Digitalization is definitely on the rise for bikes too. Be it a Di2 gearshift, an e-bike update or the operating software at a specialist retailer. Up to now, the maxim has been that service for bikes is location-based and that the workshop in specialist shops is the safest of all business areas from being turned upside down by the internet.

Workshop as the last bastion?

However, in the USA, this also seems to be changing with the workshop and repair services. The US industry magazine Bicycle Retailer and Industry News (Brain) reports on Velotooler, a start-up that has had an application online to offer bike services since December 2016. Bike mechanics can register there and create a profile. Customers can view this profile and then book the mechanic if they like it - all agreements are made online. Brain reports that around 80 transactions between customers and mechanics have taken place in the first two weeks of operation in the New England area, an area in the north-east of the USA roughly between New York City and Nova Scotia.

Expansion in sight

To date, more than 240 mechanics have registered on Velotooler, and the service provider has found a group insurance solution to be an important tailwind for their activities. With the insurance, Velotooler-affiliated mechanics are no longer reliant on independently taking out public liability insurance, which could widen the field of (professional) and non-professional mechanics.

Versatile app

After the New England test region, Velotooler is now targeting other areas for expansion in the USA. The scope of the app also includes an anti-theft function and frame number identification allows potential mechanics to see what tools are required on this bike.

www.velotooler.com