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What is the difference between a job bike and a company bike?

All about bikes
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26 March 2025

Company bike leasing is an attractive way for employees and employers to provide or use a bicycle or e-bike in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way. There are many providers, such as JobRad, BusinessBike or Bikeleasing. However, there is often confusion about terms such as “job bike” and “company bike”. Are they synonymous or are there differences?

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What is company bike leasing?

Company bike leasing is a model in which a company or department provides bicycles or e-bikes for its employees via a leasing contract. The company bike can be used for both business and private purposes.


It is usually financed via salary conversion, where the leasing installments are deducted directly from the employee's gross salary, which brings tax advantages. Alternatively, the employer can cover all or part of the costs. At the end of the leasing period, there are various options, such as buying the bike at its residual value or returning it.

Job bike vs. company bike: the most important differences

Explanation of terms: What do job bike and company bike mean?

The terms job bike and company bike are often used synonymously - and not without reason: both refer to a bicycle or e-bike that is made available to employees as a benefit through their employer, usually via a leasing model. The bike can be used both for business and private purposes.


In terms of content, there is no difference between the two terms - they describe the same principle. The term “company bike” is the more neutral and general term, while “job bike” is often used as a modern or marketing-oriented term.


The fact that there is still confusion may be due to the fact that some leasing providers have established their own brand names that are distinct from the general term. This gives many users the impression that these are different models or concepts - although in practice the basic principle behind them is the same.


For employees and employers, this means that whether it is a job bike or a company bike, legally and functionally it is the same model.

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Tax treatment and distribution of costs

Tax treatment: How is company bike leasing taxed?

The tax treatment of company bikes is based on the 1 % rule or the 0.25 % rule:

  • 0.25 % rule: If the company bike is provided in addition to the salary, only a small amount is taxed as a non-cash benefit.
  • Salary conversion: The company bike is financed via the gross salary, allowing the employee to benefit from tax advantages.

Lease a Bike offers particularly attractive models with a low tax burden for employees.

Distribution of costs: Who pays what?

There are various financing models for company bike leasing:

  • The employer pays the full costs (tax-deductible).
  • The employee finances the company bike through deferred compensation.
  • Mixed models in which the employer and employee share the costs.

Lease a Bike offers flexible models that are tailored to the needs of companies.

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Utilization

Private or business only?

A major advantage of the company bike: the bike can usually also be used privately. This means that employees save on the purchase costs and benefit from a sustainable means of transportation at the same time.

Insurance: What cover is required?

A company bike should be adequately insured. Most providers offer the following types of insurance:

  • Fully comprehensive insurance against theft and damage
  • Accident insurance
  • Mobility guarantee (e.g. replacement bike or repair service)

  • Lease a Bike offers comprehensive all-round cover options with optimum protection. Employees can choose between various models that take effect in the event of theft or total loss. Inspection and wear and tear services can also be flexibly added to ensure long-term use.


    A Europe-wide mobility guarantee provides additional security: it offers breakdown assistance, a towing service and a replacement bike if required. This ensures mobility at all times.

    Ownership

    Who owns the company bike after leasing?

    There are various options at the end of the leasing term:

  • If desired and possible, the bike can be taken over by the employee at a residual value.
  • It is possible to return the bike to the leasing provider.
  • Lease a Bike offers fair takeover options with transparent residual values.

  • Service: Why Lease a Bike is a top choice

    In addition to the financial benefits, Lease a Bike offers outstanding customer service:

  • Fast processing: simple online registration and fast provision of the company bike.
  • All-round carefree package: insurance, maintenance and repair service included.
  • Best customer ratings: Lease a Bike has received several awards for its service.
  • Find out more now.

    Download our free information pack and find out how you can benefit from service leasing!

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