Bike leasing for the public sector and education in Belgium

Bike leasing in the public sector: different rules, same idea

Bike leasing is becoming more common in the Belgian public sector, but the exact rules vary from one organisation to another.

• In Flanders, an increasing number of public sector organisations are offering their staff the opportunity to lease a bike. The specific arrangements vary from employer to employer. In the Flemish public sector, for example, the flex budget may consist of a portion of the gross end-of-year bonus, up to eleven days’ holiday, or a combination of both. Local authorities decide for themselves how they offer bike leasing and what terms and conditions apply.
• In Wallonia, bike leasing can be introduced by certain local public authorities, such as municipalities, CPAS/OCMW, provinces, intermunicipal organisations, autonomous municipal agencies and emergency zones. For local authorities in Wallonia, the financing can involve the voluntary conversion of certain benefits into a theoretical bike budget, such as the year-end allowance, the bike allowance and/or holiday days granted above the legal minimum.
• And Brussels? That depends on your employer. If you work for a Brussels local or regional public organisation, the rules depend on that specific employer.
• Do you work for a federal administration in Belgium? Since 2026, federal staff members can also benefit from bike leasing by using all or part of their gross year-end allowance for a 36-month lease period. The federal leasing package also includes roadside assistance, maintenance and insurance against damage and theft.

The first step is therefore always the same: check with your HR department which rules apply in your organisation.

Bike leasing in education

Bike leasing has now also been introduced in the Flemish education sector. Staff members can use part or all of their gross end-of-year allowance as a flexible budget for a lease bike. The school or institution’s board decides whether to offer bike leasing and sets out the practical arrangements. These include the eligibility criteria, the selection period and what happens if you change schools or employers. Are you a teacher, an administrative staff member, or do you work in a CLB, boarding school or learning support centre? If so, you may be eligible. Your governing body can tell you exactly which scheme applies to you.

In Wallonia, the situation is different. For most staff members in education whose remuneration depends on the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, bike leasing is generally not yet accessible today. Cyclis Bike Lease is following developments closely, so we can support education staff as soon as the framework allows it. Some specific cases may exist for staff working in an educational context but employed by a municipality. In that case, the possibilities depend on the municipality’s rules and the staff member’s status. We recommend you to always check the conditions within your organisation.

From budget to bike joy

The exact steps differ from one organisation to another, but the basic idea is simple:

1. Your employer, administration or school board offers bike leasing.
2. You determine which budget you want to use.
3. You choose a bike within the conditions of your organisation’s bike leasing policy.
4. Your employer approves your request.
5. Once your bike is ready at the bike dealer, you can do what you came for: ride.

To benefit from the favourable tax treatment, you must use the bike regularly for at least part of your commute. Private rides are, of course, allowed too.

And there may be an extra advantage along the way: depending on the rules within your organisation, bike leasing can sometimes be combined with a bike allowance. In Flemish education, this combination is explicitly possible.

Choose the bike that suits you

A city bike for your daily commute? An e-bike for an extra push? Or maybe a cargo bike, road bike, mountain bike or speed pedelec? With Cyclis Bike Lease, you choose the type of bike, brand and model that really suits you.

You can also add useful accessories, depending on the conditions set by your employer. You choose your bike and accessories at one of the bike dealers in our network across Belgium and the Netherlands. That means you can go to a local bike shop you know and trust, close to home or work. Handy for choosing your bike, asking questions, getting personal advice and keeping your bike in top shape.

More than just a bike

Bike leasing is not just about a bike and a few accessories. It is a complete package designed to help you ride with peace of mind. With Cyclis Bike Lease, your package includes a flexible maintenance budget, insurance and roadside assistance. On top of that, you benefit from personal support, an extra year of warranty and a replacement bike in the event of insured damage.

So throughout your lease period, you know exactly what is included and who to contact if something happens.

Why lease a bike through your employer?

Leasing a bike through your employer often means using a gross budget, which can make it financially more interesting than buying the same bike privately. On top of that, you get a complete leasing package with maintenance, insurance and roadside assistance. You choose a bike that fits your rides, your routine and your weekend plans, while still benefiting from the support of a local bike dealer from our network.

The result? More bike, more service and more joy on the road!

Frequently asked questions

Can I lease a bike individually if my organisation does not offer bike leasing?

No. Bike leasing through this type of scheme always goes through your employer, administration or school board. Your organisation must first have an agreement with a bike leasing company.

Do I have to use my full year-end allowance?

Not always. It depends on the rules of your organisation, the price of the bike you choose and the accessories you add. In many schemes, you can use part or all of your gross year-end allowance. If the bike costs less than the available budget, a remaining balance may be handled according to your organisation’s rules. If the budget is not sufficient, the remaining amount may need to be settled separately.

Can I use holiday days?

That depends on your employer. In the Flemish government, staff members can convert up to 11 annual holiday days into a flex budget, possibly in combination with their year-end allowance. Other organisations and education systems may have their own rules.

Can I keep receiving my bike allowance?

In some cases, yes. Bike leasing can sometimes coexist with a bike allowance, depending on the rules within your organisation. In Flemish education, the combination is explicitly possible.

In Wallonia, the bike allowance can also be one of the elements that may be converted into a bike budget for local public authorities. That is why it is important to check the exact rules with your HR department.

Can I choose any type of bike?

With Cyclis Bike Lease, you can choose from many types of bikes: city bikes, e-bikes, cargo bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, speed pedelecs and more. However, your employer may define specific rules for the types of bikes or accessories that are allowed. Always check your organisation’s bike policy before you start.

What happens if I change school, employer or position?

Your employer, administration or school board defines the rules in advance. These rules explain what happens if you change position, change organisation, leave your employer or no longer meet the conditions of the bike leasing scheme.

Check these conditions before you commit to a lease bike.

Can I buy the bike at the end of the lease period?

Yes. With Cyclis Bike Lease, you can buy the bike at the end of the lease period at the residual value stated in your lease offer. Prefer not to buy it? Then you can simply return the bike.

Can I include accessories in my lease contract?

Yes. Bike-related accessories can be included in your lease offer. This could include a helmet, panniers, a lock or other accessories that complete your cycling setup.

The exact possibilities depend on the bike leasing plan set up by your employer, administration or school board.

Can members of my family use my lease bike?

Yes. With Cyclis Bike Lease, family members living under the same roof may use the bike, as long as this is done in line with the insurance conditions.

Where can I have my bike maintained?

With your flexible maintenance budget, you can go to a local bike dealer from the Cyclis network. That way, your bike stays in great shape and you can keep riding with a smile.

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Ready to discover what is possible for you?

Ask your HR department, administration or school board whether bike leasing is offered and which conditions apply to your status.

Does your organisation already work with Cyclis Bike Lease? Then you can log in to My.Cyclis to simulate your budget and start your bike leasing journey.

Calculate your lease price