How do you calculate fuel savings when switching to electric fatbikes?

Calculating fuel savings when switching to electric fatbikes is easier than you think. Start by documenting your current fuel cost per kilometer, multiply it by your daily distance, and compare it to the electricity cost of charging an electric fatbike. An average electric fatbike consumes about 1 kWh per 100 km, which is about €0.25 per 100 km. Compared to the fuel costs of a car (±€12 per 100 km) or scooter (±€5 per 100 km), this yields significant savings, often between 90-98% on fuel costs.

1. What are the financial benefits of switching to electric fatbikes?
2. How do you calculate daily fuel savings with an electric fatbike?
3. What tax benefits apply to businesses when purchasing electric fatbikes?
4. What are the subsidies available for electric fatbikes in the Netherlands?
5. How do you calculate the total ROI when replacing commercial vehicles with electric fatbikes?
6. What leasing options are available for companies looking to switch to electric fatbikes?

The financial benefits of switching to electric fatbikes are significant and multifaceted. The most immediate savings are in fuel costs - where a car costs an average of €12 per 100 kilometers, this is only €0.25 for an electric fatbike, saving over 97%.

"With the UrbanX customers save an average of €2,000 per year compared to a car," Joeri says. "By using the belt drive maintenance costs are also minimal."

In addition to direct fuel savings, there are also significant maintenance benefits. Belt-driven electric fatbikes require significantly less maintenance than cars or even traditional chain-driven bikes. A belt drive will last on average 20,000-30,000 kilometers without replacement, while a bicycle chain needs attention every 2,000-3,000 kilometers.

The maintenance cost of a car averages €800-€1,200 annually, while for an electric fatbike it is between €100-€200. There are also no costs for parking, road tax or mandatory insurance. For companies considering electric fatbikes for business use, these annual savings can quickly add up to thousands of euros per vehicle.

The lower purchase price is another important advantage. Whereas a company car quickly costs €20,000+, a high-quality electric fatbike is available from €3,000-€5,000, significantly lowering the initial investment amount.

Want to know more about daily use? Then read our blog "Top 10 advantages of a fatbike for daily use“

To calculate your daily fuel savings with an electric fatbike, follow a simple roadmap that gives you an accurate picture of your potential savings. This calculation makes your decision to switch to sustainable mobility measurable.

"For the CityX I always calculate that customers save €6 a day on an average commute," Joeri explains. "That adds up quickly."

Step 1: Document your current fuel costs. Write down how much you currently spend on fuel per week. Divide this amount by the number of miles driven to calculate your cost per mile. For example: €60 per week for 200 km = €0.30 per km.

Step 2: Determine your average daily distance. Add up all rides within cycling distance. Focus especially on rides under 15 km, which are perfectly replaceable with an electric fatbike.

Step 3: Calculate your electricity costs for charging your fatbike. An average electric fatbike consumes about 1 kWh per 100 km. So with an average electricity price of €0.25 per kWh, 100 km of riding will cost about €0.25.

Step 4: Analyze the difference between your current fuel costs and electricity costs:

• Daily fuel cost = daily distance × cost per km
• Daily electricity cost = daily distance × €0.0025 per km
• Daily savings = daily fuel cost - daily electricity cost

For an average commuting distance of 10 km (20 km round trip), the calculation looks like this:

• Car: 20 km × €0.30 = €6.00 per day
• Electric fatbike: 20 km × €0.0025 = €0.05 per day
• Daily savings: €5.95

On an annual basis (220 working days), this amounts to savings of over €1,300. This calculation shows why more and more business owners are choosing electric fatbikes as a cost-effective means of transportation.

Want to know more about outreach? Then read our blog "How far can I drive with a full battery?“

Companies that invest in electric fatbikes can take advantage of various tax benefits that make the purchase extra attractive. These tax benefits reduce the effective cost and accelerate the payback period of your investment in sustainable transportation.

"For the UrbanX, business owners can get up to 50% tax benefits," says Joeri. "The combination of KIA and MIA makes it really interesting."

The small-scale investment deduction (KIA) is one of the most important tax schemes. This deduction applies to investments between €2,400 and €328,721 per year. The percentage varies between 28% and 0%, depending on the investment amount. For electric fatbikes, this means that you can deduct up to 28% of the purchase value from your profit.

In addition to the KIA, entrepreneurs can take advantage of the environmental investment deduction (MIA). Electric transportation equipment often falls into category C, which means an additional deduction percentage of 45%. This is in addition to regular depreciation and the KIA, so the tax benefit can add up significantly.

Also important: VAT on business electric bikes is fully deductible. This provides an immediate 21% cost advantage over the gross price. In addition, the costs of maintenance, accessories and electricity for charging are deductible from your profits as business expenses.

For sole proprietors and sole proprietors, electric fatbikes are fully deductible as business transportation if you use them for more than 10% business purposes. For corporations, the costs are deducted from profits as normal business expenses.

