new revenue:

• Trial a small number of e-scooters, e-bikes, or child trailers during peak seasons to test demand.
• Ensure your team is trained on basic handling, light maintenance, and repairs for any new vehicles. Consider hiring a technician with e-bike expertise.
• Offer to fit common customer-supplied parts like saddles, pedals, or lights to add a convenient, customer-first touch.
• Stock a limited inventory of useful accessories or refurbished parts for customers needing quick fixes.
• Clearly list these new vehicles and services online, in-store, and in booking confirmation emails.

These steps will help position your bike rental shop as a versatile, customer-focused destination, ready to meet a diverse set of needs.

Example: You decide to trial a small fleet of e-scooters alongside your regular bikes. You list them as a separate option on your booking page with clear pricing and photos. The new offering starts to attract a different type of customer, such as tourists and commuters looking for quick, flexible ways to get around.

You also introduce a basic fitting service, offering to install items like saddles, pedals or lights that customers bring in. You promote the service on your website and in-store, making it visible to riders who may need repairs in future.These small changes attract new customers, increase weekday bookings and create additional revenue through light servicing. Together, they help your bike rental shop grow by boosting daily income and encouraging repeat business.

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Turning Trends into Action

Adapting to change does not mean reworking your entire business. But staying informed and making small, practical changes can put your bike rental shop in a stronger position to grow in 2025.Whether you are expanding your fleet, offering flexible pricing, or improving how customers book and pay online, each trend in this blog gives you a useful place to start. These changes can help you reach more riders, increase repeat bookings and create a better overall experience.

If you are looking for support while making these improvements, Hubtiger’s rental software can help. It lets you add a booking widget to your website, accept online payments, automate customer messaging, manage deliveries and collections, and much more. With the right tools in place, your bike rental shop will be ready to grow with confidence.