The benefits of company bikes for self-employed professionals and businesses

“Analysing mobility trends and turning them into new solutions for self-employed professionals and SMEs is one of our priorities,” explains Pieter-Jan Bruynooghe. As a Professional Lending Expert at BNP Paribas Fortis, he works every day with a wide range of business mobility financing solutions, including company bike financing.

The new golden age of cycling

“Today’s business customers have a different view of mobility. This is especially true in cities such as Brussels and Ghent, where low-emission zones have accelerated the shift. At the same time, cycling has evolved significantly thanks to the growing popularity of e-bikes, cargo bikes and speed pedelecs – electric bikes capable of reaching speeds of up to 45 km/h.
“As a result, cycling has become more accessible than ever and is now a realistic option for many types of business travel.”

Bike finance or leasing? Both are possible

Company bikes have become increasingly popular and financing solutions have evolved to keep pace.

“As demand has grown, we’ve expanded our range of financing solutions. At the same time, people are increasingly choosing premium bikes. Some models cost up to €10,000, making financing an attractive option.

“Like a company car, a company bike can be financed with an instalment loan, subject to the usual lending conditions, such as the minimum amount and repayment term. Finance leasing is another attractive option. In this case, the purchase of the company bike is financed by ES Finance, our leasing company. At the end of the agreement, the customer has the option to purchase the bike. The bike brand must be approved by our leasing company, which is generally the case.

“Our partner Arval also offers self-employed professionals and small businesses the option of adding a company bike to their car lease. Larger businesses with more extensive fleets can choose a standalone bike leasing solution.”

Business mobility continues to evolve and company bikes are just one example.

“We closely monitor mobility trends so we can anticipate the needs of our business customers. Our teams have developed the same expertise. So if you’re considering cycling for business journeys or your commute, your advisor can help you choose the financing solution that best suits your needs.”

The rise of cycling in Belgium: the figures speak for themselves

According to figures published by the TRAXIO VELO trade association in 2026, cycling continues to grow in popularity across Belgium:

• 578,737 bikes were sold in Belgium in 2025, an increase of 7.1% compared with 2024. Of these, 295,360 were electric bikes (+7.45%) and 283,377 were conventional bicycles (+6.7%).
• 23,681 speed pedelecs were registered in 2025, setting a new annual record.
• Sales of electric cargo bikes also continued to grow, rising 12.5% to 8,345 units.
• Growth was even stronger for long-tail e-bikes—bikes with an extended rear frame designed to carry children or heavy loads. Sales reached 9,210 units, up 17.7% compared with 2024.
• According to TRAXIO VELO and a survey carried out in November 2025, one in three Belgians are considering buying a new bike in 2026.

Taxation: five key questions about company bikes

Are company bikes (including e-bikes) tax deductible for self-employed professionals and businesses?

Yes. A company bike used for professional purposes is 100% tax deductible for both self-employed professionals operating in their own name and companies.

If you’re a self-employed professionals operating in your own name and also use the bike privately, the tax deductibility is reduced in proportion to your business use. For example, if you use the bike 50% of the time for private journeys, you’ll be able to deduct 50% of the costs.

Which company bike costs are tax deductible?

You can deduct all eligible costs at the same rate as the bike itself (adjusted where necessary to reflect business and private use). These include:

• the purchase price (through depreciation over several years) or lease payments;
• insurance;
• maintenance and repairs;
• accessories such as a helmet or tyres;
• cycling clothing and waterproofs; and
• electricity used to charge an e-bike.

Can I recover VAT on a company bike?

Yes. Whether you buy a company bike, lease one or purchase accessories, VAT of up to 100% can also be recovered, unlike VAT on a company car.

If my company provides me with a bike, is it treated as a taxable Benefit in Kind (BIK)?

Although the benefit must be declared on your tax return, it is exempt from personal income tax, provided that:

• you use your company bike for commuting between home and work; and
• you have opted for the flat-rate deduction for professional expenses. 

Is the cycling allowance for commuting between home and work taxable?

Yes, a company can pay a cycling allowance to its employees and, where applicable, to its company director for journeys between home and work made by bike.

This allowance is exempt from personal income tax, provided you opt for the flat-rate deduction for professional expenses rather than claiming actual professional expenses, and up to a maximum of €3,700 in 2026.