Working Bikes
Working Bikes is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 1999, that collects, refurbishes, and redistributes donated bicycles via retail sales, local Chicago donation programs, and international container shipments to nonprofit partners in 30+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- Headquarters—
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Working Bikes does
Working Bikes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1999 and headquartered at an owned warehouse facility at 2434 S. Western Avenue in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood. The organization's core function is collecting donated bicycles from across Chicago and the Midwest, refurbishing them through a volunteer- and staff-staffed production operation, and redistributing them through three primary channels: a retail storefront and webstore selling refurbished adult and children's bicycles at $200-$300; local donation programs (Cycle of Power for adults and Cycle of Peace for youth) distributing bikes to Chicago-area individuals via partner organizations; and international container shipments to nonprofit partners in over 30 countries spanning Africa, Central America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Oceania. A secondary service department offers on-spot bike repairs including flat fixes ($11), wheel truing ($15-$25), and various installation services.
The underlying production model relies on volunteer labor, donated bike inventory, and a 15-person staff of production mechanics, retail and webstore associates, an acquisitions specialist, and a manager of engagement. Distribution is supported by a network of 40+ drop-off locations across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. The organization has built additional program lines beyond core redistribution, including a Community Mechanic Training Program launched in 2021 in partnership with Lyft/Divvy that teaches bike mechanic skills to community members facing employment barriers in North Lawndale, Little Village, and Pilsen, and a Bike Chicago program delivered in coordination with the Chicago Department of Transportation and peer nonprofits.
Revenue and impact are funded through a hybrid model combining retail bike sales, service department fees, financial donations via Givebutter, corporate sponsorships, and grants from environmental partners including 1% for the Planet and the National Wildlife Federation. Since inception, the organization has enabled new life for over 150,000 bicycles and claims over 200,000 people empowered with transportation access. Annual operating volume includes 10,000+ bikes kept out of landfills and 800-1,000 local donations. The organization is governed by an all-volunteer board of 14+ directors, holds a GuideStar Transparency Seal, and receives recurring earned media coverage from major Chicago outlets.
Working Bikes firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Working Bikes
- Legal name
- Working Bikes
- Website
- https://workingbikes.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Working Bikes is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 1999, that collects, refurbishes, and redistributes donated bicycles via retail sales, local Chicago donation programs, and international container shipments to nonprofit partners in 30+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Working Bikes industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Bicycle Refurbishment and Redistribution Services
- NAICS
- Personal and Household Goods Repair and Maintenance (8114)
- SIC
- Services-Miscellaneous Repair Services (7600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Used & Refurbished Bike Retail (CRAMAHAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Bike Service, Repair & Maintenance Shops (CRAMAHAH), Bike Parts & Components Retail (CRAMAHAB), Cycling & Bike Retail (Sales, Service & Accessories) (CRAMABAH)
Keywords
Working Bikes business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Retail Bike Sales: Refurbished bicycles sold through storefront and webstore at 2434 S. Western Ave. Average price for refurbished adult bikes ranges from $200-$300.
- Service Department: On-spot repairs and maintenance services including flat fixes ($11), wheel truing ($15-25), brake adjustments ($8 each), and various installation services.
- Financial Donations: Working Bikes accepts monetary donations through Givebutter platform and check payments. EIN 54-2138339.
- Local Bike Donations: Collects donated bikes from Chicago and Midwest, redistributing repaired bikes locally and internationally. Proceeds support donation programs and operations.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Refurbished Adult Bikes |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Service Department Repairs |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Bike Sponsorship |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Working Bikes product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Working Bikes collects donated bicycles from across Chicago and the Midwest, refurbishes them through staff and volunteer mechanics, and redistributes them through three channels: local donations to Chicago-area individuals (Cycle of Power and Cycle of Peace), international container shipments to nonprofit partners in over 25 countries, and retail sales of refurbished bicycles through a storefront and webstore. The organization also operates a full-service repair department, runs volunteer and bike mechanic training programs, and accepts financial donations to sustain operations.
