Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals & Tours, operating in San Francisco for over 20 years, has now expanded to Manhattan, NY.

Businesses offering inexpensive, eco-friendly transportation options in big cities are a popular and much-appreciated alternative for tourists who want to explore the area at their own pace without having to spend a lot of money on cabs or car rentals. If you live in a tourist destination and love to share your area's local charm with new people, this could be a terrific green business opportunity.

1. What is an eco-transportation rental operation?
Tourists looking to get around the place they're visiting without spending a lot of money on bus tours, cab rides, and trolley fares may seek out their own transportation both to save money and to become more independent in their exploration. Your company would provide them the solution by renting them bicycles, electric bicycles, electric carts, kayaks, electric boats, or other eco-friendly forms of transportation.

Ones we like:
Blazing Saddles - San Francisco, CA
Rowing Dock - Austin, TX
Ponycab - Manhattan, NY

Photo from the Wall Street Journal, by Getty Images

2. What required knowledge or skills are necessary?
Knowledge of the equipment you're renting is important. For example, if you are renting bikes, being able to fix minor problems on those bikes without having to take the bike to a shop or pay a mechanic will help you save a lot of money, time and hassle. Knowledge of your area, so that you may provide good maps, advice, and options on where to go and what to see will add a lot of value to your offerings.

3. How much money is required to start?
$$-$$$ (on a scale of $ to $$$$$)

4. What is the income potential?
$$-$$$ (on a scale of $ to $$$$$)

5. What is the best location for an eco-transportation rental company?
In general, the location needs to be a touristy area where many people will be coming to see the area's attractions.

6. Three best questions to ask yourself to find out if this business is right for you (if you can answer yes to all three, this business might be a good fit for you):

Interested in starting one in your community? Where do you begin? What permits do you need? Who are your target customers? How do you find them? What is the best use of your limited advertising dollars? What's the best way to attract a great employee or volunteer? What does an average day look like? What strategic tips do veteran eco-entrepreneurs suggest for startups like you?

There's a lot to think about, but rest easy! Our mission is to help you succeed, so set up a free half hour consultation with Scott Cooney, GBO's Principal, and author of Build a Green Small Business (McGraw-Hill). You may also order a free (S&H only) copy of Scott's book by clicking on the picture of the book cover below.