What is bicycle leasing?
In recent years, Belgians have been massively choosing the bicycle. And more and more companies are investing in bicycle leasing. Chicken or egg? It does not matter. We like the upward trend.
But what exactly is bicycle leasing? In this article, you will find out what bicycle leasing is and we list the advantages for both the employee and the employer.
Bicycle leasing is an extra-legal benefit that allows employees, through their employer, to access a high-quality bicycle for a predetermined period, usually between 36 and 60 months. Bicycle leasing offers tax advantages for employees through gross salary exchange or optimization of the end-of-year bonus, as bicycle leasing is exempt from benefit in kind (BIK). As a result, leasing a bicycle is more advantageous than purchasing the same bicycle outright. For companies, bicycle leasing is often budget-neutral.
Advantages of bicycle leasing for employees
- Sustainable and environmentally friendly: Bicycle leasing promotes a sustainable lifestyle and reduces CO2 emissions. By choosing the bicycle more often, employees improve their fitness and contribute to reducing their ecological footprint.
- Tax benefits: Bicycle leasing offers significant tax advantages, such as exemption from benefit in kind (BIK). As a result, employees pay less tax, which is financially beneficial compared to, for example, a company car.
- Affordable high-quality bicycle: Through bicycle leasing, employees can acquire a bicycle of their choice at an advantageous rate. The costs are spread over the lease period, and at the end they can purchase the bicycle at a significantly reduced price or opt for a new lease bicycle.
- Maintenance and repairs included: Maintenance and repair costs can be included in the lease. Regular maintenance ensures an optimal and worry-free cycling experience, allowing employees to ride with peace of mind.
- Insurance and roadside assistance: Comprehensive insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance in three countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg) are included as standard in the lease, providing employees with peace of mind while using their lease bicycle.
Advantages of bicycle leasing for employers
- Budget-neutral: Bicycle leasing is budget-neutral through (gross) salary exchange. Costs such as bicycle parking facilities and changing rooms are fully tax-deductible, making it financially attractive for the employer.
- Optimization of the salary package: The “war for talent” creates major challenges for many companies. Bicycle leasing is an attractive addition to HR policy and can help attract new talent. It is also part of a socially responsible business strategy.
- Minimal administration: A convenient tailor-made webshop and app ensure minimal administrative work for HR. As an employer, you can view, request, approve, and monitor all documents.
- Fewer parking problems: More employees cycling means less demand for parking spaces, reducing infrastructure costs and spatial pressure.
- Reduced absenteeism: Regular cycling improves the physical and mental health of employees, resulting in less absenteeism and a healthier workforce. This was demonstrated by research conducted by Attentia.
Overall, bicycle leasing offers many advantages for both employees and employers, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable, and more efficient business model.
Curious about how we can start bicycle leasing in your organization? In this article, we explain our bicycle leasing approach in detail. We also offer tailored solutions for bicycle leasing in the education and healthcare sectors .
