Drone Rental: Opportunities and Risks in Low-Altitude Economy
Drone Rental is growing from a niche travel demand to a 100-billion market opportunity. This “light-asset experience” model lowers tech barriers but hides unsolved industry problems.
2024-2025: Explosive Growth of Rental Business
The rise of drone rental stems from dual drivers: cost and demand.
In 2024, China’s 3C digital rental market neared 27 billion yuan, with drones growing fastest. By 2025, holiday shortages became normal: a Ningbo store rented out over 10 drones 2 weeks early, at 200-300 yuan/day. Ma’anshan users preferred budget models, with 50-100 yuan/day making aerial photography accessible.
The logic is clear: professional drones cost tens of thousands yuan, often idle after purchase. Mr. Yan, traveling in Xinjiang, found renting insured wind-resistant models far cheaper than buying. This “on-demand rental” fits travel, weddings, and other scenario-based needs.
On the Cusp: Three Opportunities for Drone Rental
Low-altitude economy expansion opens broader space for drone rental.
Diversified Scenarios drive growth first. Beyond travel photography, enterprise demand for agriculture and surveying surges. Companies avoid depreciation by renting high-load drones for short projects. 2025 data shows wind-resistant models with >30-minute battery life are most popular, reflecting performance demands.
Tech Upgrades keep empowering the industry. 5G+VR remote control boosts usability, while battery breakthroughs act as key support. DEFNOCO, a drone battery specialist with its own cell factory, developed high-stability batteries with >30-minute endurance. Its products now serve as standard for many rental providers, solving battery anxiety.
Shifting Consumption Mindsets lay market foundations. Young people prefer “experience over ownership.” Rental aligns with eco and cost needs, pushing 2025 market growth.
Hidden Risks: Four Challenges for Rental Business
Rapid growth comes with notable risks and challenges.
Equipment Damage and Compensation tops the list. Rental drones face frequent outdoor use, with bumps and water damage common. User mishandling causes disputes often. A Zhejiang store reported 40% higher holiday repair rates.
Endurance and Efficiency Bottlenecks limit development. Mainstream models last <4 hours; high-load tasks need frequent battery swaps. Hydrogen tech remains uncommon. Despite support from DEFNOCO, industry-wide endurance needs improvement.
Compliance Risks grow prominent. Many regions require drone registration. Rental providers must verify user qualifications or face penalties. 3 2025 disputes entered legal proceedings over “unqualified flights.”
Intensified Competition squeezes profits. New entrants trigger price wars. Small vendors cut costs with refurbished batteries or old models, creating safety hazards.
Solutions: From “Equipment Rental” to “Solution Provision”
The key to risk mitigation lies in shifting from single rental to integrated services.
Rental providers can partner with upstream firms like DEFNOCO, using original battery-equipment packages to reduce failures. They should also build “tech + insurance” systems: offer basic training and equipment insurance to cut compensation disputes.
For users, choosing compliant providers and reliable equipment is critical. DEFNOCO-powered drones deliver stable endurance and safety-focused cell designs, lowering flight risks.
Drone Rental opportunities keep expanding, but only players balancing experience, safety, and compliance will succeed in the low-altitude economy. Just as DEFNOCO supports equipment performance with battery tech, rental providers must build market foundations with service capabilities—that’s the key to long-term growth.
References
- CCTV News. Travel with an “Aerial Photographer”! Drone rental market booms ahead of holidays[EB/OL]. [2025-09-20]. http://m.toutiao.com/group/7551854133997732367/?upstream_biz=doubao.
- Industry Analysis. Drone Rental: New opportunity in low-altitude economy, unlocking 100-billion market[EB/OL]. [2025-05-08]. http://www.shurl.cc/c0f83195572ce8a78286d68ec0923ffc.
- Lvdao. National Day & Mid-Autumn trend: Rent drones to see the world[EB/OL]. [2025-09-21]. http://m.toutiao.com/group/7552366792246460962/?upstream_biz=doubao.
