Here are 10 Tips for Starting a Bike-Based Business Right Now

Thinking about swapping your cubicle for the open road and starting a bike-based business? Whether you’re a sustainability enthusiast, a fitness fanatic, or just someone who wants to work while enjoying the wind in your hair, a bike-powered venture could be your ticket to freedom (and maybe a few calf muscles too).

Years back, Momentum wrote about a bike-based business that started in Toronto. Lilly’s Lunches was an adorable deli bike weaving through city traffic to deliver homemade lunches to downtown businesses.

“I had always wanted to start a local business, and my love for food tied in perfectly with the idea of bringing office-bound people lunch,” said owner Elizabeth Callahan. Trading her photocopier for an industrial oven, Callahan funded the development of Lilly’s Lunches with her personal savings and collaborated with a diverse network of friends to launch her business.

It can and does happen often. To illustrate further, League of American Bicyclists just launched another edition highlighting the best bicycle friendly businesses.

Here are 10 fun and practical tips to help you ride into entrepreneurial success with a bike-based business:

1. Choose Your Bike Biz Flavor

Will you deliver piping hot pizzas? Offer city tours? Sell smoothies from a trike? Your first step is picking a niche that fits your skills, passions, and local demand. Here are a few pedal-powered ideas to get your gears turning:

• Bike courier service

• Mobile coffee or smoothie cart

• Bicycle repair on wheels

• Guided bike tours

• Eco-friendly advertising (think rolling billboards!)

2. Know Your Terrain (Literally & Figuratively)

Scope out your area. Is it bike-friendly with lots of trails or bike lanes? Is the demand seasonal? Are there lots of tourists, commuters, or eco-conscious customers? Local conditions will shape how your business operates and grows.

3. Invest in the Right Ride

Your bike is your business partner. Choose one that matches your needs—cargo bikes for deliveries, trikes with storage for vending, or electric-assist bikes if you plan to go the distance (and save your legs some pain).

4. Keep It Legal

Don’t skip the boring-but-important stuff: licenses, permits, insurance, and local business regulations. Some cities have specific laws for bike vendors or mobile services. A quick chat with your city hall can save you a lot of hassle later.

5. Dress for Success (and Safety)

You’ll be your own moving billboard, so rep your brand proudly! Wear your branded gear (shirts, helmets, bags) and make sure you’re visible and safe—think reflectors, lights, and a quality helmet that says “smart entrepreneur.”

Lilly’s Lunches

6. Be Weather-Wise

Rain happens. In the urban cycling world, there is no bad weather just bad gear. Build weather-resilient strategies: waterproof gear, umbrellas for carts, alternate routes, and social media updates when the skies just aren’t in your favor.

7. Use Tech to Get Traction

Just because you’re on a bike doesn’t mean you can’t go high-tech. Use GPS apps, digital payment tools like Square or Venmo, scheduling apps, and social media to promote, plan, and manage your mobile empire.

8. Be Seen, Be Heard

Marketing on two wheels is fun and effective. Wrap your bike in bright branding, hand out eco-friendly flyers, and engage with the community. Offer discounts for social media shoutouts or host a “ride-along” promo.

9. Know Your Limits (and Your Chainrings)

Biking all day is no joke. Pace yourself and plan reasonable hours. Factor in fatigue, route complexity, and bike maintenance. You’re a business owner and your own delivery crew, so treat yourself well.

10. Ride the Feedback Loop

Check in with customers—what do they love? What could be better? Adapt based on their feedback and be ready to pivot if needed. The most successful bikepreneurs are the ones who evolve with the ride.

 Bonus Tip: Keep Your Bike Happy

A well-maintained bike = a smooth-running business. Learn basic repairs, carry essential tools, and schedule regular tune-ups. A squeaky chain or flat tire shouldn’t be what stops your hustle.

Starting a bike-based business isn’t just about making money—it’s about freedom, sustainability, and community connection. So clip in, pump those tires, and get ready to turn your passion for pedaling into a business that rolls!