Bike Rentals: LLD, Self-Service, or Company Bikes?

Should you still buy your bike? Not necessarily, as rental options are available through long-term leasing (LLD), self-service, and even company bikes at minimal costs.

This is an increasingly common option. Purchasing a bicycle involves a significant investment when opting for an e-bike or cargo bike. These types of bikes typically cost thousands of euros, and not everyone qualifies for government aid. Some manufacturers, resellers, or companies are thus betting on rental schemes.

Long-term leasing (LLD) or self-service

Le Véligo popularized this in Paris, followed by Swapfiets, then Dance or Red-Will. Ultimately, you can get a standard bike for less than €20/month, and an electric bike for less than €80/month. Contracts are often for 6 months or 1 year, but some promote no-commitment subscriptions, which tend to be more expensive.

And if you don’t think you’ll be a regular user, self-service rental also exists. It mainly operates through fleets in large cities, but also in medium-sized towns. Found with companies like Pony, Bird, or Lime, rental costs around 0.25 euros per minute, with unlocking fees of 1 euro.

The Sustainable Mobility Package

Within the framework of the Sustainable Mobility Package, employers, whether in the private or public sector, can cover commuting costs by bike, ranging from €200 to €700 or even €800 annually, just as they do for public transport cards. The cost of renting a bike can thus be reimbursed in full or sharply reduced.

Company bicycle rental

Your company may have a solution for you by offering a company bike. Private operators have developed tailored offers, such as TIM Mobility. Contracts typically run from 12 to 48 months, but most are for 36 months (3 years), as the employer benefits from a 25% tax reduction on rental expenses. About 70% of the cost is covered by the employer and 30% by the employee, without affecting the taxable base (unlike a company car).

« We have a luxury concierge service, the employee is followed from the start and supported daily,» declares Jérôme Blanc, co-founder of TIM Sports. He also benefits from safety equipment, handover with prevention, insurance, maintenance, and repairs. »

The company has its own mechanics in Paris and partners elsewhere. Present in the capital, the offer is available to many clients in Roubaix, Strasbourg, Dijon, Bordeaux, Nantes, or Lyon. Various types of rental bikes are offered—electric, folding, cargo—and mainly French brands. The catalogue includes brands like Moustache, O2feel, iWeech, Gitane, or Yuba, as well as Brompton or Babboe.