By Nick Bilava, Storage.com
Do you currently offer or are you thinking about offering motorcycle storage at your storage facility? Vehicle storage is one of the most common reasons why people turn to self storage, especially for fair-weather vehicles like motorcycles. It’s a great place to keep them safe from theft, vandalism, and damaging weather.
To prevent any issues with tenants who store motorcycles, you need to determine whether your facility allows tenants to store or garage their motorcycles. Below are some things to discuss with tenants based on the “storing” and “garaging” options.
Storing a Motorcycle: Non-Frequent Access
Long-term motorcycle storage tenants put their bikes away for several months up to a year without needing to pull them out. When you and a tenant have agreed to the terms of “storing,” it’s expected that their motorcycle will be placed in their storage unit and left for the duration of the storage agreement. In other words, they can’t show up, grab their motorcycle, and leave their car behind.
Who Benefits From Long-Term Vehicle Storage?
This option is best for motorcycle riders who live in areas of the U.S. that see long periods of cold, snowy weather or who are in the military. In the case of active military, a vehicle storage solution may be needed during a base reassignment or overseas deployment, as most soldiers aren’t able to take their vehicles with them.
What Preparation Is Needed for Long-Term Motorcycle Storage?
If a tenant does choose to store their motorcycle at your facility for several months, be sure they understand what they need to do before placing it at the facility.
Remind them to follow recommended motorcycle winterization steps so the bike is protected from external conditions while it sits in a storage unit. Additionally, the tenant should remove the motorcycle’s battery to help preserve its life before the next ride and prevent fires at your facility.
Some riders may ask if they can use a trickle charger instead of removing the battery. A trickle charger requires an electrical outlet to work. If your facility is equipped with in-unit electricity, the decision is up to you. Just keep in mind that trickle chargers can pose a fire hazard if used incorrectly.
Garaging a Motorcycle: Frequent Access
Tenants who plan to use their storage units like garages may make daily, weekly, or monthly visits to grab their motorcycles and head out. When a tenant asks if they can store their motorcycle in this sense, you’ll need to determine where they can keep a personal vehicle when their bike is in use.
Who Benefits From Garage-Like Storage?
This option is popular among motorcycle owners who live at apartment complexes without garages and weekend riders who don’t have space at home for their bikes. A storage facility that allows garage-like storage is useful for these renters because it keeps their bikes safe while also allowing them the freedom to come and go.
What Preparation Is Needed for Garaging a Motorcycle?
As the facility operator, you need to set some basic rules for your motorcycle tenant. This means establishing where the tenant is allowed to park their personal vehicle when they take their motorcycle out, when they’re allowed to pick up and drop off their bike, and how long they’re allowed to park their personal vehicle.
If you have a gated property, you could allow the tenant to leave their vehicle in your facility’s parking lot or vehicle storage lot. If the tenant’s unit is large enough for their personal vehicle, it’s recommended they keep their car in the unit while their motorcycle is out so they don’t take up valuable space on your property (This is a great opportunity to upsell a larger storage unit to a new motorcycle storage renter).
With access hours, make sure you discuss your hours of operation with the tenant. This is especially important with tenants who fall into the weekend rider category because they may want to visit your facility on Saturdays and Sundays. Let the tenant know if you have extended or 24-hour access, as well as how many days a week you’re open.
Motorcycle storage is a simple feature your storage facility can add to keep a leg up on the competition. Just be sure to set your own rules on what tenants can and cannot do when keeping their motorcycle at your facility. It will go a long way to save you and the tenant headaches down the line.
Nick Bilava is Sales Director at Storage.com and a contributor for Inside-Self Storage, Mini Storage Messenger, California Self Storage Association, Florida Self Storage Association, Massachusetts Self Storage Association, and Connecticut Self-Storage Association.
