Average pay: £7-£10 an hour for labour (Payscale) plus extra for merchandise sales

The popularity of cycling has boomed during the pandemic and here’s a chance to make the most of it.

Being mobile rather than a trusty local bike shop gives you the flexibility to make your way to a panic-stricken cyclist whose steed has buckled by the roadside. For a more regular gig, set up standing appointments at offices and workplaces. You can also service at bike events like sportives and triathlons.

Mobile bike mechanics don’t have to wait for people happening upon a shop, but not having a store room and a show room means that they have less stock that they can upsell. You’d have to limit yourself to essentials like multi-tools and tyre levers on the road but you could do some decent selling with an online shop.

In terms of qualifications, it helps to have a technical level three Cytech certificate.

Oxygen Bikes is a cycling mechanic franchise that you can start with if you want to gain some confidence learning the ropes (or chains).