Choose a leasing plan that runs on wheels

If the employee regularly commutes by bike, the cost of the bike lease is exempt from social security contributions and tax. And the employer doesn't pay any employer contributions on the bike lease. If the bike is booked as an expense, it is also 100% tax deductible. Consult your payroll service provider and/or tax advisor for more information.

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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. 

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.

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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.

As an employer, you are completely free to determine what portion of the cost of the bike lease you will contribute: 

• Full or partial payment: the employer pays (part of) the amount for the bicycle lease.
• Cost-neutral for the employer: the bicycle lease is passed on to the employee through a deduction from net pay or through salary. 

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The cost of the bike lease is deducted from the employee's salary. Depending on the collective labor agreement, this can be done through one or more gross salary components (e.g. gross salary, end-of-year bonus or bonus). Since bike leasing is exempt from employer contributions, a budget is calculated with the total wage cost including employer contributions. The cost of the bike lease is deducted from that budget.

Bike leasing is exempt from employer contributions and as an employee you do not have to pay any social security or income tax. As a result, the net impact on the employee's salary can be up to 40% lower than the effective cost of the bicycle.

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• Practical example for a bicycle lease of €100/month including VAT.

Be aware: The (para)fiscal benefits only apply if the employee regularly uses the bicycle for commuting. 

In some sectors, salary exchange is not possible (see next question).

The possibility of salary exchange is limited in a number of ways. The remaining gross salary can never crop below the sectoral gross salary. On the other hand, there are many collective agreements that prevent the exchange of certain gross salary components for another benefit (such as a bicycle). For more information, please consult your payroll service provider.

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There is no benefit in kind and therefore no tax if the bicycle is used regularly for commuting. We recommend that put this in your bike policy and that a declaration of honor is also requested from the employees. For example, you can stipulate that the employee must use the bicycle for 20% of the home to work trips.

The benefit of bike leasing depends on several factors, including the tax rate. This depends, among other things, on the marital status of the employee, the number of dependent children, etc. For a correct calculation of the net cost of bicycle leasing, it is best to consult your payroll service provider. For an estimate you can always consult our calculator.

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Yes, it's possible. Except if the salary would drop below the wage scale (after deduction of the lease cost), or if the sectoral collective agreement doesn't allow it. The calculation is similar to the calculation of the gross salary.

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The bicycle allowance is an expense allowance for employees for the commuting distance traveled by bicycle. This reimbursement is exempt from taxes and social security contributions up to 0.27€ per kilometer. Your employee then receives an allowance per kilometer traveled by bicycle. The bicycle allowance can be cumulated with the benefit of the lease bicycle. 

Based on a collective bargaining agreement in the National Labor Council (NAR), since May 1, it is mandatory for all employers in the private sector to give a bicycle allowance of 0.27€ to all employees who commute to work by bicycle. Nothing will change for employers who were already (compulsorily) providing a bicycle allowance.

You can!

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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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