Product overview
Working Bikes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit bicycle refurbishment and redistribution organization operating a single integrated service model. The core offering consists of collecting donated bicycles, refurbishing them through volunteer-staffed production operations, and redistributing them through three main channels: the retail storefront and webstore selling refurbished bikes to the public; the local donation programs (Cycle of Power for adults and Cycle of Peace for youth) distributing bikes to Chicago-area individuals; and the international shipping program sending bikes to nonprofit partners in over 25 countries. The organization also operates a service department for on-spot repairs, manages volunteer programs with specialized sessions for underserved communities, coordinates community bike drives, and accepts financial donations and sponsorships to support operations. Proceeds from retail sales directly fund the nonprofit's bike donation programs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Working Bikes Storefront and Webstore A physical retail storefront and online webstore (store.workingbikes.org) selling refurbished bicycles for adults and children, along with new and used accessories, used and vintage parts, and Working Bikes merchandise. All bicycles are refurbished by the organization's mechanics and sold at average adult bike prices of $200-$300.
- Service Department A bicycle repair and maintenance service providing on-spot repairs and adjustments including flat fixes ($11, includes new tube), wheel truing ($15 single, $25 both), brake adjustments ($8 each), bottom bracket adjustment ($10), hub adjustment ($5 each), headset adjustment ($10), shifter/derailleur adjustment ($10 single, $20 both), rear rack installation ($20), front rack installation ($25), and fender installation ($20). Free estimates are provided by expert mechanics.
- Cycle of Power (Adult Local Bike Donations) Local donation program providing refurbished bicycles to adults in need throughout Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Each recipient receives a refurbished bicycle along with a helmet, u-lock, and lights. Partners include veteran hospitals, health agencies, transitional housing providers, and community organizations. Approximately 800-1,000 bikes are donated locally each year through this and the Cycle of Peace program.
- Cycle of Peace (Youth Local Bike Donations) Local donation program providing refurbished bicycles to youth and children in the Chicago area, in partnership with community organizations, schools, and youth-serving groups.
- International Bike Donations Container shipments of refurbished bicycles to nonprofit partners in over 25 countries including Uganda, Albania, Mexico, Botswana, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Fiji, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Jordan, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Namibia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia. Partners include Cycles for Farmers, Africycle, Village Bicycle Project, Bikes for Lesotho, Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy, CESTA, CIDHPDA, Global Alliance for Africa, and Wheels of Africa.
- Financial Donations and Sponsorship Tax-deductible monetary contributions accepted through the Givebutter platform and check payments, including a bike sponsorship option covering a bike, lock, helmet, and lights for a Chicago rider. EIN 54-2138339.
Quantifiable outcome
- 150,000+ bicycles given new life since 1999, with over 200,000 people empowered with transportation access
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Working Bikes
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Working Bikes technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Working Bikes partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Lyft/DivvycorePartnership to create Community Mechanic Training Program (CMTP), teaching bike mechanic skills to community members with employment barriers. Program focuses on underrepresented communities including North Lawndale, Little Village, and Pilsen.
- Cycles for Farmers (Uganda)coreUgandan partner receiving Working Bikes shipments. Lead mechanic Samson Agaba highlighted as key contact. Donations support agricultural communities with bicycle transportation.
- Africycle (Malawi)coreMalawian nonprofit receiving regular shipments of refurbished bicycles. Multiple containers shipped including 506 bikes in September 2025 and 532 bikes in June 2025.
- Village Bicycle Project (Ghana/Sierra Leone)coreWest African partner receiving bikes for Ghana and Sierra Leone communities. Shipped 513 bikes in October 2025 and 505 bikes to Sierra Leone in July 2025.
- Bikes for LesothocorePartner organization in Lesotho. Shipped 594 bikes in October 2025. Partnership includes community engagement with Mundelein PD for donations.
- Abercrombie & Kent PhilanthropycoreSupports Uganda operations (Bwindi Bike Project) and Botswana programs. Shipped 544 bikes to Uganda in August 2025 and 548 bikes in April 2025.
- CESTA (El Salvador)coreFundación Centro Salvadoreño de Tecnología Apropiada receives regular shipments. Shipped 527 bikes in December 2025, 533 in November 2025, and 499 bikes in July 2025.
- CIDHPDA (Mexico)coreMexican partner in Durango receiving shipments. Shipped 453 bikes in December 2025.
- Global Alliance for AfricacoreSupports Tanzania operations and programs. International partner for African bicycle redistribution.
- Wheels of Africa (Kenya)coreKenyan partner for bicycle redistribution supporting transportation access in East Africa.
- Chicago Help InitiativecoreLocal Chicago partner organization receiving bikes for distribution to community members in need.
