79 %
have cycled more since they started to use a benefit bike.
1217 km
was the average distance cycled by an employee with a bike benefit in 2023. Employees with a bike benefit cycle more than five times the distance of other Finns – the average for a Finn is 234 km.
46 %
say they have reduced the number of car journeys they make after getting a benefit bike. The average reduction in driving has been 42 km per week.
Background information
All respondents to the survey (n=4,598) are users of Vapaus benefit bikes. Approximately two thirds of respondents who reported their gender were men and one third were women.
The proportion of women among employees with a bike benefit is growing at a steady rate. According to the user data of Vapaus, the share of women with new benefit bike contracts in 2021 was less than 17%. Of the contracts drawn up in 2023, women already accounted for 32%.
The Finnish Cyclists' Federation conducted its own survey of employees with a bike benefit at the beginning of 2023, and reported that 22% of respondents were women.
In terms of age distribution, most respondents were in the 40–49 age group. According to the user data of Vapaus, the average age of a Finnish employee with a bike benefit is 43.4 years. For women, the age is 45.3 and for men 42.6.
Approximately one in five respondents are located in the capital region. The next most represented areas were the bicycle mecca of Oulu’s home region North Ostrobothnia, Uusimaa (other than the capital region) and Pirkanmaa.
According to the data of Vapaus, Oulu outperforms Tampere and Vantaa, for example, in terms of the number of benefit bikes.
The benefit bike is still a new phenomenon in Finland. More than 60% of respondents have used their current benefit bike for less than a year. A solid 10% are benefit bike pioneers who have been using benefit bikes for two years or more.
We asked the respondents to rate themselves as cyclists. The majority (49%) felt the option “I cycle a lot” described them the best. Around 10% of respondents described themselves as “a cycling enthusiast”.
Employees with benefit bikes cycle five times more than others
Respondents were also asked to evaluate the kilometres travelled in 2023 and their own year-round cycling activity.
Slightly more than half of the respondents cycled 1,000 kilometres or less last year. 4% cycled more than 4,000 kilometres.
The average among the respondents was 1,217 km cycled.
According to Traficom’s 2021 survey on passenger transport, Finns cycled an average of 234 kilometres a year – a cyclist with a bike benefit therefore cycles more than five times the average of other Finns!
There is a rather large difference between the genders: men cycled an average of 1,368 km, while women cycled 895 km.
The results are quite even among different age groups: the most active cyclists aged 40–49 years (1,282 km), while those aged 18–29 years cycled the least (1,066 km).
“I have discovered new areas by cycling to new and strange places with my electric bike.”
Male, 40–49 years old, electric fatbike as benefit bike
Somewhat surprisingly, people cycled significantly less with electric bikes (1,059 km on average) than with regular bikes (1,596 km).
"This is largely due to the fact that there are a lot of cyclists among those who buy a regular bike who cycle particularly long distances. Of those who cycled over 4,000 kilometres a year, there was a relatively high number of regular bike users," says Tero Era, CEO of Vapaus.
As expected, road cyclists cycled the most kilometres of all frame types – an average of 1,972 km. Next on the list was the “gravel, cyclocross or touring bike” with 1,625 km, and the cargo bike with an average of 1,559 km.
"With an electric bike, I’ve been able to cycle routes that would not have been possible with a regular bike. In addition, I cycle to work on some days outside of the winter, and it has helped our family’s everyday life when my spouse has had access to our car instead of it being parked in the workplace parking space."
Male, 30–39 years old, an electric gravel bike as a benefit bike
Users of folding bikes (557 km) and city bikes (848 km) cycled the least, respectively.
In the figures for each bike type, it is worth noting that we asked for the number of kilometres cycled by the respondent, not the number of kilometres travelled by the benefit bike. Most respondents (69%) have access to one or more other bicycles in addition to the benefit bike. For example, a person who has chosen a cargo bike as their benefit bike may cycle the majority of their kilometres on their other bikes.
Year-round cycling activity
Approximately 57% of respondents cycle all year round – although most of them admit to cycling significantly less when it is cold and dark than in other seasons.
