Leasing FAQs

We are currently offering leasing in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Germany. For country-specific information, please jump to the respective section.

🇳🇱 Jump to the Netherlands Leasing FAQs here.

🇩🇪 Jump to the Germany Leasing FAQs here.

🇧🇪 Jump to the Belgian Leasing FAQs here.

🇫🇷 Jump to the French Leasing FAQs here.

Leasing – General FAQ 

Who is employee leasing suitable for?

Employee leasing is generally suitable for individuals whose employer participates in a bicycle leasing program and who wish to commute by bike without paying the full purchase price up front. Eligibility and conditions depend on the employer’s policy and the leasing provider’s terms.

Why should you offer a Company Bike?

Common benefits may include supporting employee wellbeing, improving employer attractiveness, and, depending on local tax rules, potential payroll cost efficiencies through gross salary exchange. Actual financial effects vary by country and employer.

What happens if the battery fails after 2 years?

Battery coverage depends on the manufacturer's warranty and the service package included in the lease. Failures caused by manufacturing defects or normal wear may be covered, while damage caused by misuse, accidents, or improper charging may be excluded. Always refer to the specific warranty and insurance conditions.

Are Maintenance, Repairs, and Insurance included?

Most full-service leasing packages typically include theft and damage insurance, maintenance for wear items, and breakdown or assistance services, subject to the specific terms, exclusions, and deductibles defined in the insurance policy and service agreement. Coverage scope and included services may vary by leasing provider.

Can I change my lease duration after starting?

Lease durations are generally fixed at the start of the contract. Changes or early termination are usually not possible without fees or special arrangements, subject to the provider’s terms.

Can I take the bike abroad for holidays?

Many insurance policies provide coverage within the EU and selected countries. However, coverage conditions, including approved locks and securing the bike to fixed objects, must always be followed. Always verify territorial coverage with the insurance provider.

What happens at the end of the contract?

Typically, you may receive an offer to purchase the bike at an assessed market value or return it to the leasing partner. Purchase offers and valuations are determined by the leasing provider and may have tax implications.

What happens if I lose a key for my chain lock?

Most insurers require original keys for theft claims. Lost keys must usually be replaced through the manufacturer or insurer, per policy requirements. Failure to meet these conditions may affect coverage.

Is the VanMoof Kick Lock sufficient for insurance?

In most leasing insurance policies, the Kick Lock alone is not sufficient. An additional approved chain lock (often ART-2 or equivalent) is typically required to secure the bike to a fixed object. Key retention rules usually apply.

Can I end my private lease early?

Private lease contracts are generally fixed-term agreements. Early termination may be possible only under specific circumstances and often involves additional costs.

Where can I get my VanMoof serviced?

Maintenance and repairs can typically be booked through authorized service partners or networks designated by the leasing provider and manufacturer, subject to regional availability.

🇳🇱 Netherlands FAQ

Is employee leasing compliant with Dutch tax regulations?

Employee bike leasing programs are commonly structured to align with current Dutch tax regulations, including salary exchange mechanisms and benefit-in-kind treatment such as the 7% bijtelling. Actual compliance depends on the employer's setup, the leasing provider's structure, and applicable legislation.

How do I pay for the bike?

Payment methods may include gross salary exchange, use of a mobility budget, or a combination of both, depending on the employer’s benefit policy and leasing provider arrangements.

What is the 7% bijtelling?

Under current Dutch tax rules, when a company bike is available for private use, 7% of its consumer price is generally treated as a taxable benefit each year. The actual net impact depends on individual tax brackets and applicable regulations.

What is the 2026 update for “Pool Bikes”?

Shared company bikes that remain primarily for business use may fall outside private-use benefit taxation, provided strict usage conditions and employer documentation requirements are met. Applicability should always be confirmed with HR or a tax advisor.

Does an employee lease affect my BKR registration or mortgage?

Employer-based leasing arrangements are typically not registered as personal credit at BKR. However, individual lender policies and private lease contracts may differ and can influence borrowing capacity.

Can I still receive a travel allowance?

Employers often adjust commuting allowances depending on travel method and commuting days. Retention of allowances varies by employer policy and applicable tax rules.

What if I leave my job early?

Early termination handling depends on the leasing contract and employer policy and may include private continuation, transfer to another employer, or early return with associated costs.

Is the lease cost-neutral for companies?

Many leasing programs are structured to be cost-neutral or potentially cost-positive through salary exchange mechanisms. The actual financial impact depends on the payroll structure and current social contribution rules.

