Business bikes are becoming increasingly popular with companies looking to make their mobility more sustainable. In addition, they want to offer employees an attractive employment benefit. After all, a well-designed bicycle plan combines cost savings with employee satisfaction. Moreover, it contributes to a positive corporate image. Therefore, in this blog you will discover how to successfully integrate business cycling into your company and what benefits this will bring.
Why more and more companies are choosing business bikes
In fact, companies choose business bicycles because it provides direct cost savings. Moreover, employees appreciate it as a modern condition of employment. So you reduce parking costs and eliminate fuel expenses. At the same time, you reduce your carbon footprint. This gives employees more flexibility. Furthermore, they benefit from health benefits that cycling offers.
The shift to sustainable mobility therefore plays a major role in this trend. After all, more and more cities are restricting car use in inner cities. As a result, bicycles are becoming a practical alternative for short and medium distances. As a result, your business will gain access to areas where cars are not welcome.
"In fact, we see that companies with a bicycle scheme find it easier to attract new talent," says Thomas of STOER Bikes. "After all, younger employees in particular value sustainable working conditions. Therefore, a electric fatbike such as the UrbanX from being forward thinking as an employer."
For deliveries and service services offer electric delivery tricycles unique advantages, by the way. Namely, they drive throughout the city and park where cars cannot. Moreover, they stand out positively to customers. This therefore makes them perfect for companies that want to increase their visibility. At the same time, they work in a sustainable way.
Financial benefits for your business
By the way, the financial benefits of business bikes go beyond the purchase cost. For example, you benefit from VAT refunds on business purchases. In addition, you can take advantage of the small-scale investment deduction. Moreover, electric cargo bikes are even subject to the environmental investment deduction of 36% on the purchase price.
Operational costs therefore remain low due to maintenance being minimal. Belt drive bicycles like all STOER models in fact have no chain wear. As a result, they require hardly any maintenance. So this saves time and money in the long run.
What costs are associated with business bicycles
The cost of business bicycles consists first of all of purchase or lease. Then there is maintenance, insurance and administration. Lease options here often start around 150 euros per month for an electric bike. This amount usually includes maintenance and service. When purchasing, on the other hand, you can expect to pay between €3,000 and €6,000 per pedelec.
Leasing also offers financial advantages through spread costs and included service. For example, you pay a fixed monthly amount without large upfront investments. In addition, maintenance, repairs and often insurance are included in the package. This therefore makes budgeting easier. At the same time, it prevents unexpected costs.
When you buy, however, you benefit from tax advantages such as VAT refunds and small-scale investment deductions. In fact, over three years, these benefits can offset the cost difference with leasing. However, you should expect maintenance costs of about 300 euros per year per bike.
Insurance then costs between 100 and 200 euros per year per bike. The amount depends on the value and desired coverage. STOER Bikes also offers special insurances with new value guarantee for three years. In addition, there is no deductible in case of theft.
Administrative burdens additionally include maintaining bicycle registries and maintenance schedules. Many companies therefore outsource this to specialized vendors. This actually saves time and ensures tax compliance. By the way, the KVK offers useful information On how to practically organize a bicycle scheme.
How to organize an effective bicycle scheme
An effective company bicycle scheme starts first by establishing clear policies. In doing so, you set criteria for allocation. Then you determine usage rules and responsibilities. Communicate these rules clearly to all employees. That way everyone knows exactly where they stand.
Then select bikes that fit your business needs. Indeed, for city services electric cargo bikes with belt drive ideal. This is because of their low maintenance and high load capacity. For commuting, on the other hand, regular electric bikes often suffice. Consider factors such as range, charging capacity and ease of use.
Further, make sure you have a good administrative base. Keep track of which employee uses which bike. Also note when maintenance is required. Digital tools can simplify this process, by the way. Moreover, they provide an overview. In addition, give employees access to this information. This ensures transparency.
