Commuting to Work by Bike: 10 Reasons Why It's Worth It

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June 7, 2023

1 min

Is it worth commuting to work on a company bike? In this article, we present ten compelling reasons to lease a company bike.

Key points at a glance

Stay healthy on the go: Regular commuting with a company bike boosts fitness and well-being.
Save money: Leasing a company bike is often significantly cheaper than driving a car or using public transportation.
Arrive stress-free: no traffic jams, no hunting for parking, no timetables.
Climate-friendly commuting: The company bike produces zero emissions.
Perfect for everyday use: predictable costs, insurance coverage, and full flexibility.

A man and a woman with helmets riding their company bicycles through the city, laughing

Traffic jams, crowded trains, wasted time, and stress even before the first cup of coffee at the office. For many people, the commute is a necessary evil. Yet it is precisely this daily journey that often determines how we start our workday—stressed or focused, annoyed or motivated. That’s why more and more working professionals are asking themselves a simple question: Why not ride a bike to work?

Jobfahrrad offers a compelling answer. Thanks to company bike leasing, the bicycle—whether a classic bike or a modern e-bike—becomes a true everyday tool for the commute. It combines exercise with mobility, saves money, and fits surprisingly well into a modern, flexible workday. Especially in times of rising fuel prices, growing traffic problems in cities, and increasing awareness of health and climate issues, the work bike is noticeably gaining in importance.

The commute to work is no longer just something to “get through,” but is actively utilized: as a short workout, as a mental transition phase between work and leisure, and as a conscious alternative to the car. The following ten reasons highlight the specific benefits the work bike offers for your commute—from health and cost savings to a better quality of life.

You actively do something to improve your health

Regular cycling strengthens the heart and circulatory system, reduces the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity, and noticeably improves overall fitness—this has been scientifically proven time and again. At the same time, it strengthens muscles and joints and improves coordination. Studies show that people who regularly commute by bike are, on average, less likely to get sick, feel more energetic, and enjoy a higher quality of life in the long term.

Start your workday feeling more relaxed

Exercise in the fresh air has been proven to reduce stress. Those who commute to work by bike start their day feeling more active and balanced than if they were stuck in traffic or crammed into crowded public transportation. The steady rhythm of movement helps clear your head and mentally prepare for the workday. Many commuters report better concentration, greater calm, and an overall more positive start to the day.

Save significantly on transportation costs

In many cases, a company bike is significantly cheaper than a car and often cheaper than a long-term public transportation pass. There are no costs for fuel, parking fees, insurance, or high maintenance expenses. Good to know: Thanks to the tax benefits of company bike leasing, you can save up to 40 percent compared to buying a bike outright—depending on your income and the model. This is a strong selling point, especially with rising transportation costs.

Monthly costs remain predictable

A major advantage of company bike leasing is the clear cost structure. Users pay a fixed monthly fee that—depending on the plan—already includes maintenance, inspections, and wear and tear. Lease a Bike also offers a similar package with its all-inclusive coverage. This provides planning security and protects against unexpected expenses. In everyday life, this means full control over costs without any financial surprises.

Freedom from traffic jams and schedules

With a commuter bike, you set your own pace. Traffic jams, train cancellations, and other delays become less of a concern. Here’s an interesting fact: on trips of up to about 15 kilometers, cycling—especially on an e-bike—is often just as fast or even faster than driving in the city. Plus, you don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot every day, which saves even more time.

Commute in a more climate-friendly and sustainable way

The company bike produces no CO₂ emissions or local pollutants when used. Every commute by bike therefore helps reduce traffic, noise, and air pollution. In short: Those who regularly commute by company bike significantly reduce their personal carbon footprint and make a tangible contribution to climate protection—without any extra effort in their daily lives.

Even longer distances are becoming suitable for everyday use

Thanks to modern e-bikes, even longer distances or hilly routes can be tackled with ease. Assistance when starting off, on inclines, or when facing headwinds ensures that you arrive at work relaxed and without excessive effort. This makes the commuter bike appealing even to people who have previously hesitated to bike to work.