Does it impact the WKR budget?

When properly structured and combined with benefit-in-kind taxation, company bikes are commonly treated under a specific exemption and may not impact the WKR budget. Applicability depends on current tax guidance.

Can VAT be reclaimed?

VAT deductibility is often limited by private-use corrections, such as BUA adjustments. Treatment depends on the company's tax position and should be reviewed with a tax advisor.

Who is liable in accidents?

Liability depends on the circumstances of use and applicable insurance coverage. Personal liability insurance is strongly recommended for private and commuting use.

Example calculation (NL):

Example for illustration purposes only — actual savings depend on tax bracket, social contributions, lease terms, and current legislation.

🇧🇪 Belgium FAQ

Is there a taxable Benefit in Kind / VAA / ATN?

In Belgium, a company bicycle or leased bicycle is generally not treated as a taxable Benefit in Kind, known as Voordeel Alle Aard / Avantage de Toute Nature, provided the bike is actually used for commuting. If the bike is not used for commuting, the tax treatment may differ.

Do I need to use the bike for commuting?

Yes, commuting use is important in Belgium. The favorable tax treatment generally depends on the bike being used for home-to-work travel. Employers may ask employees to confirm or declare that the bike is used for commuting.

Can I still receive a bicycle allowance?

This depends on the employer’s policy and payroll setup. Belgium has a tax-exempt bicycle allowance system, but whether it can be combined with a leased company bike depends on the employer arrangement, collective agreements, and applicable payroll rules. For 2026, Securex reports a maximum exempt bicycle allowance of €0.37 per kilometre, subject to annual limits and conditions.

How does salary exchange work in Belgium?

Bike leasing in Belgium is often arranged through a flexible compensation plan or salary exchange model. In that case, part of the employee’s gross salary or flexible reward budget is used to finance the lease. The net impact depends on salary, social security contributions, tax position, and employer policy.

Can bike leasing reduce employer social security costs?

In some Belgian salary exchange structures, employer costs may be reduced because part of the lease is funded through gross salary or flexible remuneration. The actual financial impact depends on the employer’s payroll setup and should be calculated by the payroll provider.

Can freelancers lease a bike in Belgium?

Yes, freelancers and self-employed professionals may be able to lease a bike through their business, subject to approval by the leasing provider. Business registration, VAT status, income, and financial standing may be reviewed.

Can freelancers deduct the lease cost?

Potentially, but deductibility depends on the professional use of the bike, the legal structure of the business, and Belgian tax rules. VAT treatment may also differ depending on private and professional use. Professional tax advice is recommended.

Can I lease a bike through a Belgian cafeteria plan?

Yes, many Belgian employers offer bike leasing through a cafeteria plan or flexible benefits platform. Availability depends on whether the employer has implemented such a system and whether bike leasing is included as an eligible benefit.

Can I lease a bike if I already have a company car?

Possibly yes. Belgium has mobility and benefit structures where different mobility options can coexist, but this depends on employer policy, payroll setup, and the tax treatment of each benefit.

What happens if I stop commuting by bike?

If commuting use stops, the favorable tax treatment may no longer apply. The exact consequences depend on the lease structure and employer policy. Employees should inform HR if their commuting situation changes.

Can employers use a declaration of commuting use?

Yes. Employers may ask employees to confirm that the bicycle is actually used for commuting. This can help document the intended use of the company bike, although the exact requirements depend on the employer’s policy and advisor guidance.

How are savings calculated in Belgium?

In Belgium, the financial benefit of bike leasing depends mainly on how the employer structures the lease. Many Belgian bike leasing programs are arranged through a cafeteria plan, flexible reward budget, or gross salary exchange.

In these setups, part of the employee’s gross remuneration may be used to finance the lease. Because the bike is typically used for commuting, the private use of the bike may be exempt from Benefit in Kind taxation, subject to the applicable conditions.

The final net cost depends on several factors, including:

• the employee’s gross salary
• the employer’s payroll setup
• the applicable sector or company CLA
• whether a bicycle allowance is also paid
• the lease price and contract duration
• included insurance, maintenance, and services
• the employee’s personal tax and social security situation

Because of this, VanMoof does not provide a fixed savings calculation for Belgium. Your employer, payroll provider, or leasing partner can provide a personalized calculation based on your salary and company policy.

Example principle:
If the lease is funded through gross salary or a flexible reward budget, the employee’s net cost may be lower than the full monthly lease price. However, the exact saving varies by employee and employer.

