Marc84 Posted July 23, 2019 Report Share Posted July 23, 2019 Hi there, My name is Marc, a 35yo dutch guy. I was hoping anyone could give me some information/feedback on the following subject:-) I plan to start up a (small) business around Chapala/Ajijic region and rent e-bikes. Recently i’ve visited Chapala a couple of times and apart from the fact that i personally love the place, believe that there are possibilities. I suppose here on the forum are quite a lot of members active who might be living in the region for whay much longer, and might have some knowhow or relevant information/tips? Many thanks in advance, Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justathought Posted July 23, 2019 Report Share Posted July 23, 2019 I am pretty sure you won’t get much of a response . Not too many people ride bikes in Ajijic . Crazy dilapidated streets . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferret Posted July 23, 2019 Report Share Posted July 23, 2019 I agree with Justathought. Not only are the streets dilapidated, they are mostly made from cobblestone. Good vibrations...not. And to top it off, the cost of electricity is very high. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johanson Posted July 23, 2019 Report Share Posted July 23, 2019 And some of us live high up on hills, like I do at the top of the street, Juarez, in Ajijic. All of the roads leading down to town are very rough cobblestone streets, not great for bike riding. I just don't see that many bikes out on the streets that I drive on. Maybe there are places in the greater Chapala, Ajijic, Joco area where bikes might be a good alternative means of transportation. It's that I do not know where. I wish you the best and hope you find a place that bikes might be a needed asset 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lakeside7 Posted July 24, 2019 Report Share Posted July 24, 2019 There is a guy next to Galvaz north side of the highway in Aijic do a similar business 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickS Posted July 24, 2019 Report Share Posted July 24, 2019 While not wishing to knock the entrepreneural spirit, you are going to need a lot of luck, IMO, to make a go of a bike rental business in this location... even it it is an e-bike rental. Others have mentioned some of the reasons why. Another question is 'who is the intended target' of the rentals? In the expat community here I don't think there is a handful of folks that would even want to, much less actually go out and bike.... and do it again and again. It's actually hard for most to even walk. If the target is 'younger' local Mexican Nationals I believe that population is either without the financial basis for such an expenditure or they are but have would have no interest after the first novel ride. Yes, there are plenty of Nationals who ride a bike (somehow) on these roads but it is a necessity to get to/from work. Another thing... I have an e-bike NOB and while they do make cycling easier for the older set on the straight-and-narrow, they are "tricky" to ride and adding 'trickiness' to navigating cobble stones and busy streets is not a formula for a pleasure ride. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomgates Posted July 24, 2019 Report Share Posted July 24, 2019 Add to Rick's post, the new "bike lane" in Ajijic is filled with parked cars most of the day, making bike riders compete in the lane with cars and motorcycles. Pretty dangerous for older gringos to pleasure ride. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RVGRINGO Posted July 24, 2019 Report Share Posted July 24, 2019 Marc, In addition to the poor road conditions, bike riding is not as popular as it is in the Netherlands, and many other places. It is also dangerous, due to narrow, rough streets, and many unlicensed and uninsured drivers, as well as the local concentration of geriatric drivers. Some workers do ride bicycles because they cannot afford daily bus fares. It is also risky to leave a bicycle unattended. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc84 Posted July 24, 2019 Author Report Share Posted July 24, 2019 20 hours ago, johanson said: And some of us live high up on hills, like I do at the top of the street, Juarez, in Ajijic. All of the roads leading down to town are very rough cobblestone streets, not great for bike riding. I just don't see that many bikes out on the streets that I drive on. Maybe there are places in the greater Chapala, Ajijic, Joco area where bikes might be a good alternative means of transportation. It's that I do not know where. I wish you the best and hope you find a place that bikes might be a needed asset Hi mr Johanson, thanks for your feedback on this one, i will do some further investigation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avignon Posted January 26, 2022 Report Share Posted January 26, 2022 Marc, I just saw your post and I realize it's from a few years ago. I just sent you a PM. Ciao, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SergioRuiz Posted January 3 Report Share Posted January 3 Sounds like a great idea. I’m from Jocotepec and reside in Washington state. Here in Washington i do see lots of old folks riding their e bikes. But like most of the comments, the road conditions do make a difference. there’s a bike lane connecting joco to Chapala. But I don’t know how good it is. And if cars are blocking this lane. Perhaps we could ask the authorities to reinforce this. If they even listen to citizens concerns ;) But I would be interested in renting one while I vacation in the area. Good luck Marc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NEWMtnMama Posted January 3 Report Share Posted January 3 This post was from 2019 and 'Marc84' hasn't been on the forum since then. There are currently several dealers of e-bikes locally but I don't know if they have rentals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ibarra Posted January 3 Report Share Posted January 3 We have had a lot of replies to posts that are 2 - 4 years old lately. I personally would like to see new posts started on these subjects and perhaps refer to the old posts. Too many changes during those years and, all of the information may not still be valid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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