Do you have to pay taxes on the sale of your electric bike?

It’s an exhilarating feeling: zooming through the curves on your e-bike, feeling the wind on your face, and leaving traffic jams behind with a smile. But after a few years of loyal service, you might start feeling the urge for a change. Maybe you’re dreaming of a newer model with a longer range, or perhaps you’d prefer to check out our selection of refurbished e-bikes first. Whatever the reason, you’ve decided to sell your current e-bike.

But do you actually have to pay taxes on the sale of your electric bike? In Belgium, taxes are always a factor, and it’s a good idea to know the rules before you get started. Good news: for most cyclists, the answer is reassuring, although there are a few rules you should be aware of to avoid any issues with the Federal Public Service Finance. In this article, we explain everything, whether you’re an individual or your electric bike is registered to your company.

For Individuals: Sell Your Personal Electric Bike

Let's start with the best news: as a Belgian individual, you can generally sell your personal belongings tax-free. This also applies to your trusty electric bike. The Belgian tax authorities classify this as “normal management of private assets.”

When you originally purchased your electric bike for commuting, running errands, or leisure rides, it was a personal expense. If you resell that bike after several years—almost always for less than the price listed at new —there are no tax implications. You do not need to report the proceeds from the sale on your tax return: they are 100% tax-exempt. In fact, many cyclists take advantage of this sale to reinvest directly in a low-cost electric bike refurbished , which makes the switch even more financially attractive.

The threshold set by the tax authorities: When does a sale become taxable?

The situation changes as soon as your sales activities go beyond the scope of “normal management of private assets.” The Federal Public Service Finance sets a clear condition: Are you purchasing property with the explicit intent of reselling it for a profit? If so, that income is taxable. The tax authorities then distinguish between two situations.

Incidental Income (Miscellaneous Income)

Do you occasionally buy an electric bike to resell it for a small profit, without having set up a formal business for that purpose? If so, this is considered occasional income. You must report this profit in Part 2 of your tax return (Section XV, code 1200/2200). This miscellaneous income is taxed separately at a rate of 33%, after deducting any expenses.

Income from Employment

Do you sell goods on a very regular basis, in an organized manner, and for significant amounts—for example, through your own workshop or website? If so, the tax authorities consider this a professional activity. The profits are therefore considered business income and must be reported in Section XVII (profits), where they are taxed at progressive rates. You also become subject to VAT in this case.

The DAC7 Regulation and Online Platforms

Are you selling your electric bike through online platforms such as 2ememain.be or Vinted? If so, be sure to take the European DAC7 Directive into account. These platforms are required to report sales data to the Federal Public Service Finance as soon as you reach an annual turnover of more than €2,000 or 30 or more transactions per platform.

Since a high-quality electric bike can easily cost more than €2,000, a single sale is enough to exceed that threshold. Don’t panic: this reporting requirement doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be taxed. The tax authorities use these records solely to detect “ abus ” and illegal trade. A one-time sale of your own personal electric bike remains completely tax-exempt.

Professional E-Bikes: Sales Through a Company

As a self-employed individual or entrepreneur, you can purchase an electric bike through your company. This offers significant tax benefits: the purchase price, maintenance, repairs, and accessories (such as a Helmet and a bike lock) are 100% tax-deductible. The bike is then depreciated over a period of generally 3 years. However, if your company later resells the electric bike, the capital gain realized on the sale is taxable.

How does this work in practice? Let’s say your company purchased an electric bike for €3,000 and fully depreciated it after 3 years, leaving a book value of €0. If the company then resells the bike for €1,200, the accounting gain is €1,200. This amount is added to the company’s taxable income and taxed as part of corporate income tax. The company must also take into account any applicable VAT obligations.

Hanna's Tip: Why Selling Through a Professional Platform Is Safer from a Tax Perspective

Here’s a crucial tax detail that few cyclists think about. If you sell your e-bike privately to another individual through an online platform, the payment is often made without any official documentation. If the tax authorities review your transaction as part of the DAC7 reporting process, or if your bank questions a large deposit into your account, you won’t have any formal proof that it was indeed a non-taxable private sale.

The safest option? Sell your electric bike directly to a professional platform like Upway. When you sell your bike to Upway, you receive an official sales receipt, and payment is made via a transparent and traceable bank transfer. This document serves as irrefutable proof to the tax authorities that this is indeed a one-time sale of personal property falling under the “normal management of your private assets.” Zero administrative hassle, 100% peace of mind! Want to know exactly how this process works? Check out our article on how to sell your electric bike.

For businesses, too, this is the simplest solution. You’ll receive an official sales invoice directly for your company’s accounting records, which fully resolves the administrative aspects of selling your depreciated company bike. Still unsure about the best time to sell? Our articles on the value of an electric bike after 3 years and on calculating the trade-in offer Upway will help you estimate the best price before selling.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to report the sale of my used electric bike on my tax return?

No, as long as you used the electric bike for personal use and are now selling it, you don't need to report anything. This falls under the normal management of your personal assets.

I received a DAC7 form when I sold my bike. Will I have to pay taxes?

No, this declaration is an administrative requirement for the platform. A one-time sale of your own personal electric bike remains completely tax-exempt.

What about VAT if my company sells the electric bike?

If your company claimed a VAT deduction at the time of purchase, you’ll need to take into account the VAT liability on the sale price. Consult your accountant to determine whether the margin scheme applies or to calculate the exact amount of VAT due.

Can I claim a tax deduction for my electric bike if I bought it for personal use?

As an individual, you cannot deduct your bicycle travel expenses unconditionally. However, if you choose to deduct your actual business expenses and use an electric bicycle for your commute, you may include a flat-rate mileage allowance as a business expense, up to a tax-exempt limit.

Is an electric bike from refurbished Upway tax-deductible for my business?

Absolutely! As far as the tax authorities are concerned, there is no difference between a bicycle new and an electric bicycle refurbished. By purchasing an electric bicycle refurbished Upway through your company, you benefit from the same 100% tax deduction and exemption from the “benefit in kind” (ATN) for commuting between home and work.

Written by: Hanna Stevens | Published on: August 11, 2026 | 8-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.