“I have increased my winter cycling considerably, as my other bike is more of a road bike for the summer.”
Male, 30–39 years old, a rigid mountain bike as the benefit bike
Men are more likely to cycle all year round compared to women. 36% of men and 56% of women say they do not cycle all year round.
"Winter cycling has been much smoother! I’ve not been on a bus since I bought an electric bike, because cycling is more fun, healthier, faster and now smoother as well."
Female, 30–39 years old, electric mountain bike as a benefit bike
Regular bikes are slightly more popular than electric bikes all year round, but the differences are not very significant.
“The benefit bike is my first mountain bike, and it has increased my off-road cycling as well as winter cycling in the toughest conditions.”
Male, 30–39 years old, full-suspension mountain bike as a benefit bike
We asked the respondents why they had decided to get a benefit bike instead of buying the bike directly for themselves.
Money is by far the most important reason for choosing a benefit bike: total savings are the most important reason (62% of respondents), but almost equally important is the fact that no large down payment is required at the time of buying the bike (58%). A benefit bike is paid gradually, in small instalments of the cyclist's salary.
"There is no down payment. That’s why, for many people, a benefit bike is the only sensible option for buying, for example, an electric bicycle worth several thousands of euros," Era says.
"I get a great bike without investing a lot of money at once.”
Male, 30–39 years old, a rigid mountain bike as a benefit bike
Of course, environmental friendliness is an important value for many cyclists, but it has been an important reason to choose a benefit bike instead of other purchasing methods for only a small proportion of the respondents (8%). Era points out that a benefit bike is a good choice for those who are environmentally conscious.
“Vapaus compensates for the life-cycle emissions of all our benefit bikes and ensures that bikes returned from users are given a new life through the Precycled programme,” he says.
People with benefit bikes cycle carefree kilometres – one reason for this is the comprehensive insurance and the optional service budget, which is also eligible for tax benefits.
"An easy way to get a new bike that I was supposed to get anyway. The service budget is also an easy and convenient feature."
Male, 40–49 years old, hybrid bike as a benefit bike
Up to 93% would recommend the bike benefit to their colleague
The vast majority of those with a benefit bike would recommend the benefit to a colleague – almost two out of three are “very likely” to do this. Overall, more than 93% would recommend the benefit, and the average rate is 4.6/5.
"This result says a lot about how well-received the benefit is in the workplaces. It’s equal for all employees, and everyone can get exactly the bike they want and use it in their own way – for commuting, everyday errands or just cycling around," Era says.
People in general are willing to recommend the benefit, but women are particularly eager to recommend the bike benefit to their colleagues (4.7/5 vs. men 4.5/5).
There is one persistent misunderstanding about benefit bikes: many people think it’s just for commuting.
In reality, you can do whatever you want with your benefit bike. Many people get a benefit bike mainly for leisure-time cycling. Others combine pleasure and benefit.
"It’s fantastic to both cycle to work and cycle in my free time. Best purchase ever!"
Female, 40–49 years old, full-suspension electric mountain bike as a benefit bike
The most popular type of benefit bike is a full-suspension mountain bike – it is also suitable for commuting and everyday cycling, but the bike is at its best in the woods and on rocks.
There are significant differences in the wheel types between genders: According to Vapaus' data, for example, as many as 28% of men chose a full-suspension mountain bike, while only 8% of women chose it.
Among women, hybrid, rigid mountain bikes and city bikes are clearly the most popular bike types.
“Based on the results of the survey and our data, we can conclude that men are more likely to buy their dream bike, while women often choose a more everyday alternative,” says Lotta Vänskä, who is responsible for marketing at Vapaus.
Of course, it is also possible to get a slightly more atypical bike as part of the bike benefit, such as an electric cargo bike, which can open up completely new possibilities for the whole family to get around!
“My bike is a cargo bike and it’s easy to transport two children to the kindergarten.”
Male, 30–39 years old, electric cargo bike as a benefit bike
Electric or not?
Seven out of ten benefit bikes are electrically assisted.
Women are slightly more likely to get an electric bike than men – more than 76% chose an electric bike, compared to around 67% for men. Vapaus' bike data shows very similar percentages.