You benefit from insurance and mobility services

Many company bike leasing plans include comprehensive theft and damage coverage as well as mobility guarantees. In the event of a breakdown or mechanical failure, you’ll still be able to get around and reach your destination reliably. Especially for the daily commute, this additional protection provides peace of mind and confidence in the company bike as a fully functional mode of transportation. Good to know: Lease a Bike also provides numerous services in the event of damage to ensure your mobility is maintained.

Your employer wins—and so do you

A company bike is an attractive employee benefit. Companies benefit from healthier, happier employees and fewer sick days. For you, this means that a leased bike is a modern benefit that effectively combines mobility, health, and sustainability, and noticeably enhances your daily work life.

You'll improve your work-life balance

Commuting by bike creates a conscious transition between work and leisure. Physical activity instead of screen time, fresh air instead of the hustle and bustle—this helps you unwind better after work and start the morning with greater focus. As a result, many people no longer view commuting by bike as a chore, but as an integral part of an active, balanced daily routine.

Woman on a gravel bike riding on a road through dunes

Conclusion

Even more reasons to choose the Jobfahrrad

These ten reasons clearly show that commuting to work by bike is worthwhile in many ways. You’re actively doing something for your health, saving on transportation costs, staying flexible, and at the same time contributing to climate protection. Company bike leasing makes your commute predictable, practical for everyday use, and—thanks to modern e-bikes—attractive even for longer distances. The commute to work is thus no longer just a means to an end, but an integral part of an active, balanced daily life.

And even beyond the hard facts, the company bike offers benefits that can’t be measured but can be felt: more exercise, more fresh air, new perspectives, and often greater creativity. Those who regularly commute by company bike not only arrive more reliably but often feel fitter, more alert, and mentally balanced.

Perhaps that is the greatest benefit of all: instead of sitting in traffic or getting frustrated by crowded streets and delayed public transportation, the workday begins with exercise and a clear head. The company bike transforms the daily commute from a burden into a real added value—even before the coffee machine in the office has been turned on.

FAQ

: With company bike leasing, the employee simply pays for the bike of their choice through their monthly gross salary. This means that a portion of the salary is not paid out in cash but is used directly to cover the lease payment and comprehensive coverage.
The major advantage: Because this amount is deducted directly from the gross salary, taxable income is reduced. The employee therefore pays less in taxes and social security contributions. The actual monthly net amount deposited into the bank account is ultimately lower than the conversion rate specified in the lease agreement. This results in savings compared to a cash purchase.

A simplified sample calculation
(Based on a gross list price of the bicycle of €3,999.00, the “All-inclusive” comprehensive protection package (to be paid by the employee), tax bracket 1, no children, subject to church tax)
This non-binding sample calculation illustrates how salary conversion can affect your income step by step.
Important: Employees can determine their personal benefit in seconds using our leasing calculator. If the company offers its own Lease a Bike landing page for company bike leasing, it is mandatory to use the calculator provided there.
For comparison with an employer subsidy:
Original net salary (without bike): €2,026.87
New net salary (with bike and employer subsidy): €1,949.76
Actual monthly cost of the bike: €77.11 (not the conversion rate of €149.03)
Costs over a 36-month term: €2,775.96 (including our top “All-inclusive” comprehensive protection package)
Direct purchase: €3,999.00 (excluding any wear and tear, maintenance, and insurance costs)
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For comparison, without an employer subsidy:
The original net salary (without the bike): €2,026.87
The new net salary (with bike, without employer contribution): €1,941.54
The actual monthly cost for the bike: €85.33 (not the conversion rate of €149.03)
Costs over a 36-month term: €3,071.88 (including our top “All-inclusive” comprehensive protection package)
Direct purchase: €3,999.00 (excluding any wear and tear, maintenance, and insurance services)
: With salary conversion, you as an employee do not receive part of your contractually agreed salary in cash, but as a non-cash benefit for the period in which the company bike is provided.

This means that an amendment is made to the employment contract in which your future salary is reduced by a fixed amount (conversion rate) by mutual agreement for the duration of the transfer of use. This then results in a tax and contribution advantage for you as an employee. You can easily calculate your savings in our calculator.

