Benefits and costs of bike leasing through the employer

Offering a bike lease to your employees is one of the smartest moves you can make today. It’s tax-efficient, administratively simple, and a strong asset for your employer brand. You also invest directly in healthier, happier, more motivated people. In this article, you’ll learn how employer bike leasing works, what it costs, and why more and more companies are making the switch.

What is employer bike leasing?

Employer bike leasing means your employees can choose a bike through a leasing plan—think e-bike, speed pedelec, or even a cargo bike. As the employer, you typically set the lease term: 12, 24, 36, or 48 months. The bike is usually paid via salary exchange or a cafeteria plan, keeping it financially attractive for both employer and employee.

For you as the employer, the process is straightforward:

1. You sign a leasing agreement with Joule.
2. Employees select their bike at a local dealer or via our mobile service.
3. Essentials like insurance and maintenance are included.
4. You keep oversight and control in our client portal, the Joule Hub.

Costs and financial impact for employers

A key reason bike leasing is so popular: the math makes sense. For companies in Belgium, lease costs are 100% tax-deductible and exempt from social security contributions (RSZ). That often makes bike leasing effectively budget-neutral, for example via salary exchange, a cafeteria plan, or a mobility budget.

VAT in Belgium isn’t recoverable, but that doesn’t create extra burden—it’s bundled into the lease package. For many employers, that means little to no additional cost, while employees enjoy a bike they can use privately and for commuting. Bonus: bike leasing is also very attractive for employees—see our explainer here.

👉🏻 Want a full financial overview? Read our guide: “Bike leasing benefit must now be reported on the tax form.”

Calculate what your employee can save

With our calculator, you can see in seconds what bike leasing means net for your employee and which budget-neutral options are feasible (salary exchange, cafeteria plan, mobility budget). It’s a quick way to strengthen your business case and internal messaging.

👉🏻 Try our calculator!

Leasing as a powerful HR tool

Bike leasing isn’t just a financial win—it’s a strong HR instrument. Employees who cycle regularly feel fitter, experience less stress, and are less likely to be off sick. A lease bike directly supports vitality and productivity at work.

It’s also a compelling benefit that makes your total rewards stand out. In a tight labor market, that can be the difference in attracting and retaining talent. Finally, a bike policy signals that your organization values sustainability and wellbeing—strengthening your employer brand and boosting your reputation.

HR and wellbeing at work

A lease bike is more than transport. It’s an HR lever that supports:

• Wellbeing & health: Regular cyclists feel fitter, have less stress, and are off sick less often—boosting vitality and productivity.
• Employer branding: A lease bike makes your package more attractive in the war for talent.
• Sustainable image: A bike policy shows you prioritize sustainability and wellbeing—great for your brand and public image.

What the process looks like for employers

Getting started doesn’t have to be a heavy lift. Together with Joule, you move through three clear steps:

1. Design your plan – Create a clear bike policy (download our free bike policy template).
2. Activate – We run info sessions, test days, and communications to get people on board.
3. Manage & track – Use the Joule Hub to manage quotes, contracts, invoices, and your active fleet.

Digital tools and service for hassle-free fleet management

Joule offers flexible service options. Prefer to work with local partners? Choose Joule Local so employees select and service their bike at a trusted dealer. Want everything handled at home? Joule Mobile provides delivery, maintenance, and repairs at the employee’s doorstep.

For HR, there’s the Joule Hub, your digital home for admin and fleet management. Need integrations with your payroll provider or extra support? Our HR team is ready to help.

Everything included: insurance, maintenance, roadside assistance, theft coverage

A lease package is deliberately comprehensive: all-risk theft and damage cover (omnium) comes standard, as does 24/7 roadside assistance. Maintenance and repairs are included per your chosen service level. Employees ride worry-free while you keep the practical side tight—without surprise costs or scheduling headaches.

Real-world examples

Plenty of organizations are already convinced. Explore their stories:

• GO! Scholengroep: more than 1,000 staff on bikes, combining sustainability with strong HR.
• Helan
• Krëfel
• VNZ
• Ter Heide

And that’s just a sample. Others who already ride with Joule include Telenet, Novartis, PepsiCo, GO! Scholengroep, D’Ieteren Mobility Company, UCM, UCB, P&G, Mainfreight…

How to take the first step

Bike leasing through the employer is a smart investment in finance, HR, and sustainability. You make your organization more attractive, strengthen your employer brand, and give employees a nudge toward healthier mobility.

Have questions? Check the FAQ below, or read “7 FAQs about bike leasing for HR managers.”

Curious how we’ll tailor bike leasing to your organization? Let’s talk!