That's how leasing works in Germany
The outlined conditions are valid for Germany. If you live in another country, conditions are probably different!
Leasing a cargo bike instead of buying – it's worth it!
The advantages of leasing apply fully to cargo bike leasing as well: Not only can you comfortably pay off your new cargo bike via 36 monthly leasing installments instead of having to raise the entire sum all at once. Thanks to the tax advantage, you also save a lot of cold, hard cash! As the icing on the cake, most leasing providers also pay for your insurance, inspections, and much more.
- Up to 40 percent cheaper than a direct purchase thanks to tax advantages
- 36 leasing installments instead of a major investment
- Insurance and service usually included
Leasing is this easy:
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Find out in your company
Has your employer signed a contract with a leasing provider, and if so, which one?
Do you do Jobrad? Register yourself without having to bother the HR department via Jobrad startklar! -
Choose & configure your cargo bike
Pick your dream cargo bike from us and select "Offer (for leasing, installment payment, funding)" as the payment method. Then you can enter which provider you want to lease through and, if known, add the necessary additional information. - Contract approval by the employer
The offer documents are approved by both employee and employer - Enjoy your cargo bike!
After approval, you can – subject to availability – pick up your new cargo bike directly or have it delivered free of shipping costs.
Cargo bike leasing for the self-employed
If you are your own boss, you can of course lease your new cargo bike too. Leasing installments and the running costs of a company cargo bike are considered business expenses and can be claimed for tax purposes accordingly. In addition, you might even be eligible for funding for your new cargo bike.
- Leasing installments are deductible as a business expense
- 36 leasing installments instead of a major investment
- Funding programs can be utilized. Find more information here.
- Insurance and service usually included
Why is cargo bike leasing so affordable?
Leasing a cargo bike with salary sacrifice
Cargo bike leasing is affordable because you pay less tax. Simply put, it works like this: Your employer pays the leasing installment and reduces your salary by exactly that amount. For example, you receive 200 euros less in monthly salary because those 200 euros go towards your new cargo bike. Consequently, you don't have to pay any taxes, social security contributions, etc. on these 200 euros. Depending on your tax class, gross income, child allowances, etc., this results in a tax saving of, for example, 70 euros per month. Calculated over 36 months, you would save 2,520 euros in taxes – meaning the acquisition of your cargo bike would be 2,520 euros cheaper than if you had bought it directly from the dealer.
Cargo bike leasing as a salary extra
It gets even cheaper if your employer contributes to the leasing installments or even covers them completely. In this case, you enjoy a monthly bonus where the taxman – unlike with a regular salary increase – doesn't take his cut.
How much exactly do I save?
That depends on the leasing provider, the purchase price of the cargo bike, and your financial situation. The best way to find out is to calculate it using one of the numerous leasing benefit calculators.
What happens after the end of the leasing term?
Which cargo bike leasing providers are there?
By now, there is quite a large number of leasing providers for cargo bikes. They generally only differ in terms of additional services, such as insurance coverage or covering the costs of inspections, as well as the maximum gross value of the leased cargo bike. As an employee, however, your choices are usually limited: If your employer has already signed a contract with a leasing provider, you will have to use that one.
Do you have further questions about cargo bike leasing?
Q: Why is bike leasing cheaper than buying directly?
A: The savings are due to tax advantages. By converting a portion of the salary entitlement into a non-cash benefit, the taxable income is reduced for both the employee and the employer. The monetary benefit of the company vehicle is then added back to the taxable salary. Consequently, social security contributions also decrease.
Q: What is leaseable accessories?
A: As a rule, all accessories that are permanently attached to the company bike can be co-leased. Clothing or helmets are usually not included. However, this cannot be stated as a blanket rule. Every leasing provider handles this in their own way. If you are unsure, please check with your chosen lessor.
Q: How long is the term and can the cargo bike be taken over at the end?
A: The leasing contract runs for 36 months with all lessors. After that, the right of use ends and the contract can be terminated. Usually, however, the leasing provider will make you an attractive offer to buy the cargo bike at a residual price if you wish. Or you can swap your cargo bike. Perhaps you would now like a Long John instead of a Long Tail, etc.
Q: Can a company car be combined with a company bike?
A: Yes, both can be combined in consultation with the employer.
Q: Are other people allowed to use my leased cargo bike?
A: Yes, as a rule, all household members are allowed to use the bike. Unless your employer explicitly excludes this. In this case, the contract holder assumes liability. The employee is not permitted to sell, sublet, lend, pledge, give away, or otherwise lease the bike to third parties.
Q: Can you still claim the commuter allowance (Entfernungspauschale) for travel to work with a leased cargo bike?
A: Yes, the commuter allowance to the workplace is regulated independently of the means of transport (see §9 Para. 1 No. 4 EstG). For a car, the commute is taxed at a flat rate of 0.03% of the gross list price per kilometer of distance. For a company bike, it is 0.25% of the gross list price (gross value of the vehicle). Unless it is an S-Pedelec. These are classified as light motorcycles and are taxed like a car at 0.03% /km per month.
Q: What costs can I expect as an employer?
A: As an employer, you have the opportunity to offer the company bike to your employees at no cost to you. Due to the salary sacrifice of the leasing installments, social security expenses also decrease for you and your employees.
