The maintenance budget from A to Z

Naturally, you want to keep your lease bicycle in tip-top condition. That's why it's absolutely essential to keep on top of maintenance – and that’s where our handy and tax-efficient maintenance budget comes in. Learn about how it all works in our latest blog post.

What is this maintenance budget?

The maintenance budget is a tax-efficient manner of keeping your lease bicycle in tip-top condition – paid for via your gross salary, not your net salary, and thus lighter on your wallet. 

‍Check out this blog post on why leasing a bike is so tax-efficient.

How does it work?

At the start of your lease agreement, you decide how much you want to set aside annually for your maintenance budget. This could be anything from 50 to 400 euro. Your chosen amount will then be added to your lease payments, deducted from your gross salary on a monthly basis. Your bicycle’s due for a service? Let your maintenance budget take care of it. 

Valid with bicycle dealers across our o2o network

You can use your maintenance budget with any of o2o Bicycle Leasing’s trusted bike dealers. 

• Bringing your bicycle in for a service, repairs or other maintenance work? Make sure to provide the dealer with your Bike ID number. This can also be found via your o2o Biker account. 
• Your bicycle’s ready? Hit the road and let o2o take care of the rest. Only if your maintenance budget comes up short will you need to settle the difference yourself.

But how much does it cost to maintain a bicycle? Find out in our blog: ‘Maintenance costs for my lease bicycle: how much can I expect to pay?’‍

What is your maintenance budget used for?

Your o2o maintenance budget isn’t just some forgotten lease bicycle contract add-on – it’s your secret weapon to keeping things rolling. It allows you to keep your bicycle in good condition, without needing to worry about those unexpected costs. 

What exactly can your maintenance budget be used for? Here are some primary examples:

• Your annual service

Your annual service is like a spa day for your bicycle. Say goodbye to those last-minute trips to the repair shop.

• All maintenance and repairs

Even if you're on top of keeping your bicycle in good condition, things can sometimes go wrong. Parts can break, while others may need replacing. Thankfully, your maintenance budget also covers these maintenance and repair costs.

• New parts 

Whether you’re after a brand-new saddle, that cute basket, or those high-performance tyres you’ve been dreaming of for ages, your maintenance budget also covers the cost of new parts. Please note that you cannot use your maintenance budget for clothing, shoes or gloves.

• The cost of a replacement bicycle (if needed)

Sometimes, your bicycle may need to be sent off for a service. Don’t panic – your maintenance budget also covers the cost of a replacement bicycle if the brand or dealer can't provide you with one free of charge. 

To keep track of your maintenance budget, simply log in to the o2o Biker tool. That way, you’ll always be one step ahead of any potential costs and avoid any unwanted surprises. You’ll also receive a summary of any previous repairs, giving you a clear picture of exactly what has been done to your beloved bicycle.

Your lease bicycle’s maintenance budget: how much is enough?

Your maintenance budget can range from 50 to 400 euro per year. That’s quite a big difference, so how do you choose the right budget for you? Two rules of thumb:

1. Different budgets for different bicycles

No two bicycles are the same. Your choice of lease will affect what budget you need. 

• Non-electric bicycles: for non-electric bicycles, an annual budget of 50 to 150 euro should keep you covered. The absence of expensive components such as batteries or motors means no high repair costs in the event of any defects. 
• Classic electric bicycles: for electric-boosted bicycles, an annual budget of 150 to 250 euro is ideal. Some electrical components simply need that extra bit of care.
• Speed pedelecs: feeling the need for speed? For speed pedelecs, a budget over 250 euro per year would be a wise decision. These powerhouses do require some extra maintenance.

‍When should you bring your bicycle in for maintenance? Find out in our blog: How often do I need to maintain my lease bicycle?

2. Know yourself

When deciding on your maintenance budget, be sure to ask yourself:

• Am I an avid commuter, braving the elements each and every day? Or do I only use my bicycle for leisure when the weather is on my side?
• Am I handy with tools and not afraid to get my hands dirty? Or would I rather keep my manicured nails intact? 

The more kilometres you cycle and the less you are able to repair yourself, the more you should put aside for repairs. Also, don’t set your annual maintenance budget too low. It’s better to set your budget a little too high than to have to make up the difference from your own pocket. 

What if I have money left over in my maintenance budget?

Got money left over in your maintenance budget? Don’t worry, your hard-earned money won’t go to waste. Simply transfer the remaining amount to your next year of leasing. 

Lease contract coming to an end? Then you can use your remaining budget to give your bicycle one last tune-up or to buy any spare parts. 

Still got money left over? Then you'll receive a voucher to boost the maintenance budget for your next o2o lease bicycle.