Hi, this is Raph’ from Lokki 👋

This week, we’re talking about a topic that 3 out of 4 bike rental companies overlook : delivery.
“Too complicated,” “not profitable,” “no time”… I hear that all the time. Yet I still think of Antoine, who once delivered bikes from Nantes to Lyon—400 km—because the customer was willing to pay.
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So I took a look at the numbers from the Lokki community.
Let’s dive in and break it down together.

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Deliveries have increased 12-fold in three years. And no one is talking about it.

For bike delivery, revenue has increased 12-fold in three years. And it’s accelerating just as fast as the number of heat waves:

• 2022: 65 rental companies offer delivery (€32k in delivery revenue)
• 2023: 125 rental companies offer delivery (€120k in delivery revenue)
• 2024: 170 rental companies offer delivery (€306k in delivery revenue)
• 2025: 218 rental companies offer delivery (€403k in delivery revenue)

What I want to show you isn't just that "it's on the rise." It's that it's on the rise among the same rental companies.
For rental companies that have been in business for a while, delivery revenue is up 25% in one year. And if we include those that have just started offering this service, it's up 34%. This isn't just a passing trend; it's a groundswell.

And this is just the beginning: delivery accounts for less than 3% of bike rentals.
The bulk of the potential lies ahead.

Why It Works: Delivery Attracts a Different Customer Base

A reservation with delivery results in a shopping cart total that’ s nearly three times larger than a standard reservation: a median of €175 in rental equipment, compared to €66 at the counter.
And that €175 is for the equipment alone, after delivery fees have been deducted.
The total is genuinely higher—it’s not just inflated by shipping costs.

Why such a big difference? Because the customer who wants home delivery isn’t the same kind of customer.
It’s often someone who already rents high-end bikes—electric bikes, premium models—and pays a lot for their bikes.
For them, a €50 delivery fee (and I’ve even seen delivery fees as high as €600—yes, really 😳)

), it's not an expense—it's the price of peace of mind.
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Delivery is another building block in your arsenal of services to attract that specific customer base.

Deliveries don't fill your schedule. They fill your cash register.

How much should you charge for it? Bike rental companies that offer this service charge an average of around 50–60 €. Don’t offer it “just to be nice”: those who ask for it are willing to pay.

That said, let's be clear: not everyone can offer delivery. Depending on your business, your service area, and your team, it doesn't always make sense—and that's OK. But if you have the capacity to do it, even within a small area, the numbers show it's worth a try.

What about you—what’s holding you back? Logistics, the price you’d have to charge, the location, gas, or time? Let me know, and we’ll dig into it together.

Have any other analyses in mind? Just ask me!

What I heard this week: “How can we get more than 30% of reservations online?” 👂

That’s the question a rental company asked me this week, following last week’s newsletter. And guess how your premium customers book their deliveries? Online.
Of course—you don’t schedule a pickup at the counter.

So let's face the facts.
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Half of bike rental companies still have less than 25% of their bookings made online.
But reaching 30% isn't like climbing Alpe d'Huez: 4 out of 10 rental companies are already there.

And the top performers are way ahead. Café Vélo, in Agen, is exceeding 90% right in the middle of the season.

How do they do it? There’s no magic involved. Just four simple steps:
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​Their booking link is everywhere— on their Google listing, in their Instagram bio, and via QR codes on the counter and on the bikes. They don’t hide it—they put it right in front of customers’ noses.

Over the phone, they transfer the customer to the online system. “I’ll send you the link; you can make a reservation in two minutes.” No more manual data entry between customers.

They accept online payments. One figure settles the debate: bike rental companies that accept online payments generate 35% of their business online. Those that don’t: 11%. That’s three times less. This figure surprised me: people tend to think online payment is expensive or risky. In reality, it reassures customers and means zero no-shows—zero “I’ll come back tomorrow” customers who never return.

Their catalog is clear. For each bike: the type and intended use (city, trail, road), the size in cm, what’s included (helmet, basket, lock, charger), and at least two real photos. A customer will only book on their own if they understand exactly what they’re renting.

Just follow this method. Pick one from the list and give it a try today.
Now is the best time to do it: every week, there are more rentals than the week before. 🗳️

And finally: You're the bosses

A quick question to help us schedule *L'Indépendant* for the right time. When would you prefer to receive it? Please answer with ONE number:

1 → 8:30 a.m., with coffee
​2 → Between noon and 2 p.m.
​3 → At the end of the day

Just a number, nothing else. 5 seconds.
​Tell me, and I'll adjust.

To support the newsletter and share it with other freelancers, click here 👉 https://solutions.lokki.rent/independant-newsletter

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P.S.: Here are some links I think you'll find useful:

• I'm putting together the software roadmap for the next 12 months. Please schedule a meeting with me to discuss it: Click here
• My business partner is advocating for the expansion of bike rentals with the SNCF: to learn more Click here
• You can contact Thomas Voldoire (DGE) to finalize applications for Destination France Vélo: thomas.voldoire@finances.gouv.fr (only 10 days left)

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+30 reviews last week—they’re sparking some wild conversations. Thanks to the whole team!
Good luck with the rest of the season.
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Raph' ✌️
Co-founder of Lokki

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