Refer China: Chinese student earns $39K teaching bike lessons to adults。 Over 2 years, he taught 700 people, mostly women, guaranteeing success in two classes。 High demand stems from commutes and team-building events。

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A man who is studying a master's in sport education in Shanghai earned 270,000 yuan (US$39,000) in two years teaching hundreds of people to ride bicycles. Photo: RedNote

A master's degree student in China, who has taught hundreds of adults and children to ride bicycles over the past two years and earned 270,000 yuan (US$39,000) from it, recently went viral on social media.

The man, whose surname is Li, is a third-year master's degree candidate at Shanghai University of Sport (SUP) majoring in sports education, as reported by the news outlet The Cover.

Li shared that years ago, he and a friend recognised the demand for bike-riding instruction and decided to establish a business to seize the opportunity. However, the friend soon left the partnership after securing a stable job in Shanghai.

Once admitted to SUP, Li used his spare time to teach bike-riding, according to the report. He began sharing instructional videos on social media platforms, and within two months, he received his first order.

Li has taught 700 individuals aged 4 to 68, primarily in their 20s and 30s, with 70 per cent being female. Photo: Handout

Li seeks spacious locations near his customers' homes for lessons. He offers a success-guarantee package priced at 800 yuan (US$110), ensuring that participants will be able to ride a bicycle by the end of the course.

The package generally includes two classes for adults, with each session lasting from one and a half to two hours. Children typically require more classes, as their lessons are shorter than one and a half hours due to their lesser physical stamina compared to adults.

To date, Li has taught 700 individuals ranging from four to 68 years old. Most of his customers are in their 20s and 30s, with 70 per cent being female.

Li admitted he did not anticipate such a significant market demand.

"One major group of customers learns bike-riding to make their commute to work more convenient. Others have an urgent need; for instance, some companies organise team-building activities centred around biking, necessitating quick skill acquisition," he explained.

As a sports education major, Li, above, excels at quickly identifying each student's weaknesses. Photo: Handout

Li noted that as a sports education major, he is adept at quickly identifying each student's weaknesses.

"After working with a student for just 10 minutes, I can gauge how long they will need to master the skill. In many instances, they require less time than I initially estimate," he remarked.