The bike partner for public services

No. At Joule, every company is welcome, regardless of the number of employees. Even as a freelancer without employees, you can come to us.

Unfortunately, no. A bicycle lease through Joule is only possible for companies, self-employed people or government organizations.

With bicycle leasing, you rent the bicycle. Joule remains the owner of your bike. With a purchase, on the other hand, you fully own the bike.

Joule is a cycling partner for companies, independent workers and governments. Our mission is to get as many people as possible on their bikes. We take charge of the entire process of your bike plan, from concept to maintenance. We distribute more than 30 brands and have our own mechanics who deliver, maintain and repair the bikes. Minimum effort for maximum biking fun!

Who are we?

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We list the main benefits briefly:

• Financial: A company bike is 40% cheaper than buying a bike as an individual. As a freelancer or employer, a bike is 100% tax-deductible. As an employee, you do not pay withholding tax (no VAA or benefit in kind) and no social security contributions, and you also get a bike allowance on top.
• Functional: Say goodbye to traffic jams and stress! With an (electric) bike, you save time and can efficiently cover large distances to work.
• Healthy: Regularly biking to work is good for your health.
• Ecological: Choosing a company bike helps reduce CO2 emissions. You are not only making yourself but also the world healthier.  

• Leasing a bike through your company is about 40% cheaper than buying a bike at no additional cost to the employer. You pay for a leased bike on gross wages, which means you end up paying less NSSO, employer contributions and taxes. Moreover, the cost is spread over a period of 12, 24, 36 or 48 months.
• When you lease a bike from Joule, you also hop on your bike carefree. Your bike package includes annual maintenance, damage and theft insurance, and a roadside assistance subscription. You also choose how you want your bike repaired: at home or at a bike store nearby.

There's no benefit in kind, provided that the bike is used regularly for commuting and/or professional activities.

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.

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

Calculator

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Fringe benefits are usually not part of the package of (most) public institutions. In 2021 the Flemish government granted local governments permission to offer bike leasing to their employees through salary swaps. Encouraging bike mobility fits within the Flemish government's action plan against traffic jams and a greener mobility and economy.

What's new is that three existing benefits are eligible to fund bicycle mobility. Those three benefits are:

• end-of-year allowance (art. 10 and 17 BVR March 12, 2021);
• 24+ vacation days or 28+ vacation days (Art. 13 and 19 BVR March 12, 2021);
• bike allowance (art. 12 BVR March 12, 2021).

Each local government is free to offer this option through an amendment of the legal position regulations and by introducing a bike policy.

Depending on the value, the public entity may seek bids, conduct a public tender, or bid through an existing framework agreement.

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There are three options if the employee leaves the company during the term of the lease:

• the employee purchases the bicycle for its market value at the time;
• the employee returns the bicycle upon payment of an administrative fee;
• the employee passes the bicycle to a colleague.

However, the employer is free to limit or expand these options.

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.

Setting up bike policies in bike leasing: 7 practical tips

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Indien de medewerker regelmatig met de fiets naar het werk komt, is fietsleasing vrijgesteld van RSZ-bijdragen en belasting voor zowel werkgever als medewerker.

• duration
• detailed description of the bikes
• a commitment to take good care of the bike
• contents of the bike leasing package
  • conditions of insurance and breakdown cover
  • maintenance and repair conditions
• agreements around early termination

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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.

Client space

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.

Bike Shop | Lucien

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.

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!

Client space

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,...

Client space

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.

With pickup services, you visit your local bike store and request a quote for your favorite bike and accessories.

There are three options if the employee leaves the company during the term of the lease:

• the employee purchases the bicycle for its market value at the time;
• the employee returns the bicycle upon payment of an administrative fee;
• the employee passes the bicycle to a colleague.

However, the employer is free to limit or expand these options.

At the end of the lease period, Joule will pick up the bicycle. Optionally, the cyclist can purchase the bike at market price.

Annual maintenance, comprehensive damage and theft insurance, a breakdown service subscription and a repair service.

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.

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.

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.

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.