Yes, especially if you rent it through your employer. Thanks to the tax benefits and maintenance included, this can be up to 40% cheaper than buying. For private customers, it all depends on the terms of the contract.
Is it worth renting an electric bike?
More and more people are opting for an electric bike. Not only because it's a sustainable alternative to the car, but also because it makes commuting faster and more pleasant. Yet the purchase price of a quality e-bike can be quite high. That's why bike leasing is rapidly gaining in popularity. But is it really worth renting an e-bike? In this blog, we explain how it works and what the advantages are.
What is bicycle leasing ?
With leasing, you don't pay the full purchase price at once, but use a bike for a fixed monthly amount. This amount generally covers :
- Bicycle usenew or used)
- Maintenance and repairs
- Insurance against damage and theft
In the case of business leasing , this is often done through the employer. The monthly amount is deducted from the gross salary, offering a tax advantage. There are also leasing formulas for private individuals, for example via Joule.
The advantages of leasing an e-bike
1. Financial benefits
A quality electric bike quickly costs between €2,000 and €4,000. With leasing, you spread the cost. What's more, through your employer, you benefit from tax advantages:
- You pay with your gross salary, which reduces the net cost.
- Maintenance, insurance and assistance are often included.
- According to several calculations, this can be as much as 35% cheaper than buying direct.
2. Carefree driving
Most leasing contracts include service and insurance. So you don't have to worry about :
- Costly overhauls
- Unexpected repairs
- Replacement in case of breakdown
This makes leasing attractive for those who want to drive with peace of mind.
3. A sustainable alternative
With an electric bike, you can cover longer distances with ease, allowing you to leave the car in the garage more often. This not only reduces fuel and parking costs, but also CO₂ emissions. Many companies are therefore actively promoting bicycle leasing .
4. Freedom of choice
With leasing, you can usually choose from a wide range of makes and models, from speed pedelecs to city bikes. At the end of the contract, you can often buy back the bike at its residual value, or simply rent a new one.
Are there any drawbacks?
While the benefits are many, it's a good idea to be aware of the points to watch out for too:
- You are bound by a contract (often 36 months).
- For individuals, the benefits are more limited than those available through an employer.
- The bike does not immediately become your property (unless you buy it back at the end).
When is leasing worthwhile?
Renting an e-bike is especially interesting if :
- You can do this through your employer (tax advantage);
- You want to drive without additional costs for maintenance or insurance;
- You think the purchase price is too high for a one-off payment.
For private customers, this can also be an option, but it's important to compare whether leasing is actually cheaper than buying.
Leasing at Upway
Upway also offers bike rentals via its platform. We work with our partners Joule and O2O. If you opt for a refurbished bike from Upway, you'll benefit from an even better price and save up to 60%. Follow the steps to choose your e-bike and enjoy your ride. Find out more about the collaboration between Lease a Bike and Upway. And find out more about our partnership with o2o.
Conclusion
Renting an electric bike offers many advantages: low monthly payments, tax benefits (via your employer), and practicality thanks to the inclusion of insurance and maintenance. For those who ride regularly and want to use the car less often, it's undoubtedly a smart, sustainable choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is renting an electric bike better than buying one?
How exactly does bicycle leasing work?
You pay a fixed monthly amount for the use of the bike. This amount generally covers insurance, maintenance and service. At the end of the contract, you often have the option of buying the bike back.
Can I rent an e-bike as a private individual?
Yes, there are leasing options for private individuals. It's not as tax-efficient as leasing through an employer, but it's still worthwhile because the costs are spread out and the service is included.
Can I rent an electric bike from Upway ?
Yes. At Upway, you can rent reconditioned e-bikes through partners like Joule and o2o Bicycle Leasing. You benefit from low prices (up to 60% less than new) and sustainable mobility.