Cycleswap Lets Amsterdamers Rent out Their Bikes to Tourists

Peer-to-peer platform Cycleswap enables citizens in Amsterdam to earn some extra money by renting out their bicycles to tourists, or perhaps to a flat-tyre victim in need.

Amsterdam counts more bikes than inhabitants. Any of my fellow Amsterdamers probably know that having a spare bike is a good way to avoid any early morning/important meeting crisis, be it running a flat tyre or having the whole thing stolen. Until such an occasion, most of these bikes lie dormant in our sheds, not doing a whole heap of good to anyone.

Cycleswap

Founded by a group of students, Cycleswap provides a peer-to-peer service for people living in Amsterdam to rent out their own bicycles to tourists, or perhaps to a flat-tyre victim in need. Think Airbnb, but for bicycles.

Cycleswap

After a quick registration involving uploading pictures of your bike you’re good to go. For any potential possibly tourists swinging by, you are offered bikes according to your location. Upon your selection the owner receives a message and then you will both be connected to arrange the pick up. Simple!

Cycleswap

There are a whole host of benefits that come along with peer-to-peer lending. The tourist gets to interact with the local community, perhaps receives some tips about the city and feels they have made a savvy decision. The lender receives, foremost, the emotional benefit of helping someone and earns a little bit of money for a commodity that was originally of no immediate use.