“Example and explanation for general guidance only — actual savings depend on employer policy, payroll setup, CLA rules, tax position, lease terms, and current legislation.”

🇩🇪 Germany FAQ

How does salary conversion work?

It typically operates through salary conversion (Gehaltsumwandlung), where a portion of gross salary is used to fund the lease installment. This may reduce taxable income depending on individual tax class and social insurance status. Actual savings vary by personal situation and current tax regulations.

What is the 0.25% rule?

For Pedelecs (limited to 25 km/h), the "monetary benefit" is currently taxed at 0.25% of the gross list price (RRP) per month (rounded down to the nearest hundred). This is subject to current tax legislation.

How do I start the application?

The process typically involves confirming your employer’s participation with a leasing provider, placing an order through an authorized dealer or digital platform, employer approval via the leasing portal, and fulfillment according to provider timelines. Exact steps may vary by leasing partner.

Do I need a driver’s license or an insurance plate?

Pedelecs limited to 25 km/h are generally classified as bicycles under German law and typically do not require a driver’s license or insurance plate. Legal classifications may differ for higher-speed models.

Am I allowed to ride on cycle paths?

For qualifying Pedelecs up to 25 km/h, riders generally have the same rights and obligations as conventional cyclists under traffic regulations.

Is my commute to work taxed extra?

Under current regulations, commuting with qualifying Pedelecs up to 25 km/h is generally included within the flat monetary benefit taxation and is not taxed separately. This is subject to legislative changes.

Can I still claim the commuter allowance (Pendlerpauschale)?

Under current German tax law, employees generally remain eligible to claim the commuter allowance in their annual tax return when commuting by company bike, subject to individual tax circumstances.

Can an employee have both a company car and a company bicycle?

Under current regulations, company car and company bicycle benefits can generally be used in parallel, subject to employer policy and applicable tax treatment.

Can I include accessories in the lease?

Permanently installed accessories may be included in the lease agreement depending on the leasing provider’s policies and contract conditions.

What is the "UVV" inspection?

Under German occupational safety regulations, company bicycles are typically treated as work equipment and may require regular safety inspections (UVV) to ensure operational safety, depending on employer risk assessments and provider arrangements.

What should I do if my bike is stolen?

In the event of theft, users are generally required to file a police report, notify the bike manufacturer where applicable, and inform the leasing provider promptly in accordance with insurance policy conditions.

What if I leave my job early?

Handling early employment termination depends on the employer agreement and leasing contract and may include private takeover, transfer, or early termination charges. Specific terms vary by provider.

Can I buy the bike after 36 months?

At the end of the lease term, leasing providers may issue a purchase offer based on assessed market value. Tax treatment of such transactions may differ from the purchase price and should be reviewed individually.

How much administrative work is involved?

Many leasing providers offer digital platforms designed to streamline approvals and payroll handling, although administrative effort varies by provider and employer setup.

Who is liable in case of accidents?

Liability and insurance coverage depend on the nature of the trip and applicable insurance arrangements. Statutory accident insurance may apply to direct work commutes, while private use typically falls under personal liability insurance.

What happens during parental leave or long-term sick leave?

Certain leasing contracts may include payment protection coverage in cases of income interruption. Availability and conditions depend on the leasing provider and employer arrangement.

Is private use tax-free for freelancers?

Under current tax guidance, private use of qualifying Pedelecs by self-employed individuals may not be subject to income taxation, although VAT treatment and individual circumstances must be assessed separately.

Do I need to keep a logbook as a freelancer?

For qualifying Pedelecs up to 25 km/h, logbooks are generally not required to document private versus business use under current guidance.

Can I deduct the VAT as a freelancer?

Input VAT deduction may be possible for VAT-registered freelancers, subject to proper treatment of private use and current VAT regulations. Professional tax advice is recommended.

Example calculation (DE): 

• Bike price: €3,300
• Lease rate (all-in): €125/month
• Private insurance + service: €1,200 (3 years)
• Employee: Steuerklasse I, no church tax, statutory health insurance, childless
• Marginal wage tax used in example: 35%
• Employee social security total: 21.65%
• Taxable benefit: 0.25% of bike value/month

Example for illustration purposes only — actual savings depend on tax bracket, social contributions, lease terms, and current legislation.

🇫🇷 France FAQ

What is the Forfait Mobilités Durables?