Please note that tax rules may change annually. Therefore, always consult with your accountant about the current opportunities and how to make the best use of them for your specific business situation.

Want to know more about business use? Then read our blog "What is the difference between a regular electric bike and an electric fatbike for business use?“

Several subsidies are available in the Netherlands that make the switch to electric fatbikes more financially attractive. These subsidies are part of the policy to encourage sustainable mobility and reduce CO2 emissions.

"For the CityX and UrbanX, there are often local subsidies of €1,000-€2,000," notes Joeri. "Especially in Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the schemes are favorable."

At the municipal level, many cities offer specific schemes. Amsterdam, for example, has the 'Clean Air' program, where entrepreneurs can receive up to €2,000 in subsidies when purchasing an electric cargo bike. Rotterdam offers up to 30% of the purchase value with a maximum of €2,500 for electric commercial vehicles through the 'Rotterdam Electric' scheme.

Provincial governments often have complementary programs. The province of North Holland has the 'Small Infrastructure Subsidy' that contributes to sustainable mobility solutions for businesses. In South Holland, entrepreneurs can take advantage of the "GO Program," which supports investments in sustainable business operations.

At the national level, there is the BOSA scheme that provides subsidies up to 30% for sustainable investments, including electric transport equipment for sports organizations. For logistics companies, there is the DKTI-Transport scheme that subsidizes innovative sustainable transport solutions.

In addition to direct subsidies, there are also indirect incentives such as favorable leasing schemes through employers. The bicycle scheme allows employers to provide tax-advantaged electric bicycles to employees, with an additional charge of only 7% of the list value.

Most grants are temporary or have a limited budget, so be quick. Applications are often on a first-come, first-served basis. Check with your municipality or check the website of the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO) for the most current schemes.

Want to know more about regulations? Then read our blog "What are the new rules for fatbikes in 2024-2026?“

Calculating ROI when replacing vehicles requires thorough analysis on the one hand, and comparison of costs and revenues on the other. An accurate calculation helps to make well-founded and sustainable decisions.

"For business customers with the UrbanX, I see ROI of 150-200%," says Joeri. "So savings are often bigger and also surprising."

Step 1: Determine investment costs
Add up purchase price of fatbikes, accessories and additionally charging points. Subtract residual value of current vehicles and in addition subsidies. Thus determine net investment and in addition actual costs.

Step 2: Reduce operational costs
Compare fuel current vehicles and also electricity costs fatbikes. Example: van €15 per 100 km versus fatbike €0.25. Savings therefore €14.75 and also structural.

Step 3: Calculate maintenance savings
Cars require servicing as well as replacements. Fatbikes with belt drive thus require minimal maintenance and also save hundreds of dollars annually.

Calculate total annual savings:

• Fuel savings and also mileage

• Maintenance savings and in addition parts

• Avoided parking costs and also fines

• Lower insurance and no road tax

• Tax benefits as well as deductions

Step 4: Calculate payback period
Share net investment thus by annual savings ánd additionally determine time. For most business owners 1-3 years, depending on usage ánd additionally situation.

Want to know more about costs? Then read our blog "What does a good fatbike cost?“

For companies that want to transition to electric fatbikes without a large initial investment, there are several leasing structures available. These make the transition to sustainable mobility accessible while maintaining your financial flexibility.

"Leasing the UrbanX is becoming increasingly popular with businesses," says Joeri. "It protects your cash flow and you can immediately benefit from the savings."

With operational leasing, you pay a fixed monthly amount for the use of the electric fatbikes, including maintenance and insurance. The leasing company retains ownership, so the bikes do not appear on your balance sheet. This is ideal for companies that want to keep capital free for other investments.

Financial lease is an alternative where you become the economic owner of the fatbikes. You pay a monthly amount, and at the end of the lease period (usually 36-60 months), the bikes automatically become your property. This offers tax advantages such as depreciation and the opportunity to take advantage of the KIA and MIA.

Increasingly popular are bicycle leasing plans for employees. Here, the company makes electric fatbikes available to employees through a gross-to-net construction. Employees pay a small additional charge of 7% of the list value, which is significantly lower than the 22% additional charge for cars.

Bike-as-a-Service (BaaS) is an innovative concept where you purchase a complete mobility package. This includes not only the fatbikes themselves, but also maintenance, insurance, roadside assistance and sometimes even accessories such as rain suits.

For smaller business owners and sole traders, a private lease construction can offer a solution. It is similar to operational lease but geared toward individual users. The monthly cost is usually between €50-€150, depending on the model and contract length.

When choosing a lease option, it is important to look not only at the monthly cost, but also at contract terms such as minimum contract length, early termination fees, and arrangements for damage or theft.

By opting for a lease rather than direct purchase, you preserve your working capital while still enjoying all the benefits that electric fatbikes offer: cost savings, sustainability and efficient urban mobility.

Want to know more about our models? Then read our blog "Fatbike for adults: which one suits you best?“