The function bike, an issue of attractiveness for the employer and well -being for the employee

The function bike slowly takes off in businesses, with a clear acceleration since the COVID crisis. The employee who has it can use it for both home work trips and for his personal activities. 2000 companies have already taken the step

Among the latest companies to embark on the adventure, there is the Eklo hotel group. At the start of the year, management launched an internal survey. And for a month, it has provided a Made in France electrical function bike to 20 employees who have been interested. A bartender, four women in bedrooms. A chef, too. “He dropped his car, and chose a cargo bike to also take his children to school.” “Others have opted for a foldable bike,” explains Emmanuel Petit, the founder of Eklo. As the company did not want to manage this fleet itself, it went through an intermediary and a turnkey solution. Bikes are rented for three years, with repair assistance, flight insurance, training. Helmet and anti -theft are provided.

The company covers 70% of the cost of the monthly rental. The rest, 30% is taken every month from the pay sheet. For employees, this represents a puncture of 90 to 110 euros per month, depending on the model chosen. All exempt from social contributions for the employer and the employee. The hotelier has set a few limits. Its device is only accessible to employees on permanent contracts, with a seniority of at least 6 months. And the latter must engage in honor to make at least half of their home trip annual work with their function bike, even if it is unspeakable concedes Emmanuel Petit. At the end of the three years of rental, the employee can buy his bike at broken prices. Or go for rent for three years with a new bike, and the assistance service that goes with it.

What is the interest for an employer to offer function bikes? It is multiple according to Olivier Issaly from France Vélo. It is an issue of attractiveness, to recruit and retain employees. This improves the company’s carbon footprint, on home work trips. It is an advantage in kind which gives purchasing power, especially when the car is partially or completely neglected. There is also a positive impact on the well-being and health of employees. Pedaling regularly to go to work would reduce sickness stops by 15% according to a Dutch study. The fact remains that France is still lagging behind. According to the calculations of France Vélo, 2,000 companies have taken the plunge and 20,000 employees would benefit. It is ten times less than in Belgium where there are 200,000 function bikes.