Enschede bicycle shop introduces a leasing scheme for adapted bicycles

Source: Fietsberaad Crow, Tubantia

Picture credit: Lars Smook / Tubantia

A bicycle shop in Enschede, the Netherlands, has introduced a leasing scheme for custom and adapted bicycles, providing greater access to mobility for customers with additional needs due to age or illness, who may be hesitant about investing in a suitable model.

Landewé Fietsen, which has two branches in the town of Enschede, stocks various specially adapted bicycles including models from LEVA-EU member Van Raam, alongside more traditional bikes, e-bikes and cargo bikes.

Owner Wim Landewé has created the scheme, Noaberlease, which enables customers to lease a custom bicycle for €200-€300 per month, with maintenance, insurance and roadside assistance included in the cost. Landewé says, “A tricycle costs €7,000 to €8,000, and a tandem costs around €10,000 if it’s electrically assisted.” He acknowledges that this upfront cost can be a deterrent for many people, particularly if they are apprehensive about their ongoing ability to use a bicycle. He continues, “We think that’s a shame because we want everyone to have access to bicycle mobility. If only because people who are not mobile often end up socially isolated.”

The Netherlands’ leasing landscape

The launch of Noaberlease is not Landewé’s first foray into bicycle leasing. He was a co-founder in 2001 of the pioneering Twentse Samenwerkende Rijwielhandelaars (TSR), a collective of bicycle dealers which helped ensure that employees could purchase bicycles through tax-friendly plans.

Now, employees are more likely to lease through a company bike leasing scheme following their introduction in 2020. It was recently reported that a quarter of new electric bicycles in the Netherlands are leased through employers. Anouk Hiensch, Director of Lease a Bike, which provides both traditional and adapted models, says, “People appreciate not having to pay a large sum all at once for a good bike, making e-bikes accessible to all working Dutch people. Bicycles are becoming one of the most sought-after secondary employment benefits.” Heinsch goes on to observe: “An e-bike could replace a car for many people. We’re also seeing increased cycling thanks to company bicycles. There are advantages for employers too. Implementing the scheme is free of charge. And employees stay more energetic. Some employers consider this so important that they cover all the leasing costs.” 

For Landewé’s private customers through Noaberlease, Wim Landewé sees clear advantages, with affordable costs and the ability to cancel after a year free of charge with no buyout agreement. “You can lease your customized bicycle. No large upfront investment, no setbacks, cancel anytime, free testing beforehand, and all-inclusive service and repairs. If you no longer need the bicycle, we’ll pick it up and you won’t have any further costs. If all goes well, you can take over the bicycle after three years.”