Starting or taking over a bicycle repair workshop: which to choose?
Introduction
The bicycle market in Switzerland is going through a period of sustained growth. Between the enthusiasm for electric bicycles, public policies favouring soft mobility and increased environmental awareness, repair and maintenance workshops have no shortage of customers.
For entrepreneurs who wish to enter this sector, two main paths emerge: starting a new bicycle repair workshop or taking over an already established structure. Starting offers complete freedom but requires building your customer base from scratch. Taking over allows you to inherit a business and a customer base, but involves working with what already exists.
This choice is not insignificant. It depends on your profile, your financial resources, your risk tolerance and your medium-term vision. This article compares these two options factually to help you make an informed decision. You will discover the advantages and challenges of each approach, as well as the decision criteria to consider before launching.
📌 Summary (TL;DR)
Starting a bicycle repair workshop offers freedom and complete control, but requires building your customer base and reputation from scratch. Taking over an existing workshop allows you to inherit a business, a customer base and immediate turnover, but requires correctly assessing the value and real state of the company.
The choice depends on your profile: starting suits patient entrepreneurs with a limited budget, whilst taking over is aimed at those who favour speed and have funds to invest. Both options can succeed in a Swiss bicycle market in full expansion.
📚 Table of contents
The Swiss bicycle market in 2025
The Swiss bicycle market is experiencing sustained growth. Electric bicycle sales now represent more than 50% of total sales. Soft mobility is gaining ground in cities and peri-urban areas.
This trend generates growing demand for repair and maintenance. The bicycle fleet is ageing and requires regular monitoring. Opportunities for entrepreneurs in the sector have never been so favourable.
Starting a bicycle repair workshop
Launching a workshop from scratch offers complete freedom in building the project. This option appeals to entrepreneurs who wish to develop a personal vision and innovate in their approach to the repair market.
The advantages of starting
You freely choose your location, your concept and your positioning. You build your own brand without inherited constraints. The initial investment remains manageable according to your ambitions.
No liabilities to take over, no existing debt. You start on a healthy basis, with your own quality standards and your vision of customer service.
The challenges to anticipate
You start without an established customer base. Building your workshop's reputation takes time and sustained marketing efforts.
You must set everything up: premises, equipment, suppliers, insurance. Business management is learnt on the job. Profitability remains uncertain in the first years.
Taking over an existing bicycle repair workshop
Taking over an existing workshop constitutes a solid alternative for entering the market quickly. This option suits entrepreneurs who favour continuity and the security of an established base.
The advantages of taking over
You inherit an existing customer base and immediate turnover. The infrastructure is in place: premises, equipment, suppliers. The reputation and history are already established.
The seller can support you during the transition. You have real financial data to assess profitability. Consult the available workshops on Leez.
The points of attention
The initial investment is generally higher than starting from scratch. You must correctly assess the company's value with a reliable valuation tool.
Check the real state of the business: equipment, contracts, lease. Some customers may leave during the transition. The workshop may require modernisation or repositioning.
Decision criteria: which profile for which option?
Your choice depends on several criteria: available budget, risk tolerance, business management experience. Your urgency for profitability and your entrepreneurial vision also matter.
Favour starting if you value innovation. Opt for taking over if you seek continuity. Support from partner experts can clarify your decision.
Finding a bicycle workshop to take over in Switzerland
Leez facilitates the search for workshops to take over in Switzerland. Our platform offers visibility on available opportunities with a secure and transparent process.
The buyer subscription costs 250 CHF/year. Explore the companies for sale or create your account to access opportunities.
The Swiss bicycle market offers real opportunities, whether you choose to start or take over a repair workshop. Starting gives you complete freedom over the concept and location, but requires time and a significant initial investment. Taking over allows you to start with an existing customer base and immediate revenue, whilst reducing the risks associated with launching.
Your decision depends above all on your profile: are you an entrepreneur who likes to build from scratch, or do you prefer to capitalise on an already established structure? Your budget, your experience in the sector and your risk tolerance are also determining factors.
If taking over interests you, consult the bicycle workshops available on Leez. You will find verified listings with all the necessary information to assess each opportunity. For sellers, Leez offers visibility to qualified buyers, at a fixed rate of 490 CHF, with no commission on the sale.
