​Could cheap fixie bikes actually work as a small rental business?

I have been thinking about a small business idea and wanted to get some grounded feedback before I commit time or money to it. In my area I keep noticing people looking for affordable ways to move around short distances especially near campuses and busy streets. That got me considering a rental setup focused on cheap fixie bikes. The concept is simple. Basic durable bikes that are easy to maintain and quick to rent for short trips. No complicated tech at the start just something practical. I have seen low cost bulk options through suppliers like Alibaba and eBay which makes the initial investment feel more realistic. My concerns are theft, maintenance costs, and whether people actually prefer fixies over standard bikes. Pricing is another question since I want it affordable but still profitable. I would also need to think about parking spots, basic tracking, and local regulations. For anyone with experience in rentals or small mobility businesses does this sound viable or too niche to scale into something sustainable long term? Also curious if starting small with a handful of bikes would be enough to test demand before expanding or if scale is required from day one to make it work.