Your bike leasing from A to Z
Customized bicycle plan
Maintenance at a time and place that suits you
Encourage commuting
While cycling is good for both the environment and overall health, it also helps your team get around more efficiently.
Joule helps public agencies outline their bike plan.
Civil servants lease their bikes through Joule
We educate companies and organizations about the importance of their leasing plan.
Especially interesting for civil servants
Local governments, such as municipalities and CPASs, can allow contract workers and permanent employees to exchange their year-end bonus or vacation days to lease or purchase a bike.
What Joule can do for you
Lease or buy cargo bikes for professional service trips
Create a fleet of pool bikes with Joule
Allow us to take care of repairing and maintaining existing public fleets.
Discover how leasing works
01
Start
We help set up your bike plan
Discuss timing, range and budget
Draw up a bike policy for internal use
02
Activation
Live info session or webinar
One-to-one meetings with employees
In-house bike testing
Interactive bike guide
Speed Pedelec training sessions
Personalisation bikes
03
Follow-up
Repair and maintenance at a time and place that works for you
You can reach us on- or offline
Endless models for your team to choose from
Lease plans
Choose the leasing plan that suits you or your business
Lease plans
Choose the leasing plan that suits you or your business
From A to Z-ooming off!
Leasing a bicycle from Joule means biking without a care in the world. You get what you need and more.
Charlotte's Urban Arrow
Charlotte's leasing plan at Joule
Comprehensive damage and theft insurance
Choice of endless bikes
A voucher for recovery interventions
Annual major maintenance
Delivery, maintenance and repair at a time and place that works for you
24/7 roadside assistance
A standard lease runs for 3 years and has a monthly cost.
Looking for pool bikes to buy? Contact us.
Give your team a boost
with a cargo bike
Joule's cargo bikes come in all shapes and sizes. You can choose the model that's right for you!
Your questions,
our answers
How does bicycle purchasing work?
The organization purchases bicycles, or intervenes in a group purchase for the staff. You can also choose a maintenance contract.
What is the difference between bicycle leasing and purchasing?
With bicycle leasing, you rent the bicycle. Joule remains the owner of your bike. With a purchase, on the other hand, you fully own the bike.
Can I lease a bicycle through Joule as an individual?
Unfortunately, no. A bicycle lease through Joule is only possible for companies, self-employed people or government organizations.
What are the benefits of the company bike?
We list the main benefits briefly:
- Financial: A company bike is 40% cheaper than buying a bike as an individual. As a freelancer or employer, a bike is 100% tax-deductible. As an employee, you do not pay withholding tax (no VAA or benefit in kind) and no social security contributions, and you also get a bike allowance on top.
- Functional: Say goodbye to traffic jams and stress! With an (electric) bike, you save time and can efficiently cover large distances to work.
- Healthy: Regularly biking to work is good for your health.
- Ecological: Choosing a company bike helps reduce CO2 emissions. You are not only making yourself but also the world healthier.
What are the benefits of bicycle leasing?
- Leasing a bike through your company is about 40% cheaper than buying a bike at no additional cost to the employer. You pay for a leased bike on gross wages, which means you end up paying less NSSO, employer contributions and taxes. Moreover, the cost is spread over a period of 12, 24, 36 or 48 months.
- When you lease a bike from Joule, you also hop on your bike carefree. Your bike package includes annual maintenance, damage and theft insurance, and a roadside assistance subscription. You also choose how you want your bike repaired: at home or at a bike store nearby.
Is there a minimum purchase?
No. At Joule, every company is welcome, regardless of the number of employees. Even as a freelancer without employees, you can come to us.
What is Joule?
Joule is a cycling partner for companies, independent workers and governments. Our mission is to get as many people as possible on their bikes. We take charge of the entire process of your bike plan, from concept to maintenance. We distribute more than 30 brands and have our own mechanics who deliver, maintain and repair the bikes. Minimum effort for maximum biking fun!
What is a bike policy?
A bike policy (or bike regulations) is a document that establishes the rights and obligations of employer and employees with respect to bicycles. The approval of a bike policy is usually done the same way as the employment regulations. Therefore, the signature of individual employees is not required.
Does a benefit in kind apply to the leased bicycle?
There's no benefit in kind, provided that the bike is used regularly for commuting and/or professional activities.
Can public institutions also offer bicycle leasing to their employees?
Fringe benefits are usually not part of the package of (most) public institutions. In 2021 the Flemish government granted local governments permission to offer bike leasing to their employees through salary swaps. Encouraging bike mobility fits within the Flemish government's action plan against traffic jams and a greener mobility and economy.
What's new is that three existing benefits are eligible to fund bicycle mobility. Those three benefits are:
- end-of-year allowance (art. 10 and 17 BVR March 12, 2021);
- 24+ vacation days or 28+ vacation days (Art. 13 and 19 BVR March 12, 2021);
- bike allowance (art. 12 BVR March 12, 2021).
Each local government is free to offer this option through an amendment of the legal position regulations and by introducing a bike policy.
Depending on the value, the public entity may seek bids, conduct a public tender, or bid through an existing framework agreement.
What are the (para)fiscal advantages of bike leasing for employees of Flemish local governments?
If the employee regularly commutes to work by bicycle, bicycle leasing is exempt from social security contributions and taxes for both employer and employee.
How does a lease work?
The lease agreement (or rental agreement) is made between Joule and the employer. The employer can then include the main rights and obligations of the lease in a bike policy. This is internal company document, similar to the employment regulations. In addition, when the bicycle is issued, an appendix to the employment contract must be signed by the employer and the employee, stating how the cost will be passed on to the employee and what happens in the event of early termination of their contract.
What if the employee leaves the organization while the lease is still running?
The employer freely determines what the options are, but there are usually three:
- the employee purchases the bicycle at its current market value;
- the employee returns the bicycle and pays an administrative fee;
- the employee passes the bicycle to a colleague.
How much does a bike lease cost for the employee?
The benefit of bicycle leasing depends on several factors, including the tax rate. This is calculated based on the employee's marital status, the number of children, etc. For a correct calculation of the net cost of bike leasing, it is best to consult your payroll service provider. For an estimate you can always consult our calculator.
Where can I view Joule's bicycles?
You can check out our entire collection on our (online) shop. In addition, we will visit you at work for test days or you can test the bike. Do you have questions about the bicycle? Chat with one of our employees, book a consultation session via the website or send us an email!
Can I order through a local dealer?
In addition to the wide range that Joule itself offers (be sure to check out our product site), you can visit your local bike store.
Can I also purchase the bikes?
At Joule you can lease ànd purchase bikes. If an employer buys a bike for his employee and the employee uses the bike regularly to commute, the same (para)fiscal benefits apply.
What service packages are available for leased bikes?
At Joule, you can choose between two maintenance packages for leased bikes:
- Mobile: the Joule mechanic comes to the workplace or your home for delivery, maintenance and repairs
- Pick-up: You pick your bike at your favorite bike store and visit them for maintenance and repairs.
Mobile: What brands are available?
Be sure to check out our full range on the online portal. You'll find these brands, among others: Gazelle, Koga, Oxford, Batavus, QWIC, Larry vs. Harry (Bullit), Urban Arrow Cargo, Tern, Achielle, Canyon, Cowboy, Takashi, Dahon, Velo de Ville, Venturelli, Carla cargo,...
Mobile service: how does it work?
Our mechanics visit you at work or at home for delivery, maintenance or repairs. During the maintenance you can continue to work in peace. Our mechanics ensure that your bike rides smoothly again.
Mobile service: How quickly do you arrive on site?
For an urgent repair we try to come by within 2 working days. If the repair is not urgent (the bike is still running), we will come by within 2 weeks.
Mobile: Does Joule work with its own mechanics?
Yes, our mobile teams travel around the country to repair your leased bike at your place of work. Joule not only has its own technical team but also a partner network of approved freelancers who come by for urgent repairs. The partner network meets the Joule quality standards and has the knowledge and spare parts to keep your bike in optimal condition.
Pick-up service: how does it work?
With pickup services, you visit your local bike store and request a quote for your favorite bike and accessories.
What is included in the service package?
Annual maintenance, comprehensive damage and theft insurance, a breakdown service subscription and a repair service.
What is covered by the damage and theft insurance?
With damage and theft insurance you are covered in case of damage due to vandalism, a fall, a collision, and (attempted) theft. If the insurance file is approved, only an insurance excess will be charged. Check whether you have an AG Insurance or AEDES package.
What is included in annual maintenance?
The annual maintenance of a bike will result in fewer problems, and therefore fewer repairs. Maintenance involves the performance of services with the goal of preventing wear and tear and repairs:
- lighting inspection and repair;
- greasing the chain;
- tire pressure check;
- retightening of all bolts;
- gear adjustment;
- check headstock play;
- software update;
- adjusting brakes and replacing brake pads;
- treat contact points.
What is included with roadside assistance?
If you have a breakdown on the road (even a flat tire) you can call for roadside assistance. This also applies in case of (attempted) theft or an accident . You benefit from assistance:
- throughout Europe (see general terms and conditions for insured countries);
- to twice a year;
- at least 1 kilometer from your home address.
What is included in the repair service?
These are interventions exclusive to annual maintenance or an insurance file following damage or theft. For example, for a flat tire or a loose fender.
- Mobile: you are entitled to recovery interventions for your chosen recovery credit.
- Pick-Up: you are entitled to recovery interventions for your chosen recovery credit.
How can I call Joule?
You can reach Joule at +3250892689. The line is available every working day from 09h00-18h00. The breakdown service is available 24/7. We will put you through via these shortcuts:
- General questions about bike leasing and purchasing.
- Joule operations: for information on repairs and maintenance.
- Breakdown assistance (have your policy number handy).
- Other questions or comments.
What happens if the employee leaves the company and ends the bike lease?
The agreements are established in the so called bicycle policy between your employer and employee. Usually there are 3 options:
- The employee can purchase the bicycle for its market value at that time.
- The employee may return the bicycle upon payment of an administrative fee.
- The employee can pass the bicycle to a colleague.
What happens when the lease ends?
At the end of the lease period, Joule will pick up the bicycle. Optionally, the cyclist can purchase the bike at market price.
How do you get started with a bike leasing plan?
Joule breaks down the bike plan into three major phases: START, ACTIVATION, and CONTINUATION. In each of these phases, Joule guides the client towards the best bike plan.
What happens in the start-up phase?
In the start-up phase, we work with the organization to establish the fundamentals of your cycling plan. In this phase, we discuss:
- payroll processing;
- timing;
- assortment;
- maintenance package;
- bicycle policy.
What happens in the activation phase?
In this phase, we try to get everyone excited. Joule's Customer Success Managers work on the bike file and organize activities to support the cycling experience:
- info session live or via webinar;
- personal interview with employees;
- testing days at the office;
- interactive cycling guide;
- optional training speed pedelec;
- possibility of personalization of the bikes and accessories.
What happens in the follow-up phase?
Joule schedules deliveries, maintenance and repairs. You can reach us offline or online.