With a bicycle program through your employer, you can ride an STOER e-bike without having to pay the full purchase price up front. Your employer buys or leases the bike, you often pay a small portion through your gross salary, and the tax benefit makes the bike a lot cheaper than buying it privately.
Does that sound too good to be true? It’s not. More and more companies are offering a bicycle program to help employees commute to work in a sustainable way. All you need is an employer who participates in the program and a bicycle that qualifies under the program.
What exactly is an employer-sponsored bicycle program?
A bicycle program is an arrangement under which your employer provides, finances, or leases a bicycle (or e-bike) for you to use for both business and personal purposes. The most well-known type is the company bike, under which a fixed tax addition applies instead of purchasing the bicycle yourself.
Since 2020, the Tax and Customs Administration has applied a flat-rate additional tax liability of 7% per year based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for a company bicycle (Tax and Customs Administration, 2024). You pay income tax on that additional tax liability, which is usually much lower than financing the bicycle yourself. Always check the exact percentages and conditions when you sign up, as tax rules are subject to change.
For an expensive e-bike or cargo bike, that difference is significant. A STOER model with a purchase price of several thousand euros will cost you only a fraction of that amount in monthly taxes through the additional tax liability.
What are the options for getting an e-bike through your employer?
There are three main options, and which one is right for you depends on what your employer offers. Below, you'll find them side by side so you can quickly determine which is the most advantageous.
This table compares the common ways to start cycling through your employer:
| Route | Who Pays for the Purchase | Your Benefit | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company bicycle (additional tax liability 7%) | Employer buys or leases | Bike use is ‘free’; tax is only due on the imputed income | Your employer has a bicycle plan |
| Salary Exchange / Cafeteria Plan | Employer, you exchange gross pay | The advantage is that you pay in gross income rather than net income | You have flexible employment terms |
| Leasing for Personal Use | You, through an all-inclusive lease | Fixed monthly costs, no large upfront investment | Your employer is not participating |
If your employer doesn't participate, private leasing remains a strong alternative. To explore this option, check out the possibilities for Apply for an operating lease with fixed, all-inclusive monthly payments for maintenance and breakdown service.
How do you request an STOER e-bike through your employer?
The application is processed through your employer, but you can get the ball rolling. Follow this step-by-step guide to find out more as soon as possible.
- Check the bike policy. Ask HR or the Personnel Department if there is already a bicycle benefit program or a cafeteria plan in place.
- Choose your model. Decide whether you need a compact city bike, a fat bike, or a cargo bike based on your commute and family situation.
- Request the suggested retail price. The taxable amount is calculated based on the suggested retail price, so that determines your monthly tax liability.
- Have your employer order or lease the bike. This can be done through a purchase or through a leasing partner.
- Take care of the insurance. Determine who will insure the bike; this is an important consideration for expensive e-bikes.
Not sure which model is right for you? Take your time to compare them first the full range of bicycles before you sit down with HR.
Which STOER models are eligible for a bicycle benefit plan?
Virtually every STOER model that meets standard e-bike requirements qualifies for a bicycle subsidy program, from compact city bikes to family cargo bikes. Your choice depends mainly on your daily commute and what you need to transport.
If you mainly bike to work alone over shorter distances, then the CityX a logical choice. If you want more comfort and wide tires for longer rides, check out the UrbanX. If you need to bring children or luggage, then CargoX Suitable for a 100 kg load capacity in a 100×70 cm container.
All STOER models are developed and manufactured in the Netherlands, are CE-certified, and deliver 92 Nm of torque with a range of up to 80 km. These specifications make them equally suitable for commuting to work as they are for taking the kids to school.
“We’ve noticed that employees are often willing to choose a higher-end model once the employer contributes to the cost,” says an account manager at STOER Bikes. “A cargo bike or fat bike—which you might find too expensive to buy on your own—suddenly becomes affordable through this program.”
How much does a bike plan really cost you per month?
Your net monthly cost consists of the tax on the imputed income, plus any personal contribution agreed upon by your employer. With a company bicycle, you therefore pay no purchase price—only tax on 7% of the recommended retail price per year.
Here’s an example: for a suggested retail price of 3,000 euros, the additional tax liability is 210 euros per year. If you’re in a tax bracket of around 37%, you’ll pay roughly 78 euros in taxes per year, or about 6 to 7 euros per month. The exact amounts depend on your tax rate and the arrangements with your employer; always double-check these figures using a current example.
Would you like to weigh the pros and cons of buying versus leasing before talking to your employer? Then read this first The Pros and Cons of Leasing vs. Buying.
What should you keep in mind regarding insurance and usage?
Getting an expensive e-bike through your employer requires clear agreements regarding theft, damage, and maintenance. Make sure to specify who is responsible if the bike is stolen or breaks down, as this varies depending on the policy.
It's best to choose an insurance policy that includes replacement cost coverage, so you won't be left with just the residual value in the event of theft. To do so, check out the STOER bicycle insurance with replacement-cost coverage and no deductible in the event of theft. In addition, always use an ART-certified lock, as insurers usually require this.
For employers who want to set up a more comprehensive bicycle plan, This guide on implementing a company bicycle program A good start.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Employer E-Bike Program
Can I also get a cargo bike through my employer?
Yes, a family cargo bike like the CargoX qualifies under most bicycle benefit plans. The taxable benefit is calculated based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, regardless of the type of bike. Because a cargo bike has a higher purchase price, the tax benefit is actually greater than for a regular e-bike. Check with your employer to see if the model is covered under their plan.
Can I also use the company bike for personal use?
Yes, personal use is permitted, and that is precisely why an additional tax liability applies. You may use the bicycle for taking your children to school, running errands, and weekend rides. There is no minimum number of kilometers traveled between home and work required for the 7% additional tax liability (Dutch Tax and Customs Administration, 2024). Be sure to check the current terms and conditions with your employer.
What happens to the bike if I change jobs?
That depends on the terms of the arrangement. Often, you can purchase the bike at its residual value, or the lease is transferred to your new employer. Make sure to specify this in the agreement in advance so you don’t face any surprises when you change jobs. Ask HR for the exact exit terms.
Is leasing through your employer more cost-effective than buying on your own?
For most employees, yes, because you can take advantage of tax benefits through the tax-inclusive allowance or a salary swap and don’t have to pay a large amount up front. If you buy the car yourself, you pay the full price out of your take-home pay. Calculate both options using a current example, because your tax rate makes all the difference.
What if my employer doesn't have a bicycle benefit program?
In that case, you can lease a bike privately with fixed, all-inclusive monthly payments or buy the bike outright. You can also point out to your employer the benefits of a bike plan for sustainable mobility. Many companies will set up such a program as soon as an employee asks for it, because it’s beneficial for both parties.
Ready to see how a STOER e-bike rides before you discuss it with your employer? Schedule a test drive and see for yourself which model suits your commute.
