For intensive business use of an electric fatbike, you generally need a battery capacity of at least 500 to 750 Wh, depending on your specific business situation. For daily rides of more than 40 km, heavy loads or use in hilly terrain, a battery of 750 to 1000 Wh is recommended. For courier services or logistics applications where the bike is in operation all day, dual-battery systems with a total capacity of 1000-1500 Wh are optimal for reliable performance without interim charging.
"What I often see with corporate clients is that they start too small," Thomas explains. "Then they have to recharge halfway through the day. That just takes time. My advice: always choose one step bigger. You'll quickly recoup that extra cost."
The right battery capacity depends on five crucial factors. Daily distance, terrain type, load weight, frequency of use and operating reliability determine what you need.
The daily driving distance is the most important factor. For every 15-20 kilometers, you need about 100-150 Wh. Do you travel 60-80 km per day? Then you need at least a 500-600 Wh battery. Preferably even more for a safe margin.
Terrain type also plays a big role. Hilly areas require much more energy. Unpaved trails do as well. Load weight is particularly relevant for business users. For every 25 kg of additional load, you count on 15-20% more energy consumption.
For reliable operation, you should always be able to count on your fatbike. A larger battery offers more security and flexibility. Even on days with unexpectedly many rides or heavy loads.
Want to know more about range? Read our blog about how far you can drive on a full battery.
"With the MIA, you can deduct an additional 45% of your investment," Thomas explains. "In combination with the KIA, you quickly arrive at more than 50% tax benefit. That suddenly makes such an investment a lot more attractive."
There are several tax advantages for business owners when purchasing. The small-scale investment allowance (KIA) is one of the most important schemes. It allows you to deduct up to 28% of the investment amount from your profit. This is in addition to normal depreciation.
In addition, the Environmental Investment Allowance (EIA) offers additional benefits. Electric fatbikes fall under category A of the MIA. You may deduct an additional 45% of the investment amount from your profit. Combined with the VAMIL scheme, you write off 75% at your convenience.
The VAT refund is another important benefit. As an entrepreneur, you claim the VAT back in full through your VAT return. For an electric fatbike with high battery capacity, this quickly saves €700-€1,200.
Curious about business applications? Check out our blog on cargo bikes for delivery services.
Subsidies vary considerably from country to country. This has important implications for business users. Especially if you are operating internationally or looking for the best arrangement.
"If you're in a border region, it pays to look across the border," notes Thomas. "In Germany you get up to 25% subsidy on an electric cargo bike. With a maximum of €2,500. That's really substantial."
The Netherlands has several subsidy schemes at the national and local level. Many municipalities have their own schemes. Amsterdam, for example, offers the "Electric Company Vehicle Subsidy." This contributes up to €2,000 to the purchase of electric cargo bikes.
Germany has a very favorable subsidy system. The federal "Lastenfahrrad-Förderprogramm" covers up to 25% of the purchase cost. France incentivizes through the "Prime à la conversion." Business users can receive up to €3,000 in subsidies.
For Dutch entrepreneurs in border regions, it pays to compare. Check subsidies in neighboring countries.
Want to know which fatbike is best for you? Read our blog about fatbikes for adults.
"Leasing is especially interesting if you don't want to invest directly," advises Thomas. "With operational leasing, maintenance is included. So you have no surprises. And you always drive on the latest technology."
Several leasing options are available for business users. This way you use electric fatbikes without a large initial investment.
With financial leasing, you become the economic owner. You pay a fixed monthly amount. After expiration, you automatically become the legal owner. For fatbikes with high battery capacity (750+ Wh), you pay between €100-€200 per month.
Operational lease offers more convenience. You rent the electric fatbike for a fixed period. The monthly fee is fixed and includes maintenance and insurance. Sometimes you even get replacement in case of theft. This is ideal for companies that always want the latest models.
Employee bicycle leasing plans are becoming increasingly popular. Through the work expense plan, employers offer electric fatbikes. This provides tax benefits for both parties.
Want to learn more about the UrbanX? Check out our blog about the best fatbike 2024.
"Most business owners think: a bigger battery is more expensive," Thomas explains. "But you're more productive because you don't have to charge during the day. And that battery also lasts longer. It doesn't discharge as deeply. You recoup that extra cost within a year."
Calculating ROI helps you make an informed decision. A systematic approach reveals whether the investment will pay off.
Start by determining the total investment. Subtract tax breaks and subsidies. This will give you your net investment. Then calculate the direct cost savings. Compare with your current transportation equipment. Consider fuel, insurance, parking fees, maintenance and depreciation.
Indirect savings are harder to quantify. But they are often substantial. Consider time saved by avoiding traffic jams. Or searching for parking spaces. Electric fatbikes with high battery capacity charge less often during workdays. That increases your productivity.
The reliability of a larger battery means less downtime. A battery that discharges less deeply will last longer. For most business users, the payback period is between 1 and 3 years.
Want to know how long a battery lasts? Read our blog about the lifespan of electric fatbikes.
Choosing the right battery capacity is a balancing act. Initial cost, daily performance and long-term efficiency all come into play.
"My rule of thumb is simple," says Thomas. "For light use: 400-500 Wh. For medium use: 500-750 Wh. For heavy use: at least 750 Wh. If in doubt between two options, choose the larger one. It will pay for itself twice over."
Do you ride light business (20-30 km per day)? Then a 400-500 Wh battery is sufficient. For average use (30-50 km per day), 500-750 Wh is recommended. Intensive use (50+ km per day) requires at least 750 Wh.
Tax breaks make it attractive to choose something larger. The extra investment is partially offset by subsidies and tax breaks. At the same time, you benefit from more flexibility and a longer lifespan.
The ROI calculation shows that the extra cost almost always pays for itself. This is due to higher productivity and longer service life. A price difference of €300-€500 is recovered within 1-2 years.
At STOER Bikes, we see that business customers with sufficient battery capacity are more satisfied. They also use their electric fatbikes more intensively. The initial additional cost outweighs the daily convenience. You no longer have any fear of a dead battery.
Want to know more about belt drives for business use? Check out our blog on why belt drive is better or contact us for personal advice.