Bike leasing isn’t a hype. It’s a smart, sustainable mobility choice that pays off for both employees and employers. Less traffic, lower costs, more energy at work. In this blog, we explain what bike leasing is, how it works, and the concrete benefits you get when you arrange it via your employer.
What is bike leasing and how does it work?
Bike leasing means you rent a bike plus service package for a fixed term, typically 12, 24, 36 or 48 months. You get an all-in-one package including insurance, maintenance, repairs, and roadside assistance.
For employees, this is often a salary bike that’s regularly used for commuting. Funding typically runs via gross salary exchange, the year-end bonus, a bonus, or the mobility budget. In some cases, the employer even offers the bike at no cost as an extra benefit.
Self-employed professionals can also lease: they spread the investment over several years while keeping 100% tax deductibility.
With Joule you choose how you’re supported. Whether it’s one bike or an entire fleet, you can count on service at home or at work via Joule Mobile, or at your local dealer via Joule Local.
At the end of the term you choose to purchase at residual value or return the bike free of charge, after which you can easily start a new lease.
How can an employer finance bike leasing?
As an employer you have two options: cost-neutral or non-cost-neutral.
Option 1: cost-neutral
In a cost-neutral setup, the employee funds the lease via salary exchange. The exact funding method depends on what’s legally and sectorally allowed.
For example: in the healthcare sector (Joint Committee 330), leasing via the year-end bonus is already possible, whereas in JC 319 (disability care, youth welfare, general social work) that’s not yet allowed.
Possible payment options:
- Year-end bonus: the smartest choice for the employee. You allocate part of the bonus (which is taxed more heavily than salary) to the lease. Admin-light, fiscally attractive.
- Gross salary exchange: you swap a small monthly portion of gross pay for the lease. Low net impact, minimal effect on pension.
- Bonus: fund (part of) the lease via an annual or one-off payment.
- Mobility budget: combinable with public transport or shared mobility.
- Net salary exchange: possible, but less interesting because fiscal advantages fall away.
Option 2: non-cost-neutral
Here the employer covers (part of) the lease cost. It works like a pay rise without extra charges: the employee gets a bike as a benefit in kind, while the employer doesn’t pay additional NSSO (social security) or tax contributions.
You can also split the cost so the employee contributes only a small amount.
💡 Result: you increase total reward value, stimulate sustainable mobility, and strengthen your employer brand, without raising payroll costs.
Example: what bike leasing costs for employers
Assume an employer pays a year-end bonus of €3,900 (made up of €3,000 gross + €900 employer social contributions).
- Without bike leasing: the employee receives only the €3,000 gross (subject to NSSO and tax). The €900 employer contribution disappears into general payroll costs and doesn’t increase the employee’s reward value.
- With bike leasing: the employer still pays €3,900 in total, but the full amount (including the €900 employer contribution) is converted into a bike lease budget.
👉 For the employer: cost-neutral.
👉 For the employee: more value and a larger flexible budget (bike, insurance, maintenance, roadside assistance).
Bottom line: you pay the same, but you get happier, healthier, more motivated people in return.
Example: what bike leasing costs for an employee
Scenario:
- Employee gross salary: €3,000/month
- Employer social contributions (patronale bijdrage): 27%
- Lease cost: €1,200/year (€100/month)
- Term: 36 months
💡 With gross exchange or year-end bonus, the employee often pays about half of the real cost, while it remains cost-neutral for the employer.
💡 Want a more detailed, step-by-step example? Read our blog “How much does a bike lease cost for employees and employers”!
Want to calculate the bike leasing cost yourself?
Curious what bike leasing costs in your situation?
👉 Use our calculator to see the monthly lease amount and impact on pay. Note: the tool uses general parameters; for sector-specific setups we’re happy to help one-on-one.
💡 Want to dive a bit deeper into the cost calculation of bike leasing? Check out the blog “How to calculate bike leasing”, which covers topics like the cost of bike leasing, legal rules, and key principles.
