To this day, it is not agreed how bike service spread in Europe, but it is known for sure that this tradition first appeared among bikers, around the 1960s in the United States. It was part of the biker subculture where motorcycle owners would get together and wash their motorcycles together. Eventually, this service quickly became popular and became a profitable business worldwide.
With the development of bicycles themselves, there was a need to establish specialized bicycle cleaning centers. BikeWASH cleaning centers became extremely popular in the post-pandemic period, when more and more people wanted to spend more time in nature with their families and, of course, on their bikes. Obviously, you don't always have time to take proper care of your green vehicles. The "BikeWASH" service offered exactly what a person in a hurry needs - to take care of the cleanliness of his bicycle or scooter.
"BikeWASH" bicycle washing service was first introduced in Vilnius
In Vilnius, the first mobile automatic bicycle and scooter washing service was introduced back in 2019. At that time, this service was a novelty not only in Lithuania, but also among the Baltic countries.
"It took 2 years to turn the idea into reality. We have been providing BikeWASH services for the third year already, and we started introducing the service by participating in bike marathons already in 2019. This was followed by expansion, crowned by the first network of bicycle washes. We chose Vilnius for the network of car washes, and customers can find us in four locations in Vilnius: Bernardinų sode, near White bridge, In Vingo Park, at Žirmūnai beach, and from March 2024, 1, in three additional places: at the Šilo bridge, in Jerusalem near the bike path (Kalvariju, Ateitis and Jerusalem at the intersection of streets) and in Oz Park itself, next to the bicycle path", - Laimonas Jakas, director of UAB "Itina", founder of "BikeWASH" shares his thoughts about the development of "BikeWASH".
Professional washing is a guarantee for the longevity of the bicycle
BikeWASH services are extremely convenient for those who do not have the time or desire to clean their own bike. Professionals at cleaning centers use special tools and chemicals that help clean the vehicle from the heaviest dirt and dust. This process not only restores the bike or scooter to its original condition, but also extends its life, as dirt and dust can damage the parts of the mechanism and reduce their efficiency, leading to expensive repairs.
"Bike wash" offers various types of washing services adapted to the needs of different customers. This includes both simple cleaning of the bike and more comprehensive maintenance, including cleaning and lubrication of the chain, wheels, brakes and other important parts of the bike. Customers can choose from various service packages, the prices of which vary according to the complexity of the work performed and the size of the vehicle.
While the bike is being washed, you can enjoy coffee and snacks
The service at BikeWASH centers is performed by an operator, so the customer can enjoy a delicious Italian coffee or a snack. These cleaning centers aim to make the bike wash a pleasant, upbeat experience, so most customers enjoy the friendly atmosphere in the cleaning center cafes while the operator washes the bike. According to the director of the company, Laimon Jak, some customers wash by themselves, even as families, so sometimes it is also a form of entertainment for them, because everyone is curious to try a service that has not been seen elsewhere.
Our BikeWASH bike wash centers provide takeaway drinks (coffee, tea, soft drinks) and snacks (ice cream, bars, pizzas, mini pizzas and scones). Meanwhile, kids can enjoy the mini golf game set up at BikeWASH centers. In the near future, it will also be possible to inflate the tires, in addition to purchasing very good bicycle pumps and accessories such as drinkers", company director Laimonas Jakas shares the list of additional services.
Cleaning centers only use environmentally friendly cleaning products
According to the company's representative, people still admire the service provided by BikeWASH. In addition, it is a green business, and the idea of green business always attracts the curious and not only them. Bicycle cleaning centers use BIO-marked detergents, so they do not harm the environment and bicycles.
"As a bicycle washing expert, I would only like to advise you to wash bicycles professionally, because each item has its own characteristics, what is suitable for cars cannot be suitable for bicycles." Therefore, the "BikeWASH" cleanliness center is balanced for washing bicycles, I mean water pressure, chemistry", the company director shares his advice.
Expansion to other countries in the near future
When asked about seasonality, director Laimonas assures that seasonality is very small, and they themselves need a break. You want to take a breather after marathons and hand over the equipment for technical service, so everything is only good. You can work calmly and not worry. In addition, expansions in the two countries are currently being coordinated, as the company has been contacted by foreign entrepreneurs regarding the possibility of acquiring a BikeWASH franchise.
In Vilnius you will find "BikeWASH" cleaning centers:
- in the Bernardin garden, near the Vilnelė tennis courts (opening hours: IV: 16: 00-21: 00, VI-VII:11:00-20:00);
- White bridge (business hours: IV: 16: 00-20: 00, VI-VII: 11:00-20:00);
- In Vingios Park, behind the stage (opening hours: I-IV: 16: 00-20: 00, V: 14: 00-20: 00, VI-VII: 11:00-20:00);
- In Oz Park, next to the bike path (opening March 2024, 1, opening hours: IV: 15: 00-19: 00, VI-VII: 11:00-20:00);
- Shilo bridge, next to the go-kart and bicycle path (opening on March 2024, 1, working hours: IV: 15: 00-19: 00, VI-VII: 11:00-20:00);
- Žirmūnu str. 93C, near Žirmūnai beach (working hours: I-IV: 16: 00-20: 00, V: 14: 00-20: 00, VI-VII: 11:00-20:00);
- Intersection of Kalvariju, Ateitis and Jeruzalė streets, Vilnius (opening on March 2024, 1, working hours: IV: 15: 00-19: 00, VI-VII: 11:00-20:00).
More information about the service and prices can be found on the website https://bikewash.lt/
We can say that the BikeWASH service in Vilnius has reached a new level in the field of bicycle and scooter maintenance. Professional bike washing not only makes life easier (you don't have to do it yourself), but also helps to keep the vehicle long-lasting and safe to use (it breaks down less) and gives a good feeling when riding a clean bike.
Prepared in cooperation with UAB "Itina"