- Esperanza Health CenterscoreHealthcare provider partner receiving bikes to support patient transportation access.
- Absolute Bikes Tirana (Albania)minorAlbanian partner receiving bicycles for local distribution.
- Maya Pedal (Guatemala)minorGuatemalan nonprofit using bicycles for sustainable transportation.
- Peaceworks (Nicaragua)minorNicaraguan partner for bicycle redistribution programs.
- Corprodeli (Peru)minorPeruvian partner organization receiving bicycle donations.
- Fundación Integral Campesina (FINCA) (Costa Rica)minorCosta Rican development organization partner.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Working Bikes competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Bikes Not Bombs: Boston-based nonprofit that collects, repairs, and ships used bikes domestically and internationally with a youth development focus. Operates a nearly identical model — refurbishment, retail, and overseas container shipments — making it the closest direct peer to Working Bikes.
- Bikes for the World: Nonprofit that collects donated bikes and ships containers of refurbished bicycles to developing-country partners. Directly comparable to Working Bikes' international redistribution arm and target donor base.
- The Recyclery: Evanston, IL-based nonprofit bike co-op and refurbisher with similar retail, repair, and donation programming. Co-listed with Working Bikes as a Bike Chicago partner and operates the same core model in the immediate Chicago metro.
- West Town Bikes: Chicago-based nonprofit bike shop and youth education center that refurbishes and sells used bikes. Co-partner with Working Bikes on the CDOT Bike Chicago program and operates an overlapping mission in the same city.
- Yellow Bike Project: Austin-based nonprofit that refurbishes donated bikes for sale and community distribution, with a strong volunteer mechanic model. Highly comparable in operating model, community engagement, and product/service mix.
- Community Cycles: Boulder, CO-based nonprofit bike shop that refurbishes and resells donated bikes to fund cycling advocacy and education. Directly comparable retail-plus-mission structure to Working Bikes' storefront.
- BICAS: Tucson-based nonprofit that runs a community bike shop on a work-trade/sliding-scale model. Operates a volunteer-powered refurbishment and retail program with a similar community-impact orientation to Working Bikes.
- Free Cycles: Bozeman, MT-based nonprofit that refurbishes donated bikes and gives them away to community members. Closely aligned with Working Bikes' donation-first mission and volunteer-staffed production model.
Emerging players
- The Pro's Closet: Commercial used-bike retailer that buys, certifies, and resells pre-owned bicycles online. Overlaps with Working Bikes on the refurbished-bike retail side but operates as a for-profit with a national e-commerce footprint rather than a donation-driven nonprofit.
Broad incumbents
- REI Co-op: Large U.S. outdoor retailer that sells new and used bikes, accepts bike trade-ins, and runs circular-economy programs. A broad incumbent in the cycling retail category whose trade-in and used-bike initiatives partially overlap with Working Bikes' retail model.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Working Bikes social profiles
Digital presenceWorking Bikes financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Working Bikes leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
Working Bikes funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Working Bikes M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Working Bikes
What does Working Bikes do?
Working Bikes collects donated bicycles from across Chicago and the Midwest, refurbishes them through staff and volunteer mechanics, and redistributes them through three channels: local donations to Chicago-area individuals (Cycle of Power and Cycle of Peace), international container shipments to nonprofit partners in over 25 countries, and retail sales of refurbished bicycles through a storefront and webstore. The organization also operates a full-service repair department, runs volunteer and bike mechanic training programs, and accepts financial donations to sustain operations.
Is Working Bikes a public or private company?
Working Bikes is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Working Bikes founded?
Working Bikes was founded in 1999.
How does Working Bikes make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Retail Bike Sales are the primary driver. The others are service Department, financial Donations and local Bike Donations.
Who are Working Bikes's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Bikes Not Bombs, Bikes for the World, The Recyclery, West Town Bikes, Yellow Bike Project, Community Cycles, BICAS and Free Cycles. The Pro's Closet is listed as an emerging player. REI Co-op is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Working Bikes have an API?
No public API is recorded for Working Bikes.
What industry is Working Bikes in?
Working Bikes's product category is Bicycle Refurbishment and Redistribution Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAMAHAK, Used & Refurbished Bike Retail, with a secondary code of CRAMAHAH, Bike Service, Repair & Maintenance Shops. Its NAICS code is 8114 and its SIC code is 7600.