Also read: Everything to know about electric bikes – what is an electric bike? (in Finnish)
There are significant differences in age groups, and the proportion of electric bikes seems to correlate directly with the age of the users. In the youngest group of 18–29-year-olds, the proportion of electric benefit bikes is around 57%, while among those over the age of 60, it is up to 86%.
The bike benefit is the key to quality bikes
On average, the respondents are very satisfied with the bike they chose: the average satisfaction rating is 4.6/5.
77% of respondents say that they would probably or very likely not have purchased a bike of similar quality without the bike benefit.
“I would never have been able to get a high-quality bike in this price category without the bike benefit.”
Female, 40–49 years old, full-suspension electric mountain bike as a benefit bike
In addition to the total savings, the fact that there is no need for a down payment makes it easier to get a benefit bike.
“The bike benefit made it possible to get a bike of a much higher quality than what I could afford to buy at once.”
Male, 18–29 years old, electric hybrid benefit bike
The average price of benefit bikes is EUR 3,286
According to Vapaus' data, the average price of benefit bikes is EUR 3,286. Those who are shocked by such a high price should remember that more than 70% of the bikes are electric.
Also read: The price of a bicycle – what do you get for your money?
The bikes selected by men have an average price of EUR 3,414, while bikes selected by women have an average price of EUR 2,971.
Women are more likely to choose an electric bike than men, but the average price for men’s bikes is still 15% higher. What is the reason for this?
"As we’ve seen, men are more likely to choose an expensive leisure-time bike than women, such as a full-suspension mountain bike or a racing road bike with carbon fibre features. Even without electric power, these bikes can be expensive," Vänskä explains.
Domestic bike shops are still the most popular places to get a benefit bike. However, Vapaus' data reveals a large gender gap related to procurement channels. 32% of men ordered their bikes online, compared to only 15% for women. Among age groups, 30–39-year-olds (32%) favour online shopping the most, while over 60–year-olds (13%) favour online shopping the least.
Also read: Buying a bike online: finding a good bike online (in Finnish)
There are many types of cyclists with benefit bikes, and the reasons for cycling vary. Outdoor activities and nature are the most important reasons for cycling among the respondents. This was mentioned by 74% of all respondents. Improving physical fitness is considered almost equally important (73%).
Commuting is an important reason for many (53%), as is other everyday activity (48%).
Relaxation or fun is also important (49%).
“Wonderful winds of speed combined with the rapid change in nature and the urban environment is the best feeling!”
Male, 40–49 years old, electric mountain bike as a benefit bike
Mental health benefits and stress relief as well as weight loss were also mentioned by many (both about 45%).
"Electrically assisted mountain bikes get more people moving along forest paths. This has a very relaxing effect. It is also easier to use the bike on days when you are physically tired for some reason."
Male, 50–59 years old, full-suspension electric mountain bike as a benefit bike
Saving money compared to other forms of transport is an important reason for about a quarter of the respondents.
Many people emphasise the role of the bike in commuting, but it can clearly be used for many different purposes. 31% of respondents emphasise the feeling of freedom and adventure.
“In addition to basic commuting, I’ve also taken the benefit bike on different excursions, such as the South by Cycle route, which I would have missed without getting a gravel bike.”
Male, 30–39 years old, gravel bike as a benefit bike
And who says you can't make a small (or big) detour during your commute for a bit of fun and relaxation?
I’ve expanded cycling from road to off-road with my benefit bike, which I originally got for commuting! Cycling on forest paths at the end of the day is a great way to reset your mind and move your body after working with a computer."
Female, 30–39 years old, rigid mountain bike as a benefit bike
Now it’s confirmed: getting a benefit bike makes people cycle more!
43% of respondents say that cycling has increased significantly since getting a benefit bike. 36% estimate that their kilometres cycled have increased slightly.
This means that 79% of all respondents have increased their cycling.
“I’ve found the joy of cycling: before I hated it, whereas now I almost always cycle, even in winter.”
Female, 30–39 years old, power-assisted mountain bike as a benefit bike
“The electric bike has made me enjoy exercising again, has made cycling a routine and I’m already looking forward to cycling this summer.”