The benefits of bike leasing for employees
1. Fiscal benefit: exemption from benefit in kind (VAA) and NSSO
A lease bike used for commuting is exempt from benefit in kind (VAA). There is no NSSO on the actual bike benefit. Via gross exchange or year-end bonus you get a lower net cost than buying privately.
2. Bike lease + bike allowance are combinable
You can keep receiving the bike allowance as long as you commute regularly by bike. That further increases your net advantage.
3. Included extras
Insurance against theft and damage, maintenance, and roadside assistance are all included.
- Maintenance & repairs: a service budget you can use throughout the term.
- All-risk & theft insurance: covered during the entire lease.
- 24/7 roadside assistance: you’re never stranded.
4. End of term: you choose
At the end of the lease you have two options:
- Keep your bike by purchasing it at residual value (typically around 16%, depending on term).
- Return your bike free of charge to Joule.
In both cases you can start a new lease right away. New bike, who dis? 🚲
If the employee leaves early and stops the lease:
- Buy the bike at residual value (amount depends on timing—check your policy).
- Return the bike and pay an early termination fee (see policy).
- A colleague can take over the lease for the remaining term (no extra cost).
- The employer can (exceptionally) convert it to a pool bike (no extra cost).
- Transfer to a new employer if all parties agree.
💡 Make sure these routes are crystal-clear in the bike policy to avoid discussions later. Not sure where to begin? Download our bike policy template!
5. It’s not all about the money: health, time and freedom
You gain energy, avoid traffic and parking stress, and shrink your CO₂ footprint. A car can emit up to 149 g CO₂ per passenger-km, an e-bike about 3 g, and a regular bike zero—that adds up… 👀
“I feared I’d lock myself in by committing to cycling 20% of the time. My commute is 34 km. I’m so glad I didn’t overthink it. Since picking up my bike, I’ve ridden to work every day but one (and I regretted that one). I’m as fast—or faster—than by car. I’m less stressed and have more energy. Only positives—keep it up!”
— Marijke, teacher at GO! Scholengroep
The benefits of bike leasing for employers
Bike leasing isn’t just smart for employees, employers also gain a lot. It’s one of those rare measures that deliver HR, wellbeing, and financial benefits at the same time. No wonder more companies add bikes to their mobility mix.
1. A strong HR story: attract, motivate and retain
In a tight labor market, the difference often isn’t pay itself but how flexible and meaningful you package it. A lease bike lets people tailor rewards to what matters daily: comfort, health, sustainability. That makes compensation feel more valuable, boosts engagement and satisfaction, and supports retention and your employer brand.
2. 100% tax-deductible as a business expense
Monthly lease invoices are fully deductible as professional costs. You lower taxable profit while giving employees a tangible benefit.
3. Cost-neutral via gross exchange or cafeteria plan
With a gross salary exchange or cafeteria plan, you fund leasing within existing payroll. The employee swaps part of gross pay (or year-end bonus/bonus) for the lease.
👉 Outcome: cost-neutral for the employer, advantageous for the employee.
4. Bike allowance exempt from NSSO and tax
You can grant a bike allowance on top of the lease. It’s exempt from NSSO and income tax up to the legal ceiling (€0.35/km). A strong nudge with no extra charges.
5. No CO₂ solidarity contribution (unlike company cars)
Lease bikes have no CO₂ solidarity contribution. You save on fuel, parking, and monthly car-related taxes.
6. A plus for sustainability and ESG reporting
Leasing bikes fits perfectly in a sustainable policy.
- ESG: scoring on both Environmental and Social.
- CSRD: report under Sustainable Mobility as a concrete measure.
- CO₂ goals: more bikes = fewer car kilometres = lower emissions.
7. Administrative simplicity with Joule
Joule handles the whole flow: from quote to maintenance. In the Joule Hub you manage requests, approvals, contracts and invoices in one place. No paperwork, no scattered suppliers.