Legal aspects to watch out for
In addition, pay attention to legal aspects such as addition for private use and safety requirements. Indeed, in the Netherlands, an additional taxable amount of 7% of the list value applies. However, this only applies if employees also use the bike privately. Next, make sure all bicycles meet traffic requirements. Consider lighting and reflection.
In addition, consider additional safety equipment such as helmets and reflective clothing. After all, this increases safety. At the same time, it reduces your liability as an employer. The Central Government has clear guidelines on what is mandatory, by the way.
Therefore, include agreements about damage and maintenance. Establish who is responsible for repairs. This applies both to normal wear and tear and to damage caused by negligence. This will prevent discussions afterwards. Employees also appreciate clarity about their responsibilities.
What benefits do business bikes offer employees
First of all, employees save significantly on transportation costs by using business bicycles. This is because they no longer pay for fuel. In addition, parking costs and public transport expenses are eliminated. Moreover, with lease constructions they often only pay the additional tax. This can therefore save hundreds of euros per year. Compared to own transport, this is therefore a big advantage.
Health benefits are also considerable. In fact, daily cycling improves fitness. At the same time, it reduces stress. Employees who cycle therefore often report better work-life balance. After all, the transition between work and home is more natural. As a result, they start the workday more energetically. Moreover, they come home relaxed.
Flexibility in transportation is then a key benefit. After all, workers are less dependent on schedules or traffic jams. Therefore, they adjust their route and make stopovers. Moreover, they always have their transportation available. So this gives a sense of freedom. At the same time, they have control over their time.
The option of private use additionally makes business bicycles especially attractive. After all, employees use the same bike for shopping and recreation. Therefore, this increases the value of the employment benefit. Moreover, it contributes to employee satisfaction. "Our CityX with low entry is popular with employees, by the way," said Joeri of STOER Bikes. "After all, they also use it in their free time for comfortable cycling."
Impact on employee satisfaction and retention
Companies with good bicycle arrangements therefore often see lower employee turnover. After all, employees appreciate modern working conditions that match their values. A bicycle scheme also shows that as an employer you are investing in sustainability. At the same time, you are investing in employee welfare.
Subsequently, absenteeism often drops among employees who cycle regularly. After all, they are fitter and have more resistance to illness. This therefore provides you as an employer with direct cost savings. Cycling employees are on average 1.3 days less sick per year. This appears from research by the KVK.
Practical tips for implementing your cycling plan
First, start by taking inventory among your employees. Ask how many people are interested in a company bicycle. This will give you insight into the numbers and preferences needed. Then organize an information session. There employees can ask questions.
In addition, provide good facilities at the work location. So this means covered bicycle parking with charging facilities. This is especially true for electric bikes. In doing so, plan for at least 2 meters per bike. In addition, consider showers and locker rooms. This is because employees can freshen up after the bike ride.
Then work with a reliable supplier who offers service. At STOER Bikes, for example, you get personal advice. This is about which models suit your business. You can schedule a test drive. Indeed, this is how you experience different models. So this helps in making the right choice.
Further, communicate regularly about the bicycle scheme to your employees. In doing so, share success stories and tips for safe cycling. This keeps the scheme alive. Moreover, it motivates people to keep cycling. For example, organize joint cycling tours. This also works as team building.
Grants and financial support
Therefore, investigate whether you qualify for subsidies. In fact, many municipalities and provinces offer financial support for sustainable mobility. The amount and conditions vary by region. RFO.com provides an overview of available schemes, by the way.
Moreover, additional subsidy opportunities often exist for electric cargo bikes. After all, these bikes contribute greatly to reducing CO2 emissions in cities. Some municipalities therefore reimburse up to 30% of the purchase cost. This is especially true for companies switching to electric cargo bikes.
How STOER Bikes helps companies with sustainable mobility
STOER Bikes has been supplying innovative electric bicycles to businesses nationwide since 2022. In doing so, brothers Thomas and Joeri designed their models specifically for intensive business use. All bikes also have a Gates CDX belt drive. This is because it requires minimal maintenance and lasts for years.
