Lease a Bike : Everything You Need to Know Before Renting an Electric Bike refurbished
An e-bike is still the best way to transform your commute. But let’s be honest: the purchase price of a premium e-bike can be a bit daunting. Fortunately, there’s a smart shortcut to getting the bike of your dreams: e-bike “ leasing ” refurbished.
By joining forces, Lease a Bike and Upway —the world’s largest platform for refurbished e-bikes—are making renting a high-end, secondhand e-bike easier, more affordable, and more sustainable than ever. Why pay full price for a new model when you can ride a premium bike that’s been professionally re new d? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain exactly how it works, what the rules are, and how to get the most out of your lease.
Key Takeaways: The Essentials in Three Points
- Significant savings: You rent a high-end refurbished electric bike, which costs on average 30 to 60 percent less than the new, significantly reducing your monthly payment.
- Guaranteed quality: Every Upway bike undergoes a very rigorous technical inspection, has a battery capacity of at least 80%, and comes with a 1-year warranty.
- An all-inclusive package: damage and theft coverage, roadside assistance, and an annual maintenance budget are included in your 36-month contract.
Why rent an electric bike from refurbished ?
In Belgium, the “ leasing ” bike program offered through employers has literally exploded in popularity in recent years, and that’s no coincidence. The monthly payment is deducted from your gross salary—through a cafeteria plan, a salary exchange, or the mobility budget—which makes this option significantly more cost-effective than a private purchase. And at the end of the contract, you can usually buy the bike outright for a modest residual value. We break down all the financial details in our article on e leasing ing an electric bike and all its benefits.
Now combine this tax benefit with a model from refurbished byUpway , and you’ll enjoy a double benefit. An e-bike from refurbished actually has a purchase price that’s much lower than that of a model from new. Since the monthly payment is directly tied to this price, your net monthly cost becomes remarkably low. Still on the fence? Our article , “Is Renting an E-Bike Worth It?” will help you see things more clearly.
The Decision: Should You Buy new or Rent refurbished ?
Let's lay out the numbers. Let's imagine a high-quality electric bike with a list price of around €2,900.
| Criteria | Private Purchase (new) | Leasing (refurbished Upway ) |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | About 2,900 € | 30 to 60 percent less than an equivalent model |
| Initial Investment | The entire amount at once | None |
| Estimated monthly payment | Not applicable | €40 to €60 (compared to €75 to €100 for new) |
| Maintenance and Insurance | At your expense | Included in the contract |
| Contract Term | Not applicable | 36 months, with a buyback option |
Good to know: In Belgium, a company bike provided by an employer and actually used for commuting is generally not taxed as a benefit in kind. However, the exact conditions depend on your company’s policy: always check with your HR department or your accountant for confirmation. Can’t decide between the two options? Our comparison of renting versus buying an electric bike covers all the scenarios.
Upway 's Quality Promise: More Than Just a Used Bike
Many people still associate “secondhand” with “risk.” How can you be sure the motor won’t give out after three weeks, or that the battery will last through a real ride? That’s exactly whereUpway ’s expertise makes a difference. At our shop, a bike only receives the “refurbished ” label after meeting the strictest requirements. We aren’t a marketplace where bikes are simply resold—we’re a professional refurbishment shop.
A thorough, item-by-item inspection
Mechanical components (brakes, drivetrain, tires), electronic components (display, motor connections), and the structural integrity of the frame are inspected and, if necessary, repaired by certified mechanics. To learn what this means in everyday use, read our article on the lifespan of an electric bike.
Guaranteed battery health
The battery is the most expensive part of an e-bike. Upway guarantees that every bike offered on leasing has a capacity of at least 80%. If the capacity falls below this threshold, we replace the cells or the entire battery. Wondering when a battery has truly reached the end of its life? We explain this in our article on the right time to replace your e-bike’s battery.
1-year warranty, no fine print
You automatically receive a 12-month warranty on critical components: the motor, battery, display, and electronics. If a problem does arise, we’ll resolve it quickly.
Only newer bikes
The refurbished bikes available at leasing are no more than three years old or have less than 150 kilometers on the odometer. So you’re essentially riding a bike that’s almost like a brand- new —at the price of a used model.
How can you keep your battery in top condition?
1. Apply the 20-80% rule in your daily life
Lithium-ion batteries don't handle extremes well. Consistently charging to 100% and then riding until the battery is completely drained causes chemical stress in the cells. For your daily rides, try to keep the charge level between 20% and 80%. Heading out on a long ride? Feel free to charge it all the way to 100%, but avoid leaving the bike sitting idle for days on end with a full battery. Our best tips are compiled in the article “How to Extend the Life of Your E-Bike Battery.”
2. Temperature: A Factor We Underestimate
The chemical processes in a battery operate most efficiently between 15 and 25 °C. Both extreme cold (below 5 °C) and extreme heat (above 30 °C) accelerate cell degradation.
