Sitting in traffic is nobody's idea of a good start to the day. Add rising fuel prices and parking fees, the daily commute starts to feel like a tax on its own.
There's another way to get to work, and it doesn't involve buying a car or waiting on a delayed train. E-bike novated leasing is quickly becoming one of the easiest ways for Australian employees to make their commute cheaper, greener and genuinely more enjoyable.
The Problem with the Average Commute
Most commutes are expensive, slow and stressful before you've even sat down at your desk. Petrol prices fluctuate constantly. Parking in most Australian cities isn't cheap. Public transport doesn't always run where or when you need it to.
On top of that, sitting in a car for an hour each way isn't doing much for your health or your stress levels. Plenty of people would love a lighter, cheaper alternative. The problem has always been the upfront cost of a good e-bike, which can easily run into the thousands of dollars.
That's where salary packaging comes in.
What Is an e-Bike Novated Lease?
Just like you can novate a car through your employer, you can do the same with an e-bike. A novated lease is a three-way agreement between you, your employer and a leasing provider, where your repayments come out of your pre-tax salary.
Remunerator has partnered with Sparque to offer novated leasing for e-bikes, making it simple to lease a bike through work in much the same way you'd lease a car, just with fewer running costs and a much smaller carbon footprint.
Key Benefits of Novating an e-Bike
e-bike novated leasing works the same way as a standard novated lease, but the day-to-day benefits are a little different from what you'd get with a car. Here's what makes it worth considering:
- Skip the traffic: an e-bike lets you move past congested roads and banked-up traffic lights, which can make peak-hour trips noticeably quicker and less stressful.
- Park with less hassle: e-bikes take up a fraction of the space a car does, and many workplaces already have dedicated bike parking on-site.
- Income tax savings: because your lease payments come out of your salary before tax is calculated, novating an e-bike can reduce your taxable income and, in turn, the amount of income tax you pay.
- FBT exemption: e-bikes are currently exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT), which is one of the reasons they've become a popular salary packaging option.
- Possible GST savings: depending on your circumstances, you may also avoid paying GST on the bike itself.
- Arrive without the sweat: the electric assist takes the edge off hills and headwinds, so you can get to work without needing a shower and a change of clothes.
- All-inclusive maintenance: Your regular deductions cover servicing and upkeep, so the bike is looked after without extra out-of-pocket costs.
What's Included in an e-Bike Novated Lease?
One of the key advantages of novating an e-bike is that you're not just paying off the bike. A Remunerator e-bike novated lease bundles in:
- A high quality e-bike
- All servicing and maintenance, including parts and unscheduled repairs
- Accessories such as high-security lock and lights
- Insurance
- A lease term of 1 to 4 years
That means no surprise repair bills and no scrambling to sort out a decent lock after the fact. It's all wrapped into one predictable, pre-tax payment.
A Greener Way to Get to Work
Beyond the personal benefits, there's a bigger shift happening here. Fewer cars on the road means less congestion and lower emissions across the board. An e-bike commute also gets you outside and moving instead of stuck behind a windscreen, which is a small but meaningful change for your health.
It suits more than just the daily commute too. Whether you're heading to the office, running errands, or just want an easier way to get around the weekend, an e-bike novated lease is a practical option that fits a modern lifestyle without the sting of paying for it outright.
If you're weighing up your options, it's worth reading more about how novated leasing works more broadly, since the same salary packaging principles apply whether you're novating a car or an e-bike.
Common Questions About e-Bike Novated Leasing
Can anyone novate an e-bike, or just car owners?
Anyone whose employer offers salary packaging can novate an e-bike. You don't need to already have a novated car lease, and you don't need to give one up to add a bike.
What happens if the bike needs repairs?
Servicing, parts and unscheduled repairs are included in your lease, so you're not paying out of pocket when something needs fixing.
Can I novate an e-bike and a car at the same time?
Yes. The two are separate benefit items, so you can package both if it suits your situation and your employer's policy allows it.
Get Started with Remunerator
Ready to swap the car park for a bike lane? Request a free, no-obligation quote and our team will walk you through what it could look like for you, from choosing your bike through to your first ride to work.