Male, 50–59 years old, electric hybrid as a benefit bike
Only one per cent report a decrease in their cycling after getting a benefit bike.
The cyclist's physical condition improves with every kilometre cycled. 56% of respondents feel that their physical health and fitness levels have improved at least somewhat after getting a benefit bike. And even though many people think differently, riding an electric bike is just as much exercise and has a positive effect on well-being:
"An electric bike is surprisingly good for exercising. I get to go to many places I wouldn't be able to go on a regular bike. I have been to places I wouldn't otherwise have visited."
Male, 50–59 years old, electric mountain bike as a benefit bike
"Electric assistance makes it possible to go for longer trips and even cycle on days with poor weather. Cycling and outdoor activities significantly improve overall well-being."
Female, 19–29 years old, electric fat bike as a benefit bike
“The amount of exercise has increased a lot overall.”
Female, over 60 years of age, electric city bike as a benefit bike
Thanks to the benefit bike, some people have even discovered an endurance athlete side of themselves!
“Through cycling, I became interested in triathlon, and my overall fitness level has increased.”
Male, 18–29 years old, road bike as a benefit bike
Having a benefit bike reduces the need to drive. No less than 46% of all respondents with a car say they have reduced their car use after getting a benefit bike.
"It's so easy to move from one place to another! Driving is boring."
Male, 40–49 years old, an electric folding bike as a benefit bike
We asked the respondents to clarify the amount of reduction in driving. The average reduction has been 42 kilometres per week. Approximately 8% of respondents reported not driving at all.
If the results of the survey are generalised to apply to all 80,000 cyclists with a benefit bike in Finland, this means almost 74 million kilometres less are travelled by private car each year.
Also read: Cycling story – cycling to work, the store and daycare with a benefit bike (in Finnish)
Electric bike users have reduced their driving more (43 km/week) than conventional bike users (37 km/week).
I get exercise and relaxation on my commute by cycling instead of driving. Travelling by bike is more relaxing and refreshing than driving.
Female, 30–39 years old, power-assisted mountain bike as a benefit bike
"Without this benefit, I would probably not have an electric bike. You don't get so sweaty when cycling to work."
Male, 30–39 years old, an electric gravel bike, cyclocross bike or touring bike as a benefit bike
There are no major differences between women and men. The age group of 50–59-year-olds has reduced their driving the most (47 km). In this age group, the proportion of electric bike users is over 81%.
Bike benefit guide for employers
Learn how the bike benefit works and compare Vapaus service plans and terms.
For many, the benefit bike is a way of getting from one place to another – especially between home and the workplace. According to Traficom’s 2021 survey on passenger transport, 25% of all bicycle journeys made by Finns were between home and the workplace.
Approximately 41% of respondents cycle to work daily or several times a week.
Women commute more on a bike (47% at least several times a week) than men (38%).
Electric bike users (42%) slightly outnumber users of traditional bikes (39%). Among age groups, 18–29-year-olds commute the most on a bike (49%).
The purchase of an electric bike has made commuting on a bike possible for many people who would not be able to cycle without electric assistance.
"I can still commute on a bike. Without the electric assistance, I couldn't do it anymore."
Female, 50–59 years old, electric hybrid bike as a benefit bike
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Employers are certainly interested in how efficient employees are during the working day. Commuting by bike works like taking a hundred beroccas!
“I’m fitter and more alert at work!”
Male, 18–29 years old, hybrid bike as a benefit bike
“During the working day, I feel more alert when I come to work by bike rather than by car.”
Female, 18–29 years old, electric mountain bike as a benefit bike
Also read: The ABC of commuting cycling (in Finnish)
Why do employees with a benefit bike want to commute to work by cycling?
There are many reasons for cycling. As many as 78% of respondents chose health reasons. Next on the list are enjoyment of cycling (62%) and financial savings (45%).
"These are all great reasons to cycle to work and back. For many people, commuting by bike is about the sum of many things: it improves fitness, refreshes the mind, saves money and protects the environment," Era points out.
