We are currently offering leasing in the Netherlands 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.
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):
| Cost Element | Buy Privately | Lease via Employer | Calculation |
| Bike price | €3,300 | Included | Retail price |
| Insurance & service (3 yrs) | €1,200 | Included | ~€400/year |
| Lease cost (gross/month) | – | €125 | All-in lease |
| Tax saving | – | −€46.25 | €125 × 37% |
| Net lease after tax | – | €78.75 | €125 − €46.25 |
| Bijtelling (yearly) | – | €231 | €3,300 × 7% |
| Bijtelling (monthly) | – | €19.25 | €231 ÷ 12 |
| True net monthly cost | – | €98.00 | €78.75 + €19.25 |
| Total over 36 months | €4,500 | €3,528 |
Private: €3,300 + €1,200 Lease: €98 × 36 |
| Net saving with leasing | — | €972 | €4,500 − €3,528 |
Example for illustration purposes only — actual savings depend on tax bracket, social contributions, 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
| Step | Private Purchase | Employer Leasing | How it’s calculated |
| Bike purchase | €3,300 | Included | Retail price |
| Insurance & service (3 yrs) | €1,200 | Included | ~€400/year realistic |
| Gross lease deduction | – | −€125.00 | Salary conversion |
| Taxable benefit | – | +€8.25 | 0.25% × €3,300 |
| Net taxable base reduction | – | −€116.75 | €125 − €8.25 |
| Wage tax saving | – | −€40.86 | €116.75 × 35% |
| Pension saving | – | −€10.86 | €116.75 × 9.3% |
| Unemployment saving | – | −€1.52 | €116.75 × 1.3% |
| Health insurance saving | – | −€10.21 | €116.75 × 8.75% |
| Long-term care saving | – | −€2.68 | €116.75 × 2.3% |
| Total monthly tax + social saving | – | −€66.13 | Sum of above |
| True net monthly cost | – | €58.87 | €125 − €66.13 |
| Total cost (36 months) | €4,500 | €2,119 |
Private: 3,300 + 1,200 Lease: 58.87 × 36 |
| Total saving | — | €2,381 | €4,500 − €2,119 |
| Saving percentage | — | 52.9% cheaper | €2,381 ÷ €4,500 |
Example for illustration purposes only — actual savings depend on tax bracket, social contributions, lease terms, 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.