The Forfait Mobilités Durables, or FMD, is a French sustainable mobility benefit that allows employers to support employees who use lower-impact commuting methods, including cycling. The conditions and exempt amounts depend on current French rules and the employer’s setup.

Can bike leasing be combined with the Forfait Mobilités Durables?

Potentially yes, depending on how the employer structures the benefit. The FMD is designed to support sustainable commuting, while a lease or company-bike setup may be structured separately or as part of a broader mobility policy. Employers should confirm the correct setup with payroll, legal, or tax advisors.

Is there a tax break for French companies that offer bikes?

Companies subject to French corporate income tax may benefit from a tax reduction for costs incurred when providing employees with a fleet of bicycles free of charge for travel between home and work. The reduction is capped at 25% of the purchase or rental price of the bicycles during the relevant financial year. Importantly, the French public service guidance states that this price is considered all taxes included, meaning TTC / VAT included. This applies under specific conditions and should be confirmed with a tax advisor.

Does the French company bike tax reduction apply to all companies?

No. The French tax reduction is generally available to companies subject to corporate income tax. According to the French public service guidance, companies subject to income tax cannot benefit from this specific reduction. 

Does the French tax reduction apply from the first bike?

Yes. French public service guidance states that a company can benefit from the reduction from the purchase of the first bicycle made available free of charge to employees, provided the relevant conditions are met.

Does the tax reduction apply to electric bikes?

Yes. The French public service guidance states that eligible bicycles include both standard cycles and electrically assisted pedal cycles.

Is salary sacrifice common in France?

No. France does not generally use the same standardized salary conversion model as Germany or the Netherlands. Employer bike programs in France are more commonly structured through mobility benefits, employer-provided bikes, leasing arrangements, or sustainable mobility support. The exact structure depends on the employer and provider.

Will I pay tax for private use of a company bike in France?

The treatment depends on the benefits' structure. French practice includes specific rules and tolerances for company-provided bicycles, but the employer or payroll advisor should confirm the exact tax and social security treatment.

Can employers provide pool bikes in France?

Yes. Employers can provide employees with a fleet of bicycles, especially for home-to-work journeys or business mobility. This may be relevant for the French company-bike tax reduction if the conditions are met.

Can freelancers lease a bike in France?

Yes, freelancers and self-employed professionals may be able to lease a bike through their business, subject to the leasing provider’s approval criteria. Requirements may include business registration, financial information, and proof of professional activity.

Can I combine a bike benefit with public transport reimbursement?

Possibly, depending on the employer’s mobility policy and applicable French rules. France has specific rules for commuting cost reimbursement and sustainable mobility benefits, so HR or payroll should confirm what can be combined.

How are savings calculated in France?

In France, bike leasing is not usually based on the same standardized salary-conversion model used in countries like Germany or the Netherlands. The financial benefit depends on how the employer chooses to support cycling.

A French employer may support bike use through different structures, such as:

• a company bike or bike fleet made available to employees
• a leasing arrangement through a mobility provider
• a contribution through the Forfait Mobilités Durables
• a broader sustainable mobility or CSR program
• a direct employer subsidy

For employers subject to French corporate income tax, certain company bike schemes may qualify for a tax reduction when bicycles are made available to employees for home-to-work travel. This is an employer-side benefit and does not automatically translate into fixed employee savings.

The final cost for the employee depends on:

• whether the employer subsidizes the bike
• whether the bike is provided free of charge or with an employee contribution
• whether the Forfait Mobilités Durables applies
• whether the bike is part of a company fleet or individual lease
• the lease duration and service package
• the employer’s internal mobility policy
• applicable tax and social security treatment

Because French setups vary significantly, VanMoof does not provide a standard employee savings calculation for France. The employer, payroll provider, or leasing partner should confirm the exact cost and benefit structure.

Example principle:
In France, the benefit is often driven by the employer contribution, mobility budget, FMD setup, or company-bike tax treatment rather than a fixed gross salary exchange formula.

“Example and explanation for general guidance only — actual savings depend on employer contribution, FMD eligibility, lease structure, corporate tax status, social security treatment, and current legislation.”

Disclaimer
The information provided in these FAQs is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Leasing terms, tax treatment, insurance coverage, and employer policies may vary by provider and individual situation. In the event of any discrepancy between these FAQs and the applicable lease agreement, insurance policy, or employer arrangement, the contractual documents shall prevail. Tax regulations and government incentives may change and should always be confirmed with a qualified advisor or HR department.