“I have saved money, because I no longer use the car, partly thanks to the employee bike benefit.”
Male, 30–39 years old, an electric gravel bike, cyclocross bike or touring bike as a benefit bike
What are the challenges when it comes to commuting by bike?
About 40% of all respondents rarely or never cycle to work. Those who cycled less were asked why they were not inspired to cycle to work more often.
For many people, working remotely is a valid and logical reason not to cycle to work. The actual challenges that were mentioned the most often were
- distance or terrain 36%
- time limits 25%
- adverse conditions (weather, road surface, lighting) 21%
In the open answers, “transporting children to day care or school” was clearly most often mentioned as a limiting factor for commuting by bike. Other factors associated with the working day, such as going to hobbies or grocery stores, were also mentioned a lot.
Is the length of the commute important?
The length of the commute seems to have a direct impact on commuting by bike. The shorter the commute, the more people commute by bike:
We asked the respondents to rate the cycling-friendliness of their own workplace. No detailed explanation of what “cycling-friendly” exactly means was given, i.e. it could be interpreted by respondents themselves.
The majority of respondents consider their own workplace to be at least fairly cycling-friendly: the average response is 4.1/5.
All respondents to the survey work in an organisation that already offers a bike benefit to its employees. This is, of course, an excellent starting point for a cycling-friendly workplace and a guaranteed way to raise the average rating compared to all Finnish workplaces.
"It was easy to start cycling again after many years! It's a great concept. Of course, climate-friendliness is also a good factor.
Male, 30–39 years old, hybrid bike as a benefit bike
The cycling-friendliness of a workplace is the sum of many factors. So, how can workplaces become even more cycling-friendly? We asked about this as well:
Those with benefit bikes have spoken: better bicycle storage or parking is clearly the most desired improvement – as many as 44% of respondents mentioned this.
"You don't want to store a bike worth several thousands of euros just anywhere. Outdoors, it's also exposed to different weather conditions. Especially the owners of electric bikes appreciate indoor storage and the associated charging option," says Era.
In the open responses, the possibility of charging the bike at the workplace was often mentioned. Of course, this is natural when seven out of ten benefit bikes are electrically assisted.
Good storage facilities at the workplace are not always enough, however. If the commute involves a visit to a shop or other location, for example, the cyclist also has to leave their bike in the shop’s bicycle park and trust that it is safe.
“For some reason, I don't dare to leave an expensive bike parked outside, such as a bike park in front of a shop on my way to work.”
Female, 50–59 years old, electric city bike as a benefit bike
Did you know? Bicycle theft is the most common type of crime in Finland. It is estimated that between 70,000 and 100,000 bicycles are stolen each year in Finland. Read more: Stop the bike thief! How to store your bike safely (in Finnish)
Another highly desirable development area is to improve incentives related to cycling (35%). This could be, for example, a reward for mileage travelled or other financial support.
A separate item on the list, “Better financial support for the purchase of company bicycles”, is also an improvement sought by one in four respondents. Support for bike maintenance and repair services is also on the list.
In addition to better bicycle parking, there is also room for improvement in other workplace facilities: better shower facilities, changing rooms and clothes storage are desired by 26%.
"Creating a cycling-friendly workplace is not usually about huge investments, but about willingness and attitude. I encourage every employer to think about how small actions can make their own workplace more cycling-friendly," Era says.
Read more: A guide for employers – how to create a cycling-friendly workplace (in Finnish)
How should the bike benefit system be developed?
We also asked the respondents to tell us in their own words what suggestions or wishes they have for the providers of the bike benefit (such as Vapaus) or the tax authorities regarding the development of the bike benefit system.
The responses highlighted a few themes:
- Increasing the tax-free benefit from the current amount of EUR 1,200
- Reducing the share of leasing costs
- Clarifying the procurement process and related guidelines.
In Era's opinion, the future of the bike benefit looks bright in any case.
"There are already more company cyclists than company car drivers. More and more workplaces have the opportunity to take advantage of the bike benefit. The benefit bike is here to stay, and it’s in everyone’s interest," he concludes.
Craving a benefit bike?
Learn more and join the benefit bike tribe: