Why bike leasing is no longer a hype - but the norm of today
What once started as an attractive perk for a handful of employees has, by 2025, grown into a true game changer in our mobility: bike leasing is no longer a niche, but a solid pillar in commuting and the cycling industry. And we see this every day at Cyclobility, together with hundreds of employers and tens of thousands of cycling employees.
Bike leasing at a glance
The latest report from TRAXIO VELO shows just how firmly bike leasing has taken hold: by the end of 2024, there were already 166,796 leased bikes on the road in Belgium — and that number continues to grow rapidly. In 2024 alone, more than 52,000 leased bikes were added. Meanwhile, an estimated 4 out of 10 new bikes sold in Belgium are now put on the road through a leasing formula.
What stands out immediately? The vast majority are electric. 80% of all leased bikes have pedal assistance , mainly in the e-city and e-trekking segments. Other segments are also growing strongly: race bikes, gravel bikes and speed pedelecs are gaining ground every year, especially among sporty commuters.
Why are more and more employees choosing leasing?
Very simple: because it is financially and practically much more attractive than a direct purchase. Thanks to gross salary exchange , employees can save up to 70% on a premium bike, without compromising on comfort or service.
Moreover, everything is included in one package: insurance, maintenance, roadside assistance, and often a smart selection tool to find the right model. Combine this with the tax-free bike allowance of up to €0.36/km , and as an employee you can quickly benefit from several thousand euros per year.
And for employers?
For companies, bike leasing is fully tax-deductible and budget-neutral . You position yourself as a sustainable, modern employer that invests in health and mobility, without a heavy administrative burden. At Cyclobility, we also notice that extras such as bike infrastructure (parking, showers, lockers) are increasingly being included in company policies - a clear shift towards a bike-friendly work culture.
A mobility shift that cannot be stopped
Over the past five years, the number of people commuting by bike has increased by 35% . Bike leasing has made this growth possible. But it doesn’t stop there: cargo bikes and longtails are also gaining popularity, especially among families who want to leave the car at home more often.
There are still policy challenges, however. For example, the mobility budget is still often used for housing costs, while it was originally intended to encourage sustainable mobility. TRAXIO VELO therefore rightly advocates for a mandatory minimum budget for sustainable mobility .
The future is electric - and on two wheels
With nearly 15% of employees still driving a company car and a continuously growing range of high-quality e-bikes and speed pedelecs, one thing is clear: bike leasing is only just getting started. The combination of fiscal benefits, better infrastructure and growing societal awareness ensures that the bike is more than just an alternative - it is the logical choice for the future.
