When you don’t have a bike to spontaneously go off for a quick getaway or return from a party, it can get a little depressing.
There is a solution which does not involve buying a bike. Instead of moping around, you log on to ‘switch ride’ portal, and you get an array of bikes of your choice for rent.
‘Switch Ride’ founder Kashyap saw the potential of renting bikes for a quick spin to a weekend getaway. Just as cars were available on rent, he decided to tap into the two-wheeler segment.
This made him start this venture in R T Nagar in Bengaluru, four months ago. One plus point of this start-up is that the rental prices of these bikes are uniform on all days, unlike others who charge a premium during holidays and weekends.
Some services:
Bikes can be booked online after letting them know your address. A helmet is also provided for no extra cost. Every time the vehicle is delivered, there’s a mechanic on the spot to ascertain the good condition of brakes, oil, gear and other vital parameters. In the eventuality of some technical problem, ‘Switch Ride’ has a tie up with Rescue Assist. This is a 24/7 service. It is claimed that the technical team will be sent promptly to solve the problem
Future plans:
Kashyap currently has 9 bikes at present, and has plans to increase it to 20. He also wants to start two –wheeler facility for women. However, his first step is to increase pick-up points and provide quality service by raising the strength of staff. The vehicles are fitted with GPS system, hence the risk of theft is ruled out. The moment a bike crosses the speed limit of 90 km, an alert is sent to the company office. A system is also in place where once the speed limit crosses 100 km, such vehicle drivers would be levied with penalty. In the event of damage caused to vehicles, customers have to bear the cost.
“I would like to tell the bike riders that they should ride the vehicle in appropriate speed. Provided they have their limbs and organs in place, tomorrow also they can venture out for jolly ride,” says Kashyap, Founder, Switch Ride.
Premium Bikes: K T M, Royal Enfield, Thunder Bird, Apache.
Pick-up points: The main office is situated at R T Nagar, Bengaluru. Pickup points are provided at places such as Hebbal, Yelahanka New town, Sahakara Nagar, Sadhashivanagar, Koramangala/Adugodi, Lavelle Road, Bannerghatta/BTM layout, Vidyaranyapura, Rajajinagar, Indiaranagar, Kammanahalli / Kalyanagar.