The UrbanX and CityX are therefore perfect for commuting and city services. With a range of 80-100 km, you will get anywhere. In addition, the powerful Bafang motor provides support. The CargoX cargo bike also won the German Design Award 2025. It therefore transports up to 150 kg of cargo. This therefore makes it ideal for deliveries and business logistics.
All STOER models also have thick fatbike tires. This is because these do not get stuck in streetcar rails. By the way, this is an important safety aspect in cities. The tires also provide more comfort. Especially on cobblestones and bumpy roads you will notice the difference. Workers therefore arrive at their destination relaxed.
"In fact, we build bikes that are really calculated for daily business use," Thomas explains. "Our dealers therefore help companies put together the right bike fleet. We also think about maintenance, insurance and administration. So that's how to make the switch to business bikes as easy as possible."
Conclusion: business bikes as an investment in the future
Successfully integrating business bicycles therefore requires a thoughtful approach. In doing so, you take into account both business needs and employee desires. After all, by finding the right balance between costs and benefits, you create an arrangement. This then contributes to your business goals.
Business bikes also offer more than just transportation. In fact, they improve your corporate image and increase employee satisfaction. At the same time, they reduce costs. The investment therefore pays for itself through lower operating costs. Moreover, you see reduced absenteeism. So you are preparing your company for a future in which sustainable mobility is the norm.
At STOER Bikes, we therefore help companies with innovative bicycle solutions. After all, these perfectly match modern mobility needs. So whether you choose electric fatbikes for staff or a CargoX for company logistics, you are investing in sustainable growth. Take a look at our blog for more information. In fact, there you will find more about business mobility and e-bikes.
Frequently asked questions about business bikes
How long does it take to get a company bicycle scheme operational?
Implementing a company bicycle scheme takes an average of 4 to 8 weeks. Namely, this includes drafting policies and selecting vendors. It also includes communication to employees. With leasing partners, delivery of bikes usually takes 2 to 4 weeks after ordering. Good preparation, by the way, speeds up the process. Therefore, start with an inventory among employees. This is how you identify needs.
What happens if a company bike is damaged?
When damage occurs, the approach depends first and foremost on your company policy and insurance. Many companies apply an excess of 150 to 250 euros per claim. This then applies to the employee. However, intentional damage or gross negligence are often not covered by the insurance. These costs are then borne by the employee. Therefore, make clear agreements about responsibilities. This will prevent discussions.
Can employees choose their preferred bike
First of all, this depends on your company policy. In doing so, many companies offer a choice of 2-3 approved models. This is done within a set budget. Employees can often customize accessories. Think about the saddle or handlebars. For higher models, employees sometimes pay the difference. So this gives personalization. At the same time, administrative complexity remains limited.
How to arrange maintenance for multiple company bikes
First, work with a bicycle partner that offers maintenance packages. In addition, make arrangements with local bike shops for regular maintenance. Then schedule preventive maintenance quarterly. This then applies to all bikes. In addition, provide a repair service. Employees can go there in case of breakdown. Digital tools also help with maintenance schedules. They are also useful for reporting problems.
What happens to the bicycle when an employee leaves
When leaving, the employee must first return the bicycle in good condition. Next, check for damage. While doing so, have a cleaning done if necessary. With lease bikes, by the way, the leasing company takes the bike back. Purchased bikes can therefore be assigned to new employees. You can also sell them when they are no longer needed.
Are there requirements for parking company bicycles at the work site
First of all, provide covered and lockable bicycle parking. Preferably, there should also be charging facilities for electric bicycles. In doing so, plan for at least 2 meters per bicycle. This provides adequate space. In addition, consider security such as cameras or access control. Incidentally, some municipalities impose requirements on companies for bicycle parking facilities. Therefore, check with your municipality what the rules are.
How to calculate the return on investment of a company bicycle scheme
First, measure both hard and soft benefits. Hard benefits include cost savings on parking and fuel. Soft benefits, on the other hand, are reduced absenteeism and increased employee satisfaction. In addition, use employee surveys to measure satisfaction. Then compare costs with alternative mobility allowances. This will thus give you insight into the total return on your investment.