German Companies Lead the Pack in Employee Bike Leasing and Sharing
Employer-provided bicycles are a prominent aspect for German businesses. - German businesses leading the charge in labor force participation
German companies have taken the lead in bike leasing and sharing for employees compared to international competitors, according to a recent survey by Arval, a fleet management service provider. The survey, which included 8,061 fleet decision-makers from 28 countries, found that 14% of German companies offer bike leasing or sharing for their employees, more than any other country surveyed.
The second-place country trails significantly behind Germany. In Germany, leasing is tied for second place with 8% between Switzerland and the United States, while sharing is also tied at 8% between the United States and Portugal. The average across all countries is 4 and 5 percent.
While the numbers are lower when considering all employees, as not all utilize the available services, Germany still remains above the average. The survey found that tax advantages drive the offer in Germany.
"In Germany, there are tax incentives that make bike leasing attractive for companies," says Katharina Schmidt from Arval Germany, explaining the reason for the higher percentage. Despite the Netherlands' renowned cycling culture, it only reaches 4 and 3 percent in bike leasing, largely due to more private bikes and less demand, and other means of cycling promotion, such as improved infrastructure.
The offer of bike leasing in Germany is on the rise. In 2020, only 9 percent of companies had a leasing offer, according to the survey at the time, and Schmidt expects the numbers to continue to rise. The survey also indicates that this trend is part of companies' sustainability strategies, with 15 percent planning to introduce bike leasing in the next three years, and 20 percent considering bike sharing.
factors contribute to Germany's lead in employee bike leasing and sharing:
- Favorable tax environment, including tax benefits and low taxation for leased bikes compared to other countries.
- A focus on sustainable mobility and employee well-being as part of corporate strategy.
- Innovative HR strategies that Foster employee engagement and help companies position themselves as attractive employers.
- Simplified administration of bike leasing schemes through partnerships with third-party providers and additional support like bike storage and shower facilities.
These factors make Germany a leader in employee bike leasing and sharing compared to international competitors.
- The favorable tax environment in Germany, including tax benefits and low taxation for leased bikes, plays a significant role in the country's lead in employee bike leasing and sharing.
- Innovative HR strategies in Germany, focusing on sustainable mobility, employee well-being, and engaging employees, help companies offer appealing employment policies, contributing to their lead in employee bike leasing and sharing compared to international competitors.