- In winter: Always store and charge the battery indoors at room temperature. Never connect a frozen battery directly; let it return to room temperature for one hour to prevent condensation and damage to the cells.
- In the summer: Park your e-bike in the shade as much as possible. Direct sunlight on the battery pack can cause the internal temperature to rise dangerously high.
3. Proper storage during slow periods
Do you drive less in the winter? Never store the battery when it’s completely empty or completely full. The ideal storage level is around 50 to 60 percent—often indicated by three lights on. Check the charge every two months and top it off slightly if necessary to avoid a deep discharge, which can permanently damage the battery. To understand the real impact on range, check out our guide on e-bike range.
4. Follow the connection order
Always plug the charger into the battery first, and only then plug the cord into the wall outlet. This prevents minor power surges at the charging port, which helps protect the sensitive electronics over the long term.
Hanna's Advice
Set up a recurring reminder on your phone for the first Saturday of every other month: “Check the battery.” It may seem excessive, but it’s precisely in the winter that deep discharge causes the most damage to e-bike batteries ( leasing). Five minutes of your time every other month can literally protect several hundred euros in residual value at the end of your contract.
How does the rental process work, exactly? In 4 steps
The ordering process is fully digitized and runs smoothly between your leasing partner’s platform and our online store.
- Activate your account. Register on the Lease a Bike portal and request your personal order code through your employer.
- Choose your bike. Browse our selection of bikes eligible for the " leasing " program, where you'll find premium e-bikes from brands such as Gazelle, Cube, Riese & Müller, and Trek, all available immediately.
- Enter your order code. Once you've found your ideal bike, select the " leasing " financing option and enter your code when placing your order. The bike will be reserved for you immediately.
- Home delivery, ready to ride. As soon as your employer and leasing have approved the request, the contract is finalized. Upway will then deliver your e-bike to your home free of charge, ready to use: all you have to do is adjust the handlebars and attach the pedals.
The complete, step-by-step process is detailed in our guide on how to rent an electric bike at refurbished with Upway. In Belgium, we also work with Joule and o2o Bicycle Leasing, which further expands your options if your employer is not a partner of Lease a Bike.
Maintenance, damage, and theft: everything is covered
During your 36-month contract, you’ll want to ride with peace of mind. That’s why we’ve got your e-bike’s service covered from start to finish.
- Maintenance and Repairs: Your contract includes an annual maintenance budget. For routine maintenance or the replacement of wear-and-tear parts (brake pads, tires, etc.), you can visit one of the many affiliated bike shops near you.
- Damage: In the event of a fall or accident, make an appointment with your partner bike shop so you can fill out a claim form together. A limited deductible applies.
- Theft: Immediately file a police report and make sure the frame number is included in the report. Then report the theft directly toUpway ’s customer service at support@upway.shop—not to your bike shop. As long as you can provide both original keys and prove that the bike was locked with a high-quality, certified lock (ART Level 2 standard or equivalent), Upway will arrange for a replacement with an equivalent refurbished e-bike. Your contract will then continue at no additional cost.
Frequently asked questions
Is a bike provided through an “ leasing ” program taxed as a benefit in kind in Belgium?
In general, a company bike provided by your employer and actually used for commuting is not taxed as a benefit in kind. However, the specific terms depend on the plan your company has in place (flexible benefits plan, mobility budget, or salary exchange). Always check with your HR department or accountant before signing.
What technical issues does the one-year warranty fromUpway cover?
The warranty covers defects in the electric assist system and the frame: a motor that suddenly stops working, a screen that turns off, or a battery that no longer charges. Wear-and-tear parts—such as a flat tire or a chain worn out due to lack of maintenance—and damage caused by a fall are, of course, not covered by the warranty.
Can I rent a speed pedelec or a fatbike refurbished ?
It depends on the plan and the partner at leasing. Some companies exclude speed pedelecs (with assistance up to 45 km/h) and fat bikes from their refurbished contracts, while others accept them. The easiest way is to check directly which models are listed in our selection at leasing and confirm with your partner.
What should I do if my bike at leasing is stolen?
File a police report immediately and make sure the frame number is included in the report. Then contactUpway ’s customer service at support@upway.shop and submit the police report along with the two original keys. Upway will handle the insurance claim and provide an equivalent electric bike refurbished so that you can get back on the road quickly and your contract can continue as normal.
Can I rent an electric bike from refurbished as a self-employed person?
Absolutely. Self-employed individuals can create an account directly with partners such as Lease a Bike or Joule, choose their bike refurbished at Upway, request a quote, and deduct the costs as business expenses. We detail all the benefits in our article on bike leasing for the self-employed.
Written by: Hanna Stevens | Published on: September 3, 2026 | 10-minute read
About the Author: Hanna Stevens
Hanna is a cycling enthusiast who loves discovering new routes and sharing her experiences to inspire more people to get around by bike.