Cycle to work schemes enables employees to get an adult bike and safety accessories tax-free. It was set up by the government in 1999 to ‘promote heal
You can make savings of 30% to 50% of the value of the bike – Cyclescheme and Green Commute Initiaitve (GCI) have a useful online calculator to work out the savings you could make. It is a salary sacrifice, which is taken from your gross salary (before tax), meaning that you will pay less Income Tax and National Insurance.
Step 1
Choose your bike and equipment, up to the value of your voucher. We can advise in store which bike would suit your needs best and the size required as well as giving advice on suitable accessories.
Step 2
You must then sign up with your Cycle to Work provider. For Cyclescheme, you need the code for the store (you can find the code for the store on their website by searching for a retailer) and your employer’s unique code. For GCI, you can register using your employer’s pin. If your employer isn’t signed up, they can do so easily through the Cyclescheme/GCI website.
To request a certificate, you can create your own quote (including a description of the product(s) and the price) through the provider website by selecting the items you want from our website. Alternatively, you can simply nominate a value that can be redeemed in store. For Cyclescheme and GCI, there are 3 packages: Bike+Accessories; Bike only; Accessories only.
Please note that the quotation does not reserve the bike – you are advised to check with the store regarding availability before coming to collect the bike.
Step 3
Your employer must then approve your request – you can track your progress on the provider website. Both you and your employer will then need to sign the hire agreement once it has been sent to you by your cycle to work scheme provider.
Step 4
Once you receive the voucher, come into the store with the e-certificate or in paper and a form of photo ID to collect your bike – you should contact the store to ensure that they have the bike in your size and can reserve it for you. Once all the elements in your order have arrived you can collect the bike that day. When you come to the store to collect your bike, please make sure that you have the PDF and not just an email – we need information which appears on the certificate.
All our stores accept Cyclescheme and GCI.
Officially, there is no limit to the value of the voucher an employee wishes to redeem however, each employee should check with their employer before applying for a voucher as some may still impose a limit. "Topping up" the voucher is no longer permitted. All of the equipment will remain the property of the cycle to work scheme administrator. If you are only choosing equipment, there is a minimum spend of £100. You can even buy two bikes a year.
Bikes and safety-oriented equipment in essence. To be more specific: Cycle helmets which conform to European standard EN 1078; Bells; Lights (such as the b’Twin FL 920 USB Front Bike Light), including dynamo packs; Mirrors and mudguards to ensure riders visibility is not impaired; Cycle clips and dress guards; Panniers, luggage carriers and straps to allow luggage to be safely carried; Child safety seats; Locks (such as the Silver rated Sold Secure b'Twin Mini D 900 lock set) to ensure cycle can be safely secured; Pumps, puncture repair kits, cycle tool kits and tyre sealant to allow for minor repairs; Reflective clothing along with white front reflectors and spoke reflectors. It is the employer’s choice which safety equipment is offered, but you may wish to confirm with your local tax inspector whether the equipment you provide falls within the tax exemption.
Typical savings are between 30% and 50%, but it depends on your personal tax band and the way your company runs the scheme. Deductions are made from your gross salary, so you make income tax and national insurance savings of 32% if you’re a standard rate tax payer or 42% if you’re a higher rate tax payer.
You pay back the loan on your bike and equipment typically over 12 or 18 months in equal installments. This will be deducted directly from your salary.
Due to the tax exemption, the bike and equipment chosen must be for personal use. The voucher is exclusive to the employee and non-transferable.
Yes, as long as the total of both do not exceed your employer's limit. Your HR department can confirm this amount for you (unless your employer has a consumer credit agreement).
The bike/equipment belongs to the cycle to work scheme provider (who purchases the bike) and the employee leases the bike for the duration of the salary sacrifice period. You cannot sell the bike during this period. You cannot get a refund from the store during this period until you take full ownership of the bike after which you statutory rights resume.
At the end of the scheme, you have 3 options:
During the hire period, you are responsible for the maintenance and safety of your bike. Most home insurance policies cover bicycles up to a certain value (please check with your insurer). We stock a range of maintenance tools and our workshop can also help you keep your bike in good working order including a free maintenance check in store anytime within the first 3 months of purchase.