8. Easy fit with the mobility budget
Bike leasing integrates neatly into the mobility budget. Employees can swap (part of) a company car for sustainable alternatives such as a lease bike, public transport or shared mobility.
In short:
✅ Strong HR lever for retention and branding
✅ More perceived value via flexible rewards
✅ 100% tax-deductible and NSSO-friendly
✅ Often cost-neutral and always sustainable
✅ Simple to manage with Joule
💡 Want to learn more? Also read: “How to offer bike leasing at zero cost”.
Ready to take the next step?
The proof is in the pudding: bike leasing pays off for everyone — financially, mentally, and socially. Whether you’re an employee looking for a smoother commute or an employer investing in sustainable wellbeing, Joule keeps it simple, tax-efficient, and perfectly organized.
Still have questions? Check out:
👉🏻 Or scroll down to the FAQ section below!
Or just drop us a message using the contact form — we’ll be happy to help! 👇🏻
Alles verliep zeer vlot. Geen extra papierwerk, alles werd door Joules geregeld. Heel tevreden over de service.
Goede communicatie en uitleg. De persoon die het concept is komen voorstellen heeft dit duidelijk gedaan. De testritten waren ook goed georganiseerd.
Top ervaring! Klantenservice is top. Je kan er terecht met al je vragen en ze blijven altijd even vriendelijk. En ik heb best veel vragen gesteld. Levering was top. Zeker een aanrader voor iedereen.
Vlotte service, snel antwoord en zeer vlot in gebruik. De offertes van de fietsenwinkel werden snel verwerkt en overzichtelijk afgeleverd in een leasing-formule.
Heel gemakkelijk dat de technieker op het werk komt! De technieker was vriendelijk. Onderhoud was snel gedaan. Ik heb heel gemakkelijk de afspraak kunnen wijzigen. Ik heb daarvoor een heel vriendelijke en behulpzame persoon aan de lijn gehad.
Jouw vragen,
onze antwoorden
What are the main benefits of bike leasing for employees?
You ride for a lower net cost thanks to exemptions from 'voordeel alle aard' and social security contributions. You can still combine your lease bike with your commuting allowance, and services like insurance, maintenance, and roadside assistance are included. You’ll save time, skip traffic, and avoid parking stress. At the end of your lease, you can choose to buy the bike or start a new lease. It keeps you moving — without the big upfront cost or surprise repair bills. Bike leasing is often up to 40% cheaper and completely hassle-free compared to buying privately.
Is the benefit of a leased bike taxable in Belgium?
No — the benefit of a company-leased bike is exempt from taxes and social security contributions, as long as you use the bike regularly for commuting. That makes it much more tax-efficient than an equivalent cash benefit.
Keep in mind: accessories or extras outside the lease package may follow different rules. When in doubt, check your company bike policy or with your payroll provider. You can see how this exemption increases your net savings in the Joule calculator.
Can I use my lease bike privately without being taxed?
Yes, you can use your bike privately as much as you like, and it remains tax-free (as long as you use it regularly for commuting). That’s an important difference compared to other employee benefits. It makes a leased bike a full-fledged alternative for short private trips or errands. Check your insurance: in most cases, damage or theft is also covered for private use within Europe, but the exact coverage is specified in your contract.
How does bike allowance work?
The bike allowance can be combined with a lease bike, within the legal limits. Your employer decides the rate and administration (for example, by registering commuting days). The allowance is exempt from taxes and social security contributions up to €0.36 per kilometer, which further increases your net benefit. This way, your sustainable choice is rewarded twice — with a lower net cost through leasing and an extra allowance for every commute by bike.
How much do I save with a bike lease compared to buying privately?
That depends on your tax rate, salary structure (e.g. gross salary exchange or bonus), lease term, and service package. On average, employees save tens of euros per month, plus extra savings on maintenance and insurance. The calculator gives you a personal simulation comparing lease vs. private purchase, and shows how the bike allowance further increases your benefit. That way, you can make an informed and transparent decision.
What happens when the employee leaves the company and terminates the leasing?
