Financing sustainable mobility with smart solutions
E-bike leasing transactions require customized financing, a high degree of flexibility and the rapid processing of complex and large volumes of data.
14 October 2024 | Reading time 5 minutes
The bicycle and e-bike business has experienced a boom in recent years. Two-wheelers are increasingly shaping the streetscape in many European cities and are an integral part of the mobility mix. In addition, bicycles and e-bikes are also included in many company employee bonus systems, making them a trend that has not waned.
High demand for e-bikes
According to the German Two-Wheeler Industry Association (ZIV), the total number of bicycles and e-bikes in Germany in 2023 will continue to grow as in previous years – to 84 million (2022: 82.8 million), with e-bikes accounting for around 11 million. In addition to new purchases, the trend is increasingly towards the purchase of second or third bicycles – for example, for leisure, sports or transportation. According to the ZIV, market saturation is therefore still not in sight. According to a bicycle study by Ernst & Young (EY, June 2023), Germany is by far the largest bicycle market in Europe, with a 33% share of the total European bicycle market and a 45% share of the e-bike market.
Leasing industry enables investment in sustainable mobility
The leasing industry in particular is promoting the introduction and spread of new forms of mobility. Whether it’s electric cars or e-bikes, the vast majority of these vehicles are financed by leasing, according to the German Leasing Association (BDL). Currently, according to Ernst & Young, more than 3 million people in Germany can lease a bicycle through their employer.
Our goal is to work with our customers to implement individual refinancing solutions.
Alexander Tschirpke, Relationship Manager Leasing/ Factoring
HCOB is a strategic partner for e-bike leasing companies
Hamburg Commercial Bank (HCOB) supports leasing companies with their refinancing on a loan basis, drawing on its many years of experience. When developing the various refinancing solutions, HCOB flexibly addresses the needs of its customers and can simultaneously provide a high refinancing volume.
As per EY, the growth of the European bicycle market in the post-Covid period is expected to level off at 4.6% p.a. by 2028. In addition to increased fuel and car prices and an ongoing awareness of cycling as a sport and sustainable alternative to the car, the main drivers in the industry also include increasing investment in bicycle-friendly cities in almost all European countries, which are also being promoted by the EU. Bike leasing through employers has also become an important market driver.