Lease the right bike for you

If you regularly bike to work, the cost of the bike lease is exempt from social security contributions and tax. For the employer, no employer contributions are added to the bicycle leasing benefit.

In a salary swap, the cost of the bicycle lease is passed on via your salary. Depending on the applicable 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 bicycle leasing is exempt from employer contributions, a budget is first made of the total wage cost including employer contributions. The cost of the bicycle lease is deducted from that budget.

• As a result, the net impact on your salary can be up to 40% less than the effective cost of the bicycle. Check it out here.
• Practical example for a bicycle lease of €100/month including VAT.

Attention! The (para)fiscal benefits only apply if you use the bicycle regularly 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. On the one hand, the remaining gross salary may never fall below the sectoral gross salary. On the other hand, there are many collective agreements that exclude the exchange of certain gross salary components for another benefit (such as a bicycle). For more information, please consult your social secretariat. The lease cost can always be deducted from your net salary by mutual agreement, but there are no (para)fiscal advantages attached to this. Your employer can also choose to offer the bicycle lease for free.

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

Calculator

Yes, you can, unless the salary would fall so below baremalone, or if this is excluded in a sectoral collective agreement. 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 NSSO contributions up to 0.27€ per kilometer. You then receive an allowance per kilometer traveled by bicycle. The bicycle allowance can be cumulated with the benefit of the lease bicycle. 

The reimbursement applies only to travel from home to work and not to professional travel. Professional travel is regarded as a cost for the employer. The employee and employer mutually determine which is the best and safest route. 

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.

There is no benefit in kind and therefore no tax if the bicycle is used regularly for commuting. Your employer will, however, request a statement in honor that you agree to use the bicycle regularly for commuting. 

There is no legal framework but the NSSO and tax authorities generally accept 20% of commuting as a minimum. 

This is possible provided you take your bike to work on a regular basis.

Your employer will determine what the options are, but there are usually three options:

• you buy the bike at the market value at the time;
• you return the bicycle and pay an administrative fee;
• you pass the bicycle to a colleague.

Definitely!

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.  

Battery range depends on three crucial elements:

• Bike battery capacity: 400Wh, 500Wh, 630Wh or 1000Wh.
• Usage of battery: do you ride in eco or turbo mode? 
• The weather conditions: in colder weather, the battery will not last as long.

Make sure to always put the battery inside when freezing!

A belt drive is a drive in which the chain is replaced by a plastic belt. The belt runs over two sprockets and is made of a strong stretch-resistant carbon fiber. 

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There are some important tips to keep your bike's battery in top condition. We list them for you in this blog article. 

Joule has a wide range of cargo bikes. From small cargo bikes for small businesses to the powerhouses that can carry up to 200kg. Discover the full cargo range here.