Want to know how much you’ll save in the first month if you trade in your delivery van for an electric cargo bike? In many urban settings, a CargoX Business immediately eliminates the biggest expenses associated with a van: fuel, downtown parking, and part of your maintenance costs. The exact amount depends on your trips, but the sample calculation below shows where the savings lie.
This article is based on practical experience with entrepreneurs who switched to the CargoX, which was developed and manufactured in the Netherlands, with the following specific specifications: 100 kg payload, a cargo bed measuring 100×70 cm, 92 Nm of torque, and a range of up to 80 km per battery charge.
Which costs associated with a delivery van are eliminated when using a cargo bike?
The biggest savings come from fixed and variable car expenses, which are simply eliminated or significantly reduced when using a cargo bike. These include fuel, parking permits, vehicle tax, and a significant portion of maintenance costs.
According to Milieu Centraal, the costs of a company car consist of depreciation, fuel, insurance, taxes, maintenance, and parking (Milieu Centraal, 2025). For city trips, these costs are particularly high, whereas a cargo bike requires virtually no electricity or maintenance.
A brief comparison of the expenses you incur each month:
- Gasoline or diesel versus a few euros in charging costs per month.
- Downtown Parking Permit versus free bicycle parking or storage.
- Maintenance and Tires versus the low-maintenance Gates CDX belt drive.
- Access to Zones: A cargo bike may enter, emission-free, any area where buses are prohibited.
What does the sample calculation for the first month look like?
In this example, we’ll use a small diesel delivery van that travels about 1,500 km per month in and around the city for deliveries or service calls. The van costs are approximate and vary by model, rate, and municipality; be sure to check your own figures before making a decision.
The table below compares the recurring monthly costs side by side, so you can see at a glance where the cargo bike comes out on top.
| Expense (per month) | Delivery van (approximate) | CargoX Business (estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel / Charging Current | €250 – €300 | €3 – €6 |
| Parking / Downtown Permit | €100 – €250 | €0 |
| Maintenance & Tires | €80 – €120 | €10 – €20 |
| Motor vehicle tax | €40 – €90 | €0 |
| Total variable city expenses | €470 – €760 | ±€15 – €25 |
Just from these recurring expenses alone, you’ll easily have a few hundred euros left over in the first month—even before you factor in your loan payment or lease payment. The diesel price you enter makes a big difference; you can find current fuel prices at the CBS.
“Entrepreneurs almost always underestimate their parking and fuel costs in the city,” says the business team at STOER Bikes. “Once you eliminate those two expenses, the bottom line is often well in the black within the first month.”
How many rides can you actually take with the CargoX Business?
With a 100 kg payload capacity and a range of up to 80 km, it can handle a large portion of your city trips, especially delivery, service, and installation runs within urban areas. The 92 Nm of torque helps you accelerate smoothly from a stop at traffic lights, even when fully loaded.
Calculate what portion of your daily trips falls within that 80 km range. A typical city route with multiple stops usually stays well below that, so you rarely need to recharge during the day.
A handy step-by-step guide to evaluating your switch:
- Keep track of your trips, kilometers, and stops for a week.
- Mark trips shorter than 80 km with a load under 100 kg.
- Count up how many bus trips that adds up to: that's your immediate transfer potential.
- Schedule one fixed charging time (for example, at night) for the rest.
Would you like to explore this in more detail? In the article about Which trips you can actually skip and how to plan your charging times Here's how to set this up the smart way.
Why does the zero-emission zone factor into your savings?
Since 2025, dozens of Dutch municipalities have been implementing zero-emission zones for delivery and freight traffic, which means that old diesel buses are no longer allowed in the city center. An emission-free cargo bike is completely exempt from these restrictions, so you avoid the need for modifications, fines, or the purchase of an expensive electric bus.
The implementation dates and transition rules vary by city and are still subject to change; therefore, always check the current status with the RFO or your own municipality. That way, you'll know exactly when your bus will be banned and how much it will cost you.
In addition to its cost-effectiveness, the CargoX also has a sophisticated look: as ‘the SUV of cargo bikes,’ you’ll ride through the city with a professional air of confidence, thanks to turn signals, a brake light, and LED daytime running lights that ensure visibility in heavy traffic.
Buy or lease: Which option fits your budget?
When it comes to monthly costs, it makes a difference whether you buy or lease. With an operational lease, you pay a single fixed amount each month, which makes it easy to compare your savings directly to your current van expenses. If you buy the van, you’ll need to account for depreciation over several years.
Business owners who want to switch quickly often choose operating lease, because then you won't have to make a large upfront investment. If you want to compare the full costs, take a look at how you can Total Cost of Ownership Compared to a Delivery Van calculates.
You can find a complete overview of the fixed expenses you'll save on in the article about the 8 expenses you'll save with a business cargo bike. For specifications and variants, visit the page at CargoX Business.
Checklist: Will the switch be profitable for you in the first month?
Review these points to determine whether you'll see benefits as early as the first month:
- Do you mainly drive in the city, with daily mileage under 80 km?
- Are you currently paying for both gas and downtown parking?
- Is your cargo less than 100 kg per trip?
- Does your route (partly) fall within or near a zero-emission zone?
- Would you like a fixed, predictable monthly payment through a lease?
Did you answer ‘yes’ four or more times? If so, there’s a good chance the CargoX Business will pay for itself in terms of your variable costs starting in the first month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you really save money in the very first month with a cargo bike?
Yes, that’s usually the case with variable city expenses. Fuel, downtown parking, and vehicle tax are largely eliminated, which often leaves you with a few hundred euros extra each month. Whether this results in a net benefit depends on your lease or depreciation costs and the number of trips you take over.
How much does it cost to charge a CargoX Business each month?
Charging typically costs only a few euros per month under normal city driving conditions. The battery provides a range of up to 80 km per charge. Compared to the €250 to €300 in diesel costs for a bus, this is one of the biggest, most immediately noticeable savings.
Can a single cargo bike completely replace a delivery van?
It’s suitable for many city trips, provided your load stays under 100 kg and your trips are within about 80 km per day. For heavy or large loads outside the city, a van is sometimes still necessary. That’s why many business owners use the CargoX for the majority of their downtown trips.
Can I ride a cargo bike in a zero-emission zone?
Yes, a zero-emission electric cargo bike is exempt from the restrictions that apply to diesel delivery vans. Because implementation dates and regulations vary by municipality and are still being updated, it’s a good idea to check with the RVO or your municipality to find out the current situation in your city.
Is CargoX Business tax-advantageous for business owners?
Business owners are often eligible for tax benefits and VAT deductions on business-use electric bikes, but the rates and conditions change every year. Therefore, be sure to seek advice based on the current rules in effect at the time of your purchase and request a quote tailored to your specific situation.
Wondering what benefits the switch will bring to your company? Contact us for a B2B quote If you'd like a customized plan, we'll calculate your trips and savings for you.
