Cycling trips with a company bike: these tips will help you enjoy your cycling vacation
Can you travel with a company bike? In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about cycling trips with a leased bike—from planning to the best destinations for a cycling vacation.
The most important information at a glance
E-bikes enable longer distances and more relaxed travel – perfect conditions for a successful cycling holiday.
Company bikes can easily be used for cycling trips and holidays.
High-quality equipment makes company bikes ideal for long tours and multi-day trips.
Good planning and the right packing list are crucial for a successful cycling trip.
Europe offers numerous bike-friendly regions with excellent infrastructure.
With Lease a Bike's comprehensive protection and mobility guarantee, you are also covered when abroad.
A company bike is not just for commuting to work. In practice, many people also use their leased bike for leisure, weekend trips, and longer cycling tours. This is no problem, as company bikes can be used for private purposes without restriction. Leased e-bikes are therefore also an excellent alternative for cycling tours and cycling vacations.
This is all the more true as e-bikes make traveling by bike much easier. Thanks to their electric drive, they enable longer daily stages, reduce physical strain, and make even challenging routes accessible to many people. And best of all, since you have a free choice of model when leasing a company bike, you can specifically select a bike that is suitable for cycling trips—such as a trekking e-bike or a touring bike.
Can you use a company bike for cycling trips and vacations?
A company bicycle may also be used for private purposes, including cycling trips and vacations at home and abroad. This private use is provided for by law and is part of the company bicycle leasing model. The basis for this is the tax regulation on monetary benefits under Section 8 (2) of the Income Tax Act (EStG), which expressly permits private use (source: Federal Ministry of Finance, BMF letter dated January 9, 2020).
Restrictions are generally not imposed by legal regulations, but only by individual leasing contracts. Many company bikes are also covered by insurance and mobility services, so you can travel flexibly and carefree on bike trips.
Why a company bike is ideal for cycling trips
A company bike offers the best conditions for comfortable and safe cycling trips. Unlike a classic everyday bike, when leasing you can specifically choose a model that is designed for longer distances. Trekking e-bikes and touring e-bikes in particular are designed for multi-day tours. They have sturdy frames, powerful motors, long-lasting batteries, and a comfortable geometry that ensures a pleasant riding experience even after many hours in the saddle.
Another advantage is the high-quality equipment. Many leased e-bikes come standard with luggage racks, mudguards, and powerful lighting. This makes it easy to attach bike bags and ensures that you can ride safely even in changing weather conditions. Modern e-bike batteries also enable ranges of 80 to 150 kilometers—enough for most daily stages on bike tours.
What's more, tax advantages for company bike leasing give many users access to higher-quality bikes than they could afford to buy outright. This increases comfort, safety, and reliability – crucial factors on longer bike trips.
Proper planning
This is how you can enjoy a bike trip with a company bike
Good preparation is crucial for a successful bike trip. This includes first and foremost the selection of the appropriate route. Popular cycling destinations in Europe have well-developed cycling networks, regular stopping places, and bicycle-friendly accommodations.
The daily stages should also be planned realistically. Longer distances are possible with an e-bike. Nonetheless, one should plan for sufficient breaks and adjust the route to one's own fitness level. It is especially important to consider charging points along the route to be able to charge the battery as needed. Many hotels, restaurants, and public facilities now offer special charging options for e-bikes.
Checklist for planning a bike trip with a service bike
Choose a suitable route (bike paths, infrastructure, difficulty)
Plan realistic daily stages (including breaks and charging times)
Book accommodations in advance, ideally bike-friendly hotels
Plan for charging points for the e-bike battery along the route
Perform a technical check of the service bike (tires, brakes, battery, lights)
Check the weather conditions and pack appropriate clothing
Carry emergency contacts and important documents with you
Additionally, a technical check of the bicycle is recommended before the trip. Brakes, tires, lights, and battery should be in perfect working order. Regular maintenance not only increases safety, but also reduces the risk of breakdowns on the road.
Packing list for bike trips
This absolutely belongs in your luggage
The right gear is an important part of any bike trip. A well-thought-out packing list ensures that you are well-prepared on the go without carrying unnecessary weight. The basic equipment includes:
Bike bags or rack bags
Rain gear and waterproof clothing
Replacement hose and repair kit
Bicycle pump and multitool
Charger for the e-bike battery
Water bottles and snacks
Navigation device or smartphone with map material
It's worth investing in high-quality, waterproof bags, especially for longer bike trips.They reliably protect luggage and electronics from rain and dirt.
Do you want to take your service bike on vacation? We have created a packing list for you so that you can start your vacation safely and relaxed.
Possible destinations for cycling trips
Bicycle tours in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is known worldwide for its bicycle infrastructure and flat landscape, making cycling with your company bike an easy and enjoyable way to travel. One of the most well-known bike tours in the Netherlands is the bike path along the North Sea, also known as the "Dutch Coastal Route." The route begins in Rotterdam and runs along the coast through The Hague, Amsterdam, and Zandvoort, ending in Bad Nieuweschans. Along the way, you can enjoy the beautiful coastal landscape, visit historic cities, and try local specialties.
Bicycle tours in Austria
Austria offers spectacular scenery and some of the most beautiful bike trails in Europe. One of the most popular bike tours is the Danube Bike Trail, which runs from Passau in Germany to Vienna. The trail runs along the river and offers spectacular views of the Danube and the surrounding landscape. You can also explore the charming towns and villages along the way, including Linz, Melk, and Krems.
Bicycle tours in Italy
Italy is known for its picturesque cities, historical monuments, and breathtaking landscapes. One of the best bike tours in Italy is the bike path along the Po River. The route begins in Turin and takes you and your service bike along the Po River through Piacenza, Cremona, and Ferrara to Venice. The tour winds through some of Italy's most beautiful regions and offers a glimpse into the country's culture and history.
Bicycle tours in France
France offers a wealth of bike tours that take you along the coast, through the mountains, and through the French countryside. One of the best tours in France is the Route des Grandes Alpes, which runs from Thonon-les-Bains on Lake Geneva to Nice on the Côte d'Azur. This tour takes you through some of France's most impressive landscapes, including the Alps, the Rhône, and Provence.
Lease a bike all-round protection: Safety and insurance for bike trips
Especially on longer bike trips, reliable insurance is important. Technical problems or damage cannot always be avoided. A mobility guarantee and comprehensive insurance coverage ensure that you are also protected abroad.
With the Lease a bike all-round protection, lessees benefit from comprehensive services, including theft and damage protection as well as support in the event of a breakdown. The Europe-wide mobility guarantee ensures that in case of an emergency, help is quickly organized and the bike trip can continue.
Conclusion
Discover the freedom of cycling with a service bike
Our overview shows that commuting by bike combines sustainable mobility, comfort, and adventure. And the best part: Thanks to modern e-bike technology, longer distances can be covered more relaxed, while high-quality equipment and reliable technology create ideal conditions for multi-day tours.
The private use of the service bike makes it possible to use the leased bike not only in everyday life, but also on vacation. With the right planning, suitable equipment, and a suitable bike, nothing stands in the way of unforgettable bike trips. A leased e-bike is not only a practical means of transportation for the commute, but also an ideal companion for bike trips and cycling vacations throughout Europe.