Red Echo

March 14, 2012

The Moto Preserve in Brooklyn is a shared workshop / storage space for motorcycles and scooters. No idea how their financial model works but it’s neat to see a hackerspace-like operation for greasemonkeys.

4 Comments

  1. Hey there! I set up the Motopreserve site, and it’s really not that complicated of a set-up. In fact, I would say “financial model” would be a little fancy for what we have going here :)

    I finally decided to bite the bullet, and secure a garage space, after last years crazy amount of snow, killing any chance of wrenching on the curb here in Brooklyn. After speaking with a few guys (the ladies would come later) about wanting to do the same, the space filled pretty quickly by word of mouth, creating a collective workshop. My tools are available for all to use, and the communal mentality has been great, with everyone helping each other out. This insured that the folks would be cool, and our goals would be in line with one another.

    I highly recommend this type of thing for those that are in a city, since the typical space is for parking only, and doesn’t allow for work to be done on the premises. Good luck!

    Comment by scott — March 16, 2012 @ 5:11 am

  2. Oooo…Barnaby would love this!

    Comment by Dawn — March 16, 2012 @ 7:35 am

  3. Hi there! I am curious about your financial setup because I helped start up a makerspace here in Seattle and have had to spend a lot of time thinking about membership rates and the like. We had to form an LLC, get insurance, sign a lease, etc. I’m curious how your space is organized, as well as what the membership rates are and what people get for that.

    My sister lives in Brooklyn, and I have already been planning to stop by NYCResistor next time I am in town visiting. I’ll drop you a line too; I’d love to check your space out and see how it works.

    Comment by Mars Saxman — March 16, 2012 @ 9:27 am

  4. We went a little more ‘under the radar’ than it looks like you are planning to do. Since I was originally looking to get into another private garage space with some folks – which didn’t work out, I have set this up in that way. It’s a private garage in a commercial space. I outfitted it with my own tools, which are used by everyone. The alarm system is there for security, and I have everyone sign a waiver stating that they are responsible for their own belongings in the space.

    What do you get for the ‘membership?’ A space for your bike(s), tools, lifts and the help of the rest of the folks in the garage. Simple really.

    Comment by scott — April 11, 2012 @ 8:09 am