The Finnish government’s decision to remove the tax exemption for benefit bikes is rapidly reshaping the competitive landscape in Finland. Although the tax break is ending, the bike benefit itself remains and companies can still offer it to employees in a cost-effective and flexible way.
Vapaus and other service providers have already introduced new solutions that make the benefit fairer and more accessible, especially for lower-income employees. Whereas the previous tax-free model mainly favored high earners due to their higher marginal tax savings, the new solutions provide equal advantages across income levels.
Vapaus operates in Finland, Sweden and France. Its international presence enables direct agreements with bicycle manufacturers and importers, bringing European-level purchasing power to Finnish cyclists. The French subsidiary’s long-standing partnerships with European brands will now translate into even more competitive pricing in Finland.
“We’ve already delivered tens of thousands of benefit bikes and constantly learn what Finnish cyclists value. Now we can combine that experience with our international procurement expertise to make cycling truly accessible to everyone. At the most affordable level, an e-bike can cost under thirty euros per month,” says Mikko Ampuja, CEO of Vapaus.
With the new Vapaus bike benefit, employees can choose a high-quality bike — such as from Pelago, Cannondale or Tern — without any upfront fees or large initial payments. The bike is paid conveniently through salary over a chosen contract period (12–36 months), and the employer’s service fee is only 12.90 € per month per bike.
All contracts include comprehensive insurance with no depreciation, and if an employee’s situation changes, the bike can be exchanged or returned for a fixed 264 € termination fee. Setup can be completed in as little as one business day; Vapaus handles administration, reporting and valuation digitally on behalf of the employer.
The table below illustrates how the new Vapaus bike benefit compares with other market solutions, offering more choice with lower costs:
| Feature | Vapaus | Example: GoByBike (market data, 10/2025) |
| Selection | Multiple European brands (e.g., Pelago, Cannondale, Tern) | Helkama-Velox brands: Helkama, Merida |
| Employer service fee | 12.90 €/month (VAT 0%) | 16.30 €/month (VAT 0 %) |
| Contract length | 12, 24 or 36 months | 48 months |
| Start fee | 0 € | 99–399 € |
| Purchase price at end of contract | 20 % of bike value | 0 % of bike value |
| Monthly cost for an e-bike (employee) | From 27 €/month | From 40 €/month |
| Early termination / mid-term return | Fixed 264 € termination fee | Difference between resale price and remaining buyout value |
Sources: Vapaus and GoByBike websites and downloadable guides, October 2025
Vapaus is ISO 27001-certified and collaborates with The Upright Project to measure the net impact of its operations. Its circular economy program gives returned bikes a second life and further reduces emissions. The lifecycle emissions of all benefit bikes delivered by Vapaus are fully compensated.
Research also shows that commuting by bike can reduce sick-leave days by up to 4.5 days per year — a clear win for employee wellbeing and employer branding alike.
Looking to offer your staff an easy, responsible and accessible way to get around? Explore the new model and book a free meeting with our experts — we take care of the bikes so you can focus on your people.