Buy or rent a kids bike? How to choose
In short: over a year, renting or buying a Revolv bike costs practically the same. A subscription needs no upfront payment and you can swap bikes whenever you like. Buying with guaranteed buyback works out cheaper if your child keeps the same bike for a long time.
The real problem: children grow fast
Between the ages of 2 and 12, a child changes bike size four to five times, usually every one to two years. Buying a bike that is too big "to grow into" is not the answer: it is heavier, harder to control, and your child loses confidence. Our size guide helps you find the right one.
At Revolv, there are two ways to keep up with their growth.
The subscription
- A monthly fee, from CHF 5.90 a month depending on the bike, with nothing to pay upfront.
- A 12-month commitment, then month to month.
- Swap bikes at any time, without restarting your commitment.
- Delivery of the new bike is free once a year.
- Optional Peace of Mind cover (CHF 3.90 a month) for small repairs, punctures, adjustments and cleaning on return.
Buying with guaranteed buyback
- The bike is yours.
- When it gets too small, we buy it back at a guaranteed price: 55% of the new price after 12 months, 42% after 18 months, 30% after 24 months, for a bike in good condition.
- The amount is paid to you, or deducted from your next bike.
Over one year, the same price
Example with a Rascal 16, a 16 inch bike for children aged 4 to 6:
| Subscription | Purchase with guaranteed buyback | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront | CHF 19.90 (first monthly fee) | CHF 515.– |
| Over 12 months | 12 × CHF 19.90 = CHF 238.80 | nothing |
| After 12 months | you return or swap the bike | buyback at 55%: CHF 283.25 |
| Cost over one year | CHF 238.80 | CHF 231.75 |
Over one year, the difference is a few francs. What really matters is how much you pay upfront, how freely you can swap, and how long your child will keep the bike. If you keep it for 18 to 24 months, buying with guaranteed buyback works out cheaper.
Which option is right for you?
Choose the subscription if:
- you don't want to pay anything upfront;
- your child is growing fast, or you don't know how long they will stay in this size;
- you want to be able to swap at any time: next size, from balance bike to pedals, or from a town bike to a mountain bike;
- you don't want to deal with reselling the bike.
Choose to buy with guaranteed buyback if:
- your child will keep this bike for at least 18 months;
- a younger brother or sister will take it over;
- you prefer to own the bike.
Either way
- The bike is assembled and adjusted in our workshop.
- Delivery of the first bike is free anywhere in Switzerland, and you have 14 days to try it at home.
- You can come and try it at our showroom, Rue des Rois 3 in Geneva, Monday to Friday, no appointment needed.
- When it comes back, we refurbish it for another child.
How it works · See our bikes · Size guide · Kids bikes in Geneva
Frequently asked questions
How long am I committed with a subscription?
12 months, then month to month. Swapping bikes does not restart the commitment.
How much does a bike swap cost?
Delivery of the new bike is free once a year. Returning the old one is free at the showroom, or costs CHF 31 by post (CHF 15 for a balance bike).
Are the monthly fees deducted if I buy the bike later?
No, subscription fees are not deducted from the purchase price.
How does the buyback of a purchased bike work?
When it gets too small, bring it back to us. We buy it back at the guaranteed price if it is in good condition, and the amount is paid to you or deducted from your next bike.
