Bengaluru: A group of youngsters once decided to visit Puducherry a few years ago. And as they landed there, they yearned to rent a bike to roam around, but it was certainly not easy for them. Though they were able to get a bike on rent, it was nothing less than a cumbersome process.  

That is when the thought of starting a venture on bike rentals took birth. Presently these youngsters run what’s called Royal brothers, started in 2014. 

 

Says Abhishek Chandrashekar, one of the founders, “We were forced to google to take a bike on rent in Puducherry. And when we were able to get one, we realised it was not in a good condition. Moreover, no receipt was issued to us after we paid the money. It was not a good experience”.   

After returning to Bengaluru, they enthusiastically began working on their dream project. But we should add it was not at all an easy job to do. There was a lot of scepticism by the transport authorities. They had many a doubt as the project was riddled with confusions and troubles of all sorts. 

Albeit such inchoate problems, Abhishek and his friends were persevering and tenacious enough to convince the authorities about the usefulness of the project.  

In their strong pursuit, they met P Ravi Kumar, the then transport secretary. 

Abhishek adds, “When we met him, we told him about the concept of bike rentals. We further told him how such rentals would boost tours and increase revenue for hotels as well. As we meticulously explained several other points to him, he was thoroughly convinced and arranged a meet of officials to have a discussion”. 

Their indefatigable efforts did bear fruits as they managed to get a licence for their venture in July 2015.

Once they started, they put their shoulders to the wheel. A lot of people began enquiring about it and started taking their bikes on rent. In fact, it should also be noted that many wanted such an endeavour in other parts of the country as well.  

Tasting such success, Abhishek and his friends opened up the market in other states by offering franchises. 

Today, you would be surprised to know that they have business in as many as eight states, with 2500 bikes with them! 

Their company has had a turnover of Rs 7.5 crore this year. 

Their business just doesn’t end with renting bikes alone. They also organise adventure tours for interested people. 

 

For example, they have organised a tour to Bengaluru-Madurai-Kanyakumari on bikes later this month. Those who want to participate in it can bring their own bikes. The company takes care of the entire logistics, making the tour entirely enjoyable. 

They also organise training in dirt bike race for enthusiasts. 
It is such youngsters who are willing to tread the unusual path. Though it is fraught with risks, they are daring enough to take the bull by the horns and stay unique.