There are three options if the employee leaves the company during the term of the lease:
- the employee purchases the bicycle for its market value at the time;
- the employee returns the bicycle upon payment of an administrative fee;
- the employee passes the bicycle to a colleague.
However, the employer is free to limit or expand these options.
What are the tax benefits of bike leasing for employers?
The lease cost is 100% tax-deductible as a business expense, with no social security contributions and no CO₂ solidarity contribution. You can organize it cost-neutrally through a gross salary exchange or a cafeteria plan. The bike allowance also remains tax- and social security–exempt within legal limits. Together, this results in a strong TCO reduction and a clear message in your ESG and CSRD reports.
Are bike leasing costs 100% tax-deductible?
Yes, lease invoices are fully deductible as business expenses. This also applies to services such as maintenance, insurance, and roadside assistance, as long as they’re part of the professional plan. It helps keep the total employer cost low and predictable.
Does the employer have to pay social security on the benefit of a leased bike?
No, there are no social security contributions on the benefit of a leased bike, as long as it’s used regularly for commuting. Make sure this is clearly stated in your policy. This keeps the bike more tax-efficient than a salary increase or cash bonus.
Is there a CO₂ solidarity contribution for leased bikes?
No. Unlike company cars, no CO₂ solidarity contribution applies to bikes. This makes leased bikes structurally more cost-efficient and immune to tax changes affecting car benefits.
Is bike leasing cost-neutral for the employer?
Yes, bike leasing is completely cost-neutral for employers — provided it’s set up correctly through a gross salary exchange, year-end bonus, incentive, or mobility budget. The employee funds (part of) the lease through their pay, while the employer’s contribution is reallocated within the lease budget.
This keeps the total payroll cost identical, while employees gain a tangible benefit — a bike with maintenance, insurance, and roadside assistance included.
For the employer, it’s a zero-cost mobility upgrade that boosts sustainability, wellbeing, and employer branding.
How does bike leasing work through a gross salary exchange or cafeteria plan?
With a gross salary exchange, the employee trades part of their salary for a lease package. In a cafeteria plan, they choose from different benefits. Both options offer tax optimization and transparent processes.
Can bike leasing be part of the mobility budget?
Yes, absolutely. Bike leasing fits perfectly within the pillars of the mobility budget and is officially recognized as a sustainable mobility measure. Employees can use (part of) their mobility budget to finance a leased bike — either as an alternative to a company car or as an extra commuting option.
For employers, it’s a smart way to combine sustainability and flexibility: employees choose how they travel (bike, public transport, car sharing …), while you maintain control and visibility over costs.
Bike leasing also contributes to your ESG and CSRD reporting under the Sustainable Mobility category, strengthening your organization’s sustainability strategy.
How much admin work does a bike leasing plan require for employers?
Very little. With Joule Hub, quotes, contracts, and billing are automated. We provide templates, communication kits, and info sessions — less admin, more efficiency. We got your back-office.
How does bike leasing help meet ESG or CSRD goals?
Bike leasing reduces emissions, improves employee health, and encourages sustainable commuting. It supports the E and S pillars of ESG and fits into CSRD under sustainable mobility.
What are the HR benefits of bike leasing for retention and employer branding?
A leased bike is a valued employee benefit that boosts retention and attracts talent. It promotes wellbeing, team energy, and strengthens your employer brand.
Can bike leasing be combined with company cars in a mobility plan?
Yes, definitely. Bike leasing and company cars can perfectly coexist within a single mobility plan. More and more employers offer both options, allowing employees to choose the most efficient, sustainable, or practical mode of transport for each trip.
An employee might use a car for long distances or client visits, and a bike for shorter commutes or city travel. This reduces parking pressure, fuel costs, and improves overall employee wellbeing.
Within a hybrid mobility strategy, Joule easily integrates bikes with other transport options such as public transport, shared cars, or pool vehicles. With the Joule Hub and a clear mobility policy, everything stays organized and hassle-free.
