The simple calculation EVERY rider gets wrong

When a professional rider compares buying vs renting, they usually run this calculation:

"A cargo bike costs €2,500. If I pay €119/month for 21 months, I match the cost. Why not buy it?"

It's the calculation that kills most riders within 12 months. Let's see why.

What you save by renting (and NEVER count)

Over 24 months, the rider who buys their bike faces:

Real maintenance: €800–1,200/year on a heavily used cargo bike (8h/day, 6 days/week). Over 24 months: €1,800.
Battery replacement: €400–600 at 18 months due to degradation.
Theft / vandalism: a realistic 15% probability over 24 months. Expected cost: ~€375.
Days off work due to breakdowns: 8–12 lost days a year with no earnings. Opportunity cost: ~€1,500–2,500.
Resale at the end: a 2-year-old cargo bike resells for ~€700, not €2,500.

Real cost of owning the bike over 24 months: ~€5,275.

Real cost of renting it with CityFlow over 24 months

€119/month × 24 months = €2,856.
Maintenance: included (€0).
Replacement after breakdown: included (€0).
Days off work due to breakdowns: practically zero (we give you another bike).
Battery replacement: included.

Total: €2,856.

The difference: ~€2,400 in favour of renting

Over 24 months, renting with CityFlow is ~€2,400 cheaper than buying your own bike. And that's without counting:

Peace of mind.
The flexibility to cancel if you switch platforms.
Access to the latest cargo bike model.

When buying DOES pay off

Only in 2 scenarios:

Very high volume and long term: if you'll work 5+ years straight doing 200+ orders/week, buying can pay off from year 3.
If you do intensive transport (not delivery): professional cargo, parcel courier work... there the numbers change.

For the typical Glovo, Uber Eats or Just Eat rider: renting always wins.

Conclusion

The "monthly cost × 21 months = bike cost" calculation is misleading. Once you factor in maintenance, battery, breakdowns and theft, renting wins by ~€2,400 over 24 months. Stress-free and always with a fresh bike.