Want a hassle-free ride through the hustle and bustle of the city? Two-wheelers are undoubtedly the best option. Not only are they easy to maneuver but also help you to beat the traffic. Ease of parking and economical fuel consumption just add more value to it.
Bike rental app platforms like Bounce, Vogo, Drivezy, etc. have made it affordable and convenient for riders to rent bikes for a variable duration.
Two-wheeler Rental Apps
The $300 million bike rental market in India comprises app-based two-wheeler rental apps and local rental players. While apps like Bounce, Vogo, Drivezy, etc. dominate the bike rental market in India, most of the tourist spots across the country rely on local rental players. Here are some of the key two-wheeler rental players:
● Bounce: This self-drive bike rental app started its journey in 2014. Today it offers keyless scooter rental service across the country. Riders can pick and drop the vehicles at any designated area within the city. Bounce scooters come with two pricing models, i.e. subscription and hourly rentals.
● Drivezy: After starting its journey in 2016, Drivezy is a known name today in the world of self-drive cars and bikes. The rider can rent a bike for up to 30 days. The user can select bikes and scooters according to transmission type and engine capacity.
● WheelStreet: Launched in 2014, WheelStreet is another prominent name in the bike rental space in India. They offer a wide variety of two-wheelers on rent, including scooters, bikes, sports bikes, and premium bikes. Functioning on an aggregator model, this app allows the commuter to rent two-wheelers for a variable duration. They offer home delivery and pick up as well.
● Vogo: Vogo started its journey in 2016 with IoT-enabled scooters available for rent. Serving more than 3 million riders every year, Vogo offers rentals for both one-way and round trips as well. The rental starts at Rs 3/km.
● ONN Bikes Rental: After starting operations in 2016, ONN Bikes Rental today offers a wide variety of options to the riders. They are currently operating in five cities, i.e. Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Mysuru, and Udaipur. ONN Bikes Rental offers ISI marked helmets and comprehensive insurance to the riders.
Pros and Cons
Whether you are renting bikes for a daily commute or a trip to the neighbouring city, you must weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Here are both of them to help you conclude.
-> Pros:
● No Maintenance Cost: A vehicle requires maintenance throughout the year. When you rent a bike, you don’t have to worry about the maintenance cost. Unless you are in an unexpected situation, there is no repair cost involved either. The only things you have to pay for are the vehicle and the fuel.
● Wide Range of Choices: Tired of taking the same old bike to your office? Two-wheeler rental services make it easier for you to choose from a wide range of makes and models. This flexibility of choice attracts more riders every year.
● Financial Freedom: Purchasing a motorcycle comes with certain economic burdens. That’s why renting always works. The best part is that you can beat the traffic and enjoy the ride without actually owning any financial burden related to the bike.
-> Cons:
● No Customization: If you had your bike, you could customize it according to your choices and preferences. This is not something that you can do with rented bikes. Shall you desire to make adjustments, it is better to buy a bike than renting it.
● Lack of Connection: Most of the vehicle owners are very attached to their vehicles. Having your own bike gives you a sense of pride and ownership. You can't expect to get the same feeling with a rented bike.
● Availability of Makes and Models: Bike rental apps don’t guarantee the availability of specific makes and models. So, you might end up renting a bike different than the one you had in mind.
Cost Benefits
While you might be too hyped with getting a bike on EMI, the scenario starts changing after purchasing it. Purchasing a bike comes with several cost factors:
● Insurance: There are three types of two-wheeler insurance policies, i.e. comprehensive policy, third party insurance, and own damage bike insurance policy. A standard bike insurance plan costs you in between Rs 1700 and Rs 2100 every year.
● Maintenance: The more distance you travel, the more painful it becomes for your pocket. Every bike needs to go through maintenance every 3000 km. Considering this, you might end up spending around Rs 30,000 in 4 years.
● RTO Charges: The Regional Transport Office might charge you up to Rs 13,000 for clearance. Also, obtaining registration is often a lengthy process, especially when you are shifting from one city to another.
● Depreciation: According to a study, most of the bikes and scooters go through 10% depreciation every year till the 5th year.
Unless you plan to ride your bike for an extended period of time, it is better to rent one. For example, if you plan to ride a two-wheeler for a month or two, it is wise to opt for a bike rental.
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