A business fatbike buying seems simple, but many business owners make costly mistakes when buying. You quickly invest thousands of dollars in a company bike, so of course you want to make the right choice. By informing yourself well in advance, you can avoid disappointment and get the most out of your investment. In this article you will discover the five most common mistakes when buying a business fatbike AND how to avoid them.
Why are more and more companies choosing a business fatbike?
The business fatbike is rapidly gaining ground among business owners in the Netherlands. This is not surprising, because these bikes with their wide tires offer serious advantages for business use. The thick tires provide a stable ride over almost any surface. Whether you're cycling through town or need to get to a construction site on a dirt road, you'll always get there. The wide tires also absorb shock better than regular bike tires, so you'll arrive at your appointments more comfortably.
For many companies, image also plays a role. With a striking electric fatbike, you stand out and radiate that your company is sustainable and progressive. Customers immediately see that you are investing in green mobility. That fits with the current zeitgeist in which more and more companies want to reduce their carbon footprint. A business fatbike As such, it is not only practical, but also a statement.
The figures confirm the trend. According to the Central government the number of business bicycles in the Netherlands has been growing for years. Electric models in particular are popular with business owners who regularly travel short to medium distances. Want to know more about the possibilities? Then also read our blog about corporate fatbikes.
Mistake 1: not doing enough research on specifications of your business fatbike
The first and perhaps biggest mistake is buying a business fatbike without carefully studying the technical specifications. Many business owners are seduced by price or looks, when technology is much more important for daily business use. A fancy bike that doesn't fit your needs is ultimately an expensive mistake.
Motor power and battery capacity
Motor power determines how smoothly your bike rides, especially when hauling gear or taking hills. For business use, you often need more power than for recreational cycling. A motor with 55Nm of torque, such as the Bafang H720 in the UrbanX, gives you enough support for most situations. For heavier loads, 92Nm (as in the CargoX) is a better choice.
Battery capacity is just as important. A 720Wh battery will get you about 80-100 kilometers, depending on your riding style and terrain. Always calculate how many kilometers you travel on average per day. Nothing is more annoying than running out of support halfway through the day. For longer distances, consider an extra battery or a model with a larger battery.
Carrying weight and frame quality
One point that business owners often overlook is the maximum carrying weight. This includes not only your own weight, but also that of tools, products or other items you are transporting. A good business fatbike has a carrying capacity of at least 150-180 kg. Underestimate this, and your bike will wear out faster and create safety problems.
Also pay attention to the frame. An aluminum frame is light and strong at the same time. At STOER Bikes, we use heavy duty aluminum frames that can withstand heavy use. The frames are fully adjustable, so you can adjust the bike perfectly to your height. For more tips on choosing the right specs, check out our blog on electric fatbikes.
Mistake 2: Underestimate the total cost of your company bike
The purchase price is only part of the story. Many business owners focus only on the list price and forget about the costs that come after that. Thus, you run the risk of exceeding your budget considerably in the first year of use. A smart entrepreneur calculates all costs in advance.
Maintenance and insurance
Maintenance is a serious expense with intensive business use. Fortunately, you can reduce these costs by choosing a business fatbike with belt drive instead of a traditional chain. The Gates CDX belt drive that STOER Bikes uses is virtually maintenance-free. You don't have to lubricate, the belt doesn't rust and lasts three to five times longer than a chain. That makes a big difference in annual maintenance costs.
Insurance is actually indispensable for business use. Theft and damage unfortunately occur, and with a bike worth several thousand dollars, you want to cover this risk. The cost is usually between 8 and 15 percent of the new-bike value per year. STOER Bikes offers a special bicycle insurance with three years of new-value coverage and no deductible for theft. Factor these costs into your budget in advance.
Accessories and charging infrastructure
In addition to maintenance and insurance, there are other costs. Consider a good lock (at least ART 2 stars), lighting, a phone holder and weatherproof bags. At STOER Bikes we offer a complete range of accessories that fit perfectly on our fatbikes. These expenses quickly add up to 20-30 percent of your purchase price.
Don't forget the charging infrastructure, either. Where will you charge the battery? At home, at the office or both? You'll need a safe place and possibly an extra charger. The charging time for a 720Wh battery is about 6-8 hours, so plan this into your daily routine. Learn more about battery maintenance in our blog.
Mistake 3: Misjudging your actual usage
Entrepreneurs often misjudge their bicycle use. Some think they are going to bike every day, when in practice it is disappointing. Others, on the contrary, underestimate how much they will ride and choose a model that is too light. Both scenarios lead to frustration and wasted money.
Realistically calculate daily distances
Before making a business fatbike purchases, map your current travel. How many miles do you travel on average? How often do you bike in bad weather? Are there alternative routes that are more passable with a fatbike? Answering these questions honestly will give you a realistic picture of your needs.
