A adapted bike for your commute? Here are your options

Are you looking for an adapted bike? They do exist: from adapted electric bikes to adapted tricycles for adults. But how do you pay for something like that? And which option should you choose? We’ll compare buying a mobility aid with bike leasing.

Option 1: Purchasing a mobility aid through the government

If you have a recognised disability, in Flanders you can apply to the VAPH (Flemish Agency for People with Disabilities) for a grant towards a mobility aid. A adapted bicycle may sometimes qualify for this, provided ‘the bicycle is medically justified and it improves your mobility’.

What does that mean in practice?

• You apply for recognition via your doctor or multidisciplinary team.
• The VAPH assesses whether the bicycle is eligible.
• You’ll receive a subsidy towards the purchase price and you’ll own the bike yourself.

Sounds good. And it is, if you meet the conditions. But the process isn’t always quick and straightforward, and it isn’t available to everyone.

• You’ll receive a fixed amount towards the purchase price. You’ll have to pay the difference yourself for a more expensive model, and electric assistance on a tricycle isn’t (yet) covered.
• The health insurance fund provides a fixed allowance for maintenance and repairs carried out by an approved provider. You’ll have to pay for any costs above that yourself.
• Only after a fixed period (usually 8 years) can you apply for a new subsidy for a new bike. If your care needs change within those 8 years, you can apply for a different adapted bike.

Option 2: leasing an adapted bicycle through your employer

If you can lease a bicycle through your employer, an adapted bicycle or healthcare bicycle is also an option. The only condition is that you use the adapted leased bicycle for your commute.

What does bike leasing actually mean for you?

• You pay the lease instalments via your gross salary, which offers tax benefits.
• As a result, you pay up to 40% less than you would for a standard purchase.
• The bike is all-inclusive: maintenance and cover for damage and theft are included.
• After three or four years, the choice is yours: buy the bike outright or return it.

No big upfront purchase. No surprises along the way. And if your bike needs replacing after three or four years, you simply start again. And hey, did you know that getting a bike through VAPH or via bike leasing doesn’t have to be an ‘either/or’ situation? Ask your health insurance fund or a social adviser what options can be combined in your situation.

Cover the cost of expensive maintenance through bike leasing Adapted bikes are often more expensive models with specific components, which means repairs or regular maintenance can quickly add up. With bike leasing, you include that maintenance budget in your lease package and pay for it via your gross salary. This makes maintenance up to 40% cheaper, whereas if you buy a bike, you pay every maintenance bill in full yourself. In many situations, leasing can therefore be more financially attractive, although the exact difference depends on the bike, the chosen maintenance budget and your personal circumstances.

What types of adapted bikes can you lease?

Almost anything, as long as it’s a bike. Tricycles, recumbent bikes, bikes with special steering, adapted electric (cargo) bikes, tandems with assistance… If the bike is available from an authorised bike dealer, in most cases you can lease it through o2o Bicycle Leasing.

But not every bike dealer has the expertise to advise you properly on an adapted bike. For that, you need a specialist.

Which expert can help you find an adapted bike?

Two names to remember: Bike Republic and Move All the Way. Both work in partnership with o2o Bicycle Leasing. You can contact them for advice and to lease a specific adapted bicycle.

Bike Republic

Bike Republic has a branch in every province and explicitly positions itself as a specialist in healthcare bikes. From adapted city bikes to handbikes: they know the range, they understand the needs and they take the time to find the right bike. They also have a partnership with Vigo, the expert in orthopaedic and mobility aids.

During an initial consultation, they assess the customer’s needs and determine whether they are eligible for a reimbursement via the VSB (Flemish Social Protection) or the VAPH (Flemish Agency for People with Disabilities). Customers for whom a reimbursement application is initiated are then supported by a Vigo care provider, who is responsible for advice, administration and follow-up. The Vigo care providers always use the Bike Republic showrooms for this purpose. Bike Republic, in turn, is responsible for assembling the bicycles. For clients not receiving financial assistance, Bike Republic handles the entire process itself. Vigo remains available at all times to provide advice and support to Bike Republic staff.

Move All the Way

Move All the Way is another partner specialising in adapted bicycles for people with a disability or specific mobility needs. They combine knowledge of the product range with expertise in financing options.

Leasing an adapted bike via o2o: how does it work?

1. Ask your employer if bike leasing is available via o2o.
2. Visit Bike Republic or Move All the Way for personalised advice.
3. Choose the lease bike that suits you.
4. Complete the application via myo2o Biker and calculate your lease price.

Is bike leasing not yet available through your employer? Feel free to send them our way. We’ll explain it in five minutes.