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Company bike leasing: What to do at the end of the term? New bike, takeover or both?

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26 February 2025

In recent years, company bike leasing has developed from a niche offer to a widespread alternative or supplement to public transport and company cars. Tax incentives have made the model particularly attractive. Many companies now offer leasing options for bicycles and e-bikes, which means that a large number of employees can afford a high-quality bike. Companies are using this model to promote sustainable mobility for their employees, which has numerous benefits in terms of both the environment and health. 

The big question at the end of the term:

Takeover or new leasing? Or both?

At the end of the standard leasing period of three years, employees are faced with an important decision: should the company bike be taken over or is it worth leasing a new one, or even both? 

Man and woman ride gravel bikes through sandy terrain

Arguments for taking over the bike

Cost-effective takeover: At the end of the term, the bike can often be taken over at an attractive residual value if desired and possible.


Familiar quality: You already know the bike, it has been customized and well broken in.


No new familiarization period: saddle, handlebars, brakes - everything is familiar, no adjustment to a new model necessary.


Sustainability: Use beyond the leasing period conserves resources and reduces the ecological footprint.

Arguments for a new leasing bike

Technological advancement: E-bikes and bikes are constantly being improved - new models often have better battery performance, less weight or innovative features.


Maintenance-free: A new bike means less wear and tear and lower maintenance costs than a three-year-old bike. In addition, many maintenance and wear and tear services are included in the contract as part of the lease, so there are no or hardly any additional costs for repairs. You can see which services are included in Lease a Bike's all-round protection here.


Take advantage of tax benefits again: With a new leasing contract, you can continue to benefit from tax incentives.


Take new needs into account: Perhaps the route to work has changed or the desire for a different type of bike has developed.


Additional leasing option: You can replace your company bike and still lease a new bike, e.g. for leisure activities (mountain bike, racing bike, gravel bike, etc.). You can find a selection of dream bikes in the Lease a Bike bike finder.

Woman rides an e-bike through urban scenery

An individual decision

The decision as to whether to take over the company bike at the end of the term or lease a new one depends largely on individual needs. If you want to continue using a reliable bike, you can take it over at a reasonable price. Those who want to benefit from new technologies and continue to enjoy tax advantages are well advised to lease a new bike.


On the other hand, if you don't want to give up your familiar company bike and still appreciate new technologies, e.g. in the form of a racing bike for leisure activities, the decision to take over and then lease a new one is a good option.

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