Question 1

How much do I save with a company bike?

Accepted Answer

Savings depend on your salary, tax class, and bike price. Typically you save 15-40% compared to a private purchase. For an e-bike at €3,000 RRP with a €3,500 gross salary in tax class I, effective monthly costs are around €55-70 instead of the full lease rate of approx. €109. Over 36 months, this means savings of several hundred euros compared to the retail price.

Question 2

What is the benefit-in-kind for company bikes?

Accepted Answer

Since 2020, the benefit-in-kind for bicycles and e-bikes (pedelecs up to 25 km/h) through salary sacrifice is only 0.25% of the RRP per month. For a €3,000 bike, that's €7.50 monthly that must be taxed additionally. S-pedelecs (over 25 km/h) are treated like company cars with the 1% rule. If the bike is provided on top of salary (no salary sacrifice), the benefit-in-kind for regular bikes and e-bikes is zero.

Question 3

What happens when the lease ends?

Accepted Answer

After the lease term (usually 36 months), you have three options: 1) Buy the bike at residual value (typically 18% of RRP, e.g. €540 for a €3,000 bike). 2) Extend the lease at reduced terms. 3) Return the bike. Most users choose to buy, as the residual value is well below the actual market value.

Question 4

Is a company bike worth it on a low salary?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can still save even on a lower salary, though the tax savings are smaller. From around €2,000 gross salary, company bike leasing is usually worthwhile. Note however that salary sacrifice reduces your social-insurance-liable income, which can have a minor long-term impact on pension and sick pay entitlements.

Question 5

What is the difference between E-Bike and S-Pedelec for company bikes?

Accepted Answer

E-bikes (pedelecs) assist up to 25 km/h and are classified as bicycles – no license, no mandatory insurance, and only 0.25% benefit-in-kind. S-pedelecs assist up to 45 km/h and are classified as mopeds – requiring a license plate, insurance, and 1% benefit-in-kind (like a company car). From a tax perspective, e-bikes are significantly cheaper.

Question 6

Can I use the company bike privately?

Accepted Answer

Yes, private use is explicitly allowed and encouraged. This is one of the major advantages over traditional company car arrangements. You can use the company bike for commuting, shopping, sports, and leisure – without additional costs or restrictions.

Question 7

Does salary sacrifice affect my pension?

Accepted Answer

Yes, salary sacrifice reduces your gross income subject to social insurance. This means you pay less into the pension system, which can affect your future pension entitlements. However, with a lease rate of €100 monthly over 36 months, the impact on your eventual pension is minimal (a few euros less per month). The immediate savings far outweigh this in most cases.

Question 8

What does the company bike cost the employer?

Accepted Answer

With pure salary sacrifice (no employer subsidy), the company bike costs the employer nothing – they actually save money, as they don't pay social insurance contributions on the converted amount (about 20% of the conversion amount). The employer only has the administrative effort for the framework agreement with the leasing provider. A voluntary employer subsidy is an attractive benefit that is tax-deductible as a business expense.

Question 9

Can I claim commute allowance despite having a company bike?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The commute allowance (since 2026 a flat €0.38 per km from the first km) can be claimed regardless of whether you use a company bike. This applies to all means of transport. So in addition to savings from salary sacrifice, you can deduct the commuter allowance in your tax return.

Question 10

How does insurance work with a company bike?

Accepted Answer

Most leasing providers offer all-inclusive packages that include theft insurance, comprehensive coverage, pick-up service, and wear-and-tear repairs. Costs are typically €5-15 per month depending on the bike value and coverage scope. These costs are usually included in the monthly lease rate.

Guide: Company Bike Calculator

Company Bike 2026: How Much Do You Really Save Through Salary Sacrifice?

Company Bike Salary Sacrifice: How It Works Step by Step

Company Bike After Lease End: Buy Out, Extend, or Return?

E-Bike as Company Bike: Is It Worth More Than a Regular Bicycle?

Company Bike for Self-Employed: Is It Possible — and How?

Employers: What Does a Company Bike Program Really Cost — and What Are the Benefits?

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