The bicycle industry expects that by 2023, well over half of all new e-bikes will be leased rather than purchased outright. But which leasing provider actually offers the best overall package?
In addition to the monthly lease payment, service and insurance play a crucial role. The trade magazine Velomotion.de compares the offerings of the leading lease providers every year—and once again, eurorad has come out on top.
Buying a new e-bike is a major investment—there’s no sugarcoating it. Experts estimate that by 2022, the average price paid for a new e-bike in Germany will already be around 3,500 euros. On top of that, there’s a factor that shouldn’t be underestimated: Very often, people buy two bikes at once—after all, you don’t want to go on a ride alone, but rather spend enjoyable and exciting hours together with your partner.
Alternative: Company Bike Leasing
For many people, leasing an e-bike (or even a traditional bicycle) is therefore a welcome alternative. This so-called “company bike” leasing works similarly to how car leasing works: A small portion of one’s salary is exchanged for an e-bike provided by the employer. Since the leasing payment is deducted from the gross salary, the actual net cost to employees is significantly lower; furthermore, for personal use, a bicycle or e-bike is taxed at only 0.25% of its original price.
eurorad offers the best overall package
For the past three years, the magazine Velomotion.de has made it its mission to compare the offerings of all leasing providers relevant to the market. To this end, the magazine requested leasing and service rates for one bike each with a retail price of 4,000 and 6,000 euros. They also inquired about insurance and service offerings, as well as background information such as the leasing factor and whether commissions are charged by specialty dealers. Once again, the editorial team at Velomotion named eurorad’s offer the best in the comparison.
For one thing, the lease rates themselves are the lowest; for another, leaseholders at eurorad don’t have to compromise on insurance or service benefits. Wear-and-tear coverage kicks in from the very first day and for every euro, with no upper limit. Velomotion urges caution here, as this cap is set at just a few hundred euros with some providers. This amount can be quickly exhausted over a three-year lease term—and before long, a lessee is riding an e-bike that is no longer 100 percent safe. This can also become a problem for the employer—after all, the employer provides the e-bike as a company bike.
Peace of Mind Thanks to the Mobility Guarantee
All leasing providers offer what is known as a “mobility guarantee.” As the name suggests, this is intended to ensure that users remain mobile in the event of a breakdown or theft, and covers any resulting costs, such as overnight accommodations. These benefits vary considerably depending on the leasing partner. But even here, eurorad doesn’t put a foot wrong and stands out with a comprehensive insurance package. This includes 24-hour coverage throughout Europe—for example, in the event of theft or vandalism—and provides for a replacement vehicle or the return transport of a bike.
In any case, Velomotion also recommends always seeking expert advice from a specialty retailer. With a dealer network of more than 4,000 specialty shops, ZEG can draw on an exceptionally strong network through its Dienstrad Leasing program. ZEG’s TÜV-certified quality repair shops provide an additional guarantee of expert advice. This certification applies not only to the repair shop itself but especially to customer interaction and personalized advice—in keeping with the standards of a modern mobility expert.
Leasing with eurorad offers customers many benefits as part of a comprehensive package:
- The significant financial burden of the purchase is spread out over 36 monthly payments.
- An e-bike can usually be purchased at the end of the lease term at a very attractive price (16% of the original price).
- The lease bikes include the test winner's comprehensive service packages, which ensure that the e-bike remains in top condition throughout its three-year service life.
- An excellent insurance package is also included, which covers not only theft, but also vandalism or a stolen battery.
- Permanently installed accessories such as lighting, a lock, or a child seat can be included in the lease.
With eurorad Leasing, all ZEG authorized dealers offer the test-winner’s outstanding leasing service, which includes these benefits—with no loopholes, no service limits, and effective from day one.
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ZEG specialty retailers offer even more options
When buying an e-bike, there’s no getting around the question of leasing or financing—and thus the issue of money. When purchasing a new e-bike, there are a wide variety of options available: leasing, installment plans, a company bike provided by your employer, or perhaps even a potential subsidy, not to mention the question of insurance—all these options highlight how important it is to choose a trustworthy partner as a specialty retailer who isn’t just looking to quickly get rid of a slow-moving item, but who can provide comprehensive and competent advice on all these areas.