"Can I keep it?" – everything you need to know about taking over your company bike at the end of the lease.
Your company bike has been a faithful companion for three years – so it's understandable that you don't want to give it back. As soon as the 36-month lease period ends, the question arises: should I really keep it or is it better to let it go? The good news is that in most cases, employees can actually take over their company bike at the end of the contract. In this article, we explain what you need to bear in mind and how the process works.
Taking over a company bike after leasing—here's how it works.
Even before the end of the contract, Deutsche Dienstrad will inform you by email and via the platform that your leasing contract is about to expire. You can then decide directly on the platform whether you want to purchase your company bike or return it free of charge. In your user account on the platform, you will also find the estimated purchase price (used purchase price) for your bike, based on its current value after 36 months of use.
If you decide to purchase the bike, it will be sold to you and become your private property. Payment of the amount due is made directly to Deutsche Dienstrad; once payment has been received, the bike officially belongs to you. Don't worry about additional costs. There are no additional costs: if the purchase price is below the residual value set by the tax authorities, the company bike will take care of the taxation of the resulting non-cash benefit for you. This means that there are no hidden fees on top – the purchase price offered is final.
Good reasons to buy
Many employees decide to purchase their bike for good reason. After three years, your company bike is often still in top condition and already perfectly adjusted to you. In addition, you are making a sustainable contribution by continuing to use your bike instead of replacing it with a new one. And last but not least, you save money: the purchase price for a used bike is usually significantly lower than the price of a new one, making it a financially attractive option for you.
You want to keep your bike—no problem.
Want to return your bike? That's no problem either: returning your bike is easy and free of charge. Deutsche Dienstrad will arrange for your company bike to be picked up and then refurbish it before returning it to the cycle of use – a plus for the environment and the circular economy.
What really belongs in the handover
The following applies to purchases or returns: Remember the parts that make the bike "complete." These usually include the original charger, keys (frame/battery key), and leased accessories. Only these leased parts must be included when returning the bike; privately retrofitted extras do not need to be returned.