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Lease a Bike, the world’s largest bike leasing program, has announced its entrance into the US, starting with California. The move, backed by the financial strength of Volkswagen Financial Services, introduces American employers and employees to a successful employer-sponsored initiative designed to make bicycling more accessible and appealing. The program provides simple, affordable bike leasing options that include maintenance and theft and damage insurance. Lease a Bike aims to address common commuting challenges such as traffic congestion, promote physical and mental wellness among employees, and support environmental sustainability while helping employers attract and retain talent.
Lease a Bike is leveraging its European experience to launch in the US. To date, already more than 65,000 companies have joined its bike leasing program, with Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands leading the way. Supporting Lease a Bike's entry into the US market is a strategic partnership between Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS), a leasing powerhouse with a significant presence in the US, and mobility giant Pon Holdings, the world’s leading bicycle company known in the US for renowned bike brands such as Cannondale, Cervélo, Mongoose and Santa Cruz. The collaboration between VWFS and Pon combines global and local expertise in both the bicycle and leasing industries, providing a stable and solid foundation for Lease a Bike's growth strategy. Lease a Bike is partnering with a strong independent bicycle network, enabling local bike shops to participate in and benefit from its bike leasing program.
In a major endorsement of Lease a Bike's US launch, technology company Bosch has piloted the innovative employer-sponsored bike leasing program at their Sunnyvale office. For over a year, Bosch contributed $50 monthly towards each participating employee's bike lease, supporting better health and leading to a 50% increase in the number of people biking to work at least three times per wee. Michelle Zell, Director of HR at Bosch Sunnyvale, highlighted the program's impact, stating, "Many participants probably would not have considered getting an eBike if it weren't for this opportunity. Lease a Bike not only allows employees to pick their dream bike and (re)discover the joy of riding, but also provides employers with a seamless, automated program that takes the hassle out of the process. The user-friendly online portal and local bike shop expertise ensure that even those new to biking can easily start enjoying the benefits of cycling."
"Our launch in the US marks an exciting step toward making bikes more accessible to American employees. I firmly believe our company bike lease program meets a critical need for employees, employers, and governments alike. In partnership with local bike shops, we offer a very wide range of bikes that make commuting fast, easy and healthy.. I'm confident Lease a Bike can contribute to greener commutes and healthier lifestyles through our innovative program,"said Milou Smeets, President of Lease a Bike United States. She will be participating in a panel discussion at the California Bicycle Summit in San Diego on April 18. Additionally, Lease a Bike will be showcasing its program at the Sea Otter Classic, from April 18-21, in Monterey, California.
Lease a Bike proudly sponsors the world’s most successful professional cycling team Team Visma | Lease a Bike, which achieved a remarkable sweep of all three grand tours in 2023, including a victory by American cyclist Sepp Kuss in the Vuelta a España. This achievement highlights the program's strong connections within the cycling community and its dedication to excellence and promoting a cycling culture on a global scale.
The former Team Jumbo-Visma, which had a historic season with victories in all three grand tours, will continue as Team Visma | Lease a Bike from January 1, 2024. Visma and Lease a Bike have both signed a contract as title sponsors for an indefinite period.
The world of corporate benefits has changed significantly in recent years. In addition to traditional benefits such as health insurance and company pensions, sustainable mobility concepts are becoming increasingly important. A recent Statista study commissioned by Lease a Bike has now shed light on the popularity of company bike leasing as a corporate benefit in medium-sized companies.
To coincide with World Bicycle Day on June 3, 2024, the company bike leasing provider Lease a Bike organized the "Bike to Work Days" for the first time. In this fundraising campaign, participants collected kilometers on their way to work by bike for a good cause. Lease a Bike then donated 1 euro to the SOS Children's Village Düsseldorf for every kilometer cycled.
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