Your bike's range should be well above your daily distance. Factors such as wind, cold and hilly terrain reduce the range. Your driving style also plays a role: if you use the highest assistance setting a lot, you will use more energy. Count with a margin of at least 30 percent above your expected daily use. That way you will never be surprised.
Determine charging needs
What do you transport on a daily basis? Light stuff like a laptop and papers, or heavier materials and tools? This will determine which model you need. For light loads, a CityX with its convenient buddy seat for storage. If you regularly need to haul heavy items, the CargoX cargo bike with 150 kg payload more space.
Charging requirements also affect your battery consumption. The heavier you drive, the more energy you consume. An undercharged CargoX will go farther on one charge than a fully charged one. Factor this into your considerations when choosing battery capacity. Want to learn more about transportation options? Then check out our blog on cargo bikes.
Mistake 4: neglecting warranty and service
With business use, reliability is even more important than with private use. If your bike fails, it can directly affect your business operations. Yet many business owners pay too little attention to warranty terms and available service. This can cost you dearly.
Local service and repair capabilities
Choose a supplier with an extensive dealer network in your area. That way, in case of a breakdown, you don't have to wait weeks or send your bike to the other side of the country. STOER Bikes works with dealers throughout the Netherlands, so service is always nearby. You can come to them for maintenance, repairs and advice.
Also ask about parts availability. With a lesser-known brand, you run the risk of parts being hard to come by. STOER Bikes, for example, uses Bafang motors and Gates CDX belts: well-known brands whose parts are widely available. That shortens the waiting time for repairs and keeps you business fatbike driving longer.
Review warranty terms critically
Read the warranty terms carefully before you buy. This is because some warranties do not apply to intensive business use. Others have exclusions for certain parts or situations. A good warranty not only covers manufacturing defects, but also provides support for normal wear and tear during the warranty period.
At STOER Bikes, you get a two-year warranty on the motor, battery and all moving parts. On the frame even five years. That gives you security for years to come. "We believe in the quality of our bikes," said Thomas, co-owner of STOER Bikes. "That's why we dare to give a generous warranty. That way you can be sure that your investment is protected." For questions, you can always contact with us.
Mistake 5: overlooking tax breaks and subsidies
This is perhaps the most expensive mistake you can make: ignoring available tax breaks and subsidies. The government actively encourages sustainable mobility. As a result, a business fatbike buy often more advantageous than many business owners think. Don't miss out on this free money.
Tax deductions for entrepreneurs
As an entrepreneur, you can often fully deduct the purchase cost of your business bicycle from your taxes. This applies when you use the bicycle for at least 10 percent business purposes. The costs of maintenance, insurance and accessories are also deductible. The additional tax is only 7 percent of the list value per year, which is much more advantageous than with a business car.
According to Entrepreneurs Square.com for a purchase value over €2,900, you can also take advantage of the small-scale investment deduction (KIA). This provides additional tax benefits. For electric cargo bikes such as the CargoX, sometimes even environmental investment allowance (MIA) is possible. Consult your accountant for the exact possibilities in your situation.
Municipal and provincial grants
In addition to national tax benefits, many municipalities and provinces offer additional subsidies for electric bicycles. These subsidies can amount to several hundred euros per bicycle. The conditions vary by municipality, so check with your own municipality about the possibilities. Applying often requires little effort, while the savings can be significant.
Pay attention to the terms and conditions. Some subsidies only apply to certain types of bicycles or are linked to specific sustainability requirements. By informing yourself in advance, you can avoid disappointment afterwards. Want to take advantage of all the benefits? Then plan a test ride at one of our dealers and get advice on tax options.
Choosing the right business fatbike for your business
Now that you know the five most common mistakes, you can make an informed choice. Take the time to analyze your real needs and calculate all costs. Don't forget to take advantage of the tax benefits that are available. Good preparation will save you money as well as ensure that your business fatbike fits your business needs perfectly.
When in doubt, professional advice is valuable. We at STOER Bikes are happy to help you make the right choice. Our expertise ensures that you choose a bike that suits your business. Since 2022, brothers Thomas and Joeri in Aalsmeer have been designing bikes that are both technically reliable and visually striking. With a Trustpilot score of 4.7 out of 5 stars, we prove that quality and customer satisfaction go hand in hand.
Check out our selection of electric fatbikes such as the UrbanX (winner Best fatbike 2024 AD Bicycle Test), the CityX with low entry, or the CargoX (winner German Design Award 2025). All our models have a low-maintenance Gates CDX belt drive, reliable Bafang motor and built-in security with PIN code. Experience for yourself why more and more entrepreneurs are choosing sustainable mobility with STOER Bikes.