“Airbnb of cycling” taking off in Canada, but interest outstrips supply — so far

It’s being touted as the “Airbnb of cycling,” and according to the Toronto Star, the idea is catching on in Canada.

Like Bixi, it’s a bike-sharing service, but not in the way you might think when you hear those words. Called Spinlister, the system allows private individuals to list their available — and unused — bikes to be rented, and for those looking for a temporary provision of wheels, to search in a specific area. Convenience and accessibility, ultimately, is the spirit behind the idea. Launched in California back in 2012, it reached Canada the following year, and since then has seen a gradual, steady increase in its appeal.

There’s just one problem: the growing popularity of Spinlister in Canada is, so far, outpacing the number of listed bikes.

In short, the process goes like this: users list their rides through the Spinlister website or app, with details like the type of frame it uses, its size, and which rider heights are best suited. When a suitable bike is found, a search users can narrow down according to neighbourhood-specific location information, they can then be rented by the hour, day or week, depending on availability. Listed bikes are also insured for $10,000, with a bit of added protection provided by a thorough verification process involved in renting.

For those with a full quiver of bikes in their garages, it can certainly be a lucrative idea. In Toronto, the Star reports, bikes — depending on the model — go for $15 to $100 per day. There’s a few dozen bikes in total listed in Canada, Spinlister says, but that’s it.

That availability is something that proves to be a bit of a complicating factor when users, many of whom rent bikes through Spinlister while traveling, want a specific type of ride while they’re in town. With public interest exceeding bike supply, that’s a problem. “It’s a little bit tricky,” said Spinlister user Meg Stiegel, speaking with the Star . “Some people want a mountain bike, some people want a road bike, it needs to be your size. So the chances of getting a fit for you right now is pretty small.”

Such difficulties are also compounded in places where Spinlister isn’t as well-known, something the company admits. “I can see someone searching,” said spokesperson Andrew Batey, “not seeing what they need and then we have no option for them so they don’t rent a bike.” Because of this, community interest in a given city is a franchising factor. Vancouver, where the idea is notably taking off, is on the short list for expansion, the Star reports.