The bike partner for public services

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.

There's no benefit in kind, provided that the bike is used regularly for commuting and/or professional activities.

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.

‍

If the employee regularly commutes to work by bicycle, bicycle leasing is exempt from social security contributions and taxes for both employer and employee.

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.

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.

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.

Calculator

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!

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.

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.

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.

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,...

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. 

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. 

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.

‍

With pickup services, you visit your local bike store and request a quote for your favorite bike and accessories. 

Annual maintenance, comprehensive damage and theft insurance, a breakdown service subscription and a repair service. 

‍

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.

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

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.

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.

At the end of the lease period, Joule will pick up the bicycle. Optionally, the cyclist can purchase the bike at market price.  

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.

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.

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.  

Joule schedules deliveries, maintenance and repairs. You can reach us offline or online. 

‍