To save money, we recommend leasing your e-bike. For example, through your employer's company bike leasing program.
Velomotion has taken a close look at which leasing provider offers the best overall package and what you should pay attention to in its 2023 e-bike leasing comparison. You can find out who came out on top here.
What is e-bike leasing?
As popular as e-bikes have become, they are also expensive to purchase. In 2022, a new e-bike cost an average of €3,500 on the bicycle market. And anyone who wants to cycle into the countryside with their partner knows that shared fun means double the fun, but also double the purchase costs. This is where the leasing model comes in. The bike is not purchased, but used for a limited period of time in exchange for a monthly payment. All providers in the test offer a term of 36 months. The employer deducts the leasing payment from the gross salary, so that the net cost is significantly lower. In addition, the tax burden for private trips is very low at only 0.25 percent of the new value. Those who wish to purchase their e-bike at the end of the leasing contract can do so at attractive conditions. Depending on the provider, the residual value of the bike is set at between 15 and 18 percent of the original gross purchase price. Any tax differences are covered by the leasing provider. Experts predict that by 2023, 50 percent of all new e-bikes will be leased. However, leasing is not only available for e-bikes, but also for classic trekking bikes without electric drive, for example.
The advantages of leasing
- The high financial burden is spread over 36 monthly installments.
- The tax advantage on gross salary significantly reduces the actual financial outlay.
- At the end of the lease term, the e-bike can usually be purchased at a very attractive price (between 15 and 18 percent of the original price).
- Leasing agreements often include an attractive service package, including repairs and insurance packages for theft and vandalism, for example.
- Accessories such as lighting, a lock, a child seat, and so on can be included in the lease.
E-bike leasing comparison 2023
The bicycle magazine Velomotion compares the most important leasing providers for e-bikes: Bikeleasing Service, Business-Bike, eurorad, Eleasa, Jobrad, Kazenmaier, Lease a Bike, and Mein Dienstrad. The comparison covers leasing and service rates, as well as insurance and services for bikes with a retail price of €4,000 and €6,000. The following tables show the costs for a €4,000 e-bike. For the full test results on Velomotion, please click on the link at the end of the text. The costs shown are the rates that are deducted from your gross salary. The actual net cost depends on other individual factors such as your state, tax bracket, child allowances, and so on.
Monthly usage costs (before salary conversion)
Source: Eurobike
The monthly costs consist of the leasing rate, the insurance rate, and a service fee. The comparison is based on the best possible service package, as it is also the most frequently booked and recommended.
Total price for use without/with purchase (before salary conversion)
Source: Eurobike
Source: Eurobike
The total price consists of the leasing fees over the 36-month usage period. If the bicycle is purchased at the end of the term, the additional costs are included in the total price in the second table.
Important: Wear and tear compensation
When it comes to services, providers differ significantly in terms of wear and tear reimbursement, both in terms of scope and when it takes effect. It is worth reading the fine print here. Only three providers offer unlimited coverage of wear and tear costs over the three-year lease period: eurorad, Lease a Bike, and Mein Dienstrad. But only one, Jobrad, insists on a minor damage limit of €60. This makes it very tempting not to have the necessary service carried out at a specialist workshop. This is important for employers, who must ensure that their employees are always riding perfectly maintained bikes.
And the winner is...
The differences between providers in terms of leasing rates are relatively small. However, anyone who wants to take ownership of the e-bike at the end of the leasing period will notice significant differences. For an e-bike worth €4,000, there is a whopping difference of €410 between the cheapest provider, eurorad, and the most expensive provider, Business-Bike. In an overall comparison, eurorad comes out on top in terms of services and costs. The partner of around 5,000 specialist dealers offers the most comprehensive insurance without any caps or excess, as well as excellent services.
Source: Eurobike – Calculation example for a purchase price of €6,000.