You can also find out whether bike leasing is worthwhile in our article “Buying or leasing a bike: which is cheaper?”.
: Company wheel leasing via salary conversion reduces your monthly gross income and therefore also the social security contributions for your pension. This is often seen as a disadvantage of employee leasing. However, the resulting losses are minimal. With a bike price of 3,000 euros, for example, the future pension entitlement is reduced by around 2 euros per month if the bike is leased with salary conversion over 36 months. Extrapolated, this would be a total of 468 euros less pension for the entire pension entitlement period. This amount is less than the average savings from a company bike. There is also the positive health aspect: according to current studies, regular cyclists are not only fitter and healthier, they also live longer.

If you receive your company bike as a salary supplement, the employer bears the entire cost on top of your salary. As there is no salary conversion in this case, social security contributions are not reduced. The pension is therefore also not affected.
: If your continued salary payments are discontinued, our payment default protection comes into effect. This happens, for example, if you are ill for longer than 42 days and receive sick pay or go on parental leave. Lease a Bike will cover the leasing installments for a maximum period of 12 months if the leasing contract has already been running for 6 months. In any case, we will always work together to find the best solution for all parties, unless one of the following options is possible or applies.

These can be:

Change of user. Your employer offers the company bicycle to another employee for the remaining term of the contract. The company takes all necessary internal measures for this (e.g. supplementary agreements to the employment contract, handover of the company bike).
Premature termination of the existing leasing contract by mutual agreement for important economic reasons with possible takeover of the used company bike by you as an employee. You also have the option of financing the purchase price via our FINANCE A BIKE product.
If you change companies, it is possible to transfer the existing leasing contract to a new company. After a credit check, the contract will be continued by the new company with all rights and obligations and the company bike will continue to be provided to you for the remaining term.
Return. If all of the above points do not apply in your case, the bike must be returned to your employer. We will then discuss the details of the individual process with your employer.
: If your continued salary payments are discontinued, our payment default protection comes into effect. This happens, for example, if you are ill for longer than 42 days and receive sick pay or go on parental leave. Lease a Bike will cover the leasing installments for a maximum period of 12 months if the leasing contract has already been running for 6 months. In any case, we will always work together to find the best solution for all parties, unless one of the following options is possible or applies.
These can be:
Change of user. Your employer offers the company bicycle to another employee for the remaining term of the contract. The company takes all necessary internal measures for this (e.g. supplementary agreements to the employment contract, handover of the company bike).
Premature termination of the existing leasing contract by mutual agreement for important economic reasons with possible takeover of the used company bike by you as an employee. You also have the option of financing the purchase price via our FINANCE A BIKE product.
If you change companies, it is possible to transfer the existing leasing contract to a new company. After a credit check, the contract will be continued by the new company with all rights and obligations and the company bike will continue to be provided to you for the remaining term.
Return. If all of the above points do not apply in your case, the bike must be returned to your employer. We will then discuss the details of the individual process with your employer.
: The user selects one option each for theft & damage protection (incl. free Europe-wide mobility guarantee), inspection and wear and tear and thus configures the all-round protection package according to their individual requirements. Accordingly, each all-round protection package includes theft and damage protection as well as a budget for inspection and wear and tear.

Read the article “Bike leasing and repairs” to find out who pays for repairs, what services are covered, and how to respond correctly.
: Please report the theft to the police immediately. The file number is required for the report. Have both original keys ready and provide the frame number when reporting the theft (you can find this in the Lease a Bike portal). After you have reported the theft to the police, you can report it quickly and easily directly in the Lease a Bike portal.
To do this, please log in to the portal as usual.
Under “Contracts,” select the relevant contract and click on “Report damage/theft.”
You will be redirected to the secure Allianz partner portal to upload all the details of the incident and the police report.
You did not lease a lock? Then we need proof of how the company bike was secured (e.g., receipt for the lock).
Important: Please wait for the final approval by email from Lease a Bike. Only then can you go to your specialist dealer (as part of the all-inclusive protection) to choose a new bike of the same type and quality. We will take care of invoicing and payment for the new bike.
Note on replacement of the item in the event of theft within the existing contract with a bicycle of the same type and quality. The new bicycle must only correspond to the purchase value of the stolen bicycle, including accessories.
However, the company bike will only be replaced if the all-inclusive option for theft and damage protection has been selected. If the user only has the premium version, the current value insurance applies and the leasing contract is terminated in the event of theft and the bike is not replaced.