The Cycle to Work Scheme: Save Money and Ride Smarter with Shift eBikes
Are you looking for an affordable and tax-efficient way to get an electric bike? The UK’s Cycle to Work scheme is an excellent initiative that allows employees to save money on a new bike and accessories while promoting a healthier, greener commute.
Whether you're looking to cut commuting costs, reduce your carbon footprint, or improve your fitness, the Cycle to Work scheme makes e-bikes more accessible than ever.
What is the Cycle to Work Scheme?
The Cycle to Work scheme is a government-backed initiative designed to encourage more people to commute by bike. It enables employees to purchase a bike and equipment through salary sacrifice, meaning you can spread the cost and benefit from significant tax and National Insurance savings.
Under the scheme, your employer buys the bike and leases it to you, allowing you to repay the cost in manageable monthly instalments. At the end of the agreement, you have the option to purchase the bike for a small fee or extend the hire period.
Key Benefits of the Cycle to Work Scheme?
1. Save up to 42% on Your E-Bike
By paying through salary sacrifice, you can save between 25% and 42% on the cost of your e-bike, depending on your tax bracket. This makes premium electric bikes much more affordable.
2. Interest-Free Monthly Payments
Rather than paying a lump sum, the scheme allows you to spread the cost over 12-18 months with no interest, making it a budget-friendly option.
3. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Switching to an electric bike for commuting helps lower your personal carbon emissions. E-bikes are a fantastic alternative to cars and public transport, contributing to a cleaner, greener environment.
4. Improve Your Health and Wellbeing
Cycling regularly, even with the assistance of an e-bike, boosts cardiovascular fitness, reduces stress, and promotes an active lifestyle. You’ll feel the benefits of fresh air and daily exercise without the strain of traditional cycling.
5. Beat the Traffic and Enjoy a Faster Commute
Avoid congested roads and unreliable public transport. E-bikes allow you to zip through traffic, take shortcuts, and reduce your overall commute time—arriving at work fresh and ready to go.
6. No Upfront Costs
Since payments are deducted from your salary before tax, you don’t need to worry about upfront costs. This makes it easier to upgrade to a high-quality electric bike without the financial burden.
7. Available to Most Employees
Most UK employers offer the Cycle to Work scheme, and it’s available to full-time, part-time, and even some self-employed workers, depending on your company’s policy.
How to Get an Electric Bike Through the Cycle to Work Scheme
Step 1: Check with Your Employer
Speak to your HR department or employer to see if they’re registered for the scheme. If they aren’t, many providers offer easy sign-up options.
Step 2: Choose Your Electric Bike from Shift eBikes
Browse our range of high-quality electric bikes and accessories at Shift eBikes. Once you’ve found the perfect e-bike, request a quote from us.
Step 3: Get Your Approval and Voucher
Submit your request to your employer. Once approved, they will provide a voucher to cover the cost of your chosen bike and accessories.
Step 4: Receive Your E-Bike and Start Riding!
Redeem your voucher with us, collect your e-bike, and start enjoying all the benefits of a smarter, more efficient commute.
Why Choose Shift eBikes for Your Cycle to Work E-Bike?
At Shift eBikes, we offer a fantastic selection of electric bikes suitable for commuters, adventure seekers, and leisure riders. With expert advice, competitive pricing, and outstanding customer service, we make the process seamless from start to finish. Plus, we work with leading Cycle to Work providers, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Start Your Journey Today with Shift eBikes!
Ready to take advantage of the Cycle to Work scheme? Explore our range of electric bikes and enjoy a cost-effective, sustainable, and enjoyable way to commute. Get in touch with us to learn more or start the process today!
This expert employee benefits provider supports businesses of every size, working with Cycle2Work to give employees access to over 1,500 bike shops. Combining 465+ Halfords stores with a broad network of independent retailers, they offer a wide range of cycling options across the UK.
This salary sacrifice specialist focuses on benefits that genuinely enhance people’s lives, automating processes to minimize admin for HR teams while offering significant savings and broad choices for employees. As a B Corp, they operate transparently with fair terms and a positive social impact.
They deliver tailored perks that evolve with your business, offering bespoke solutions without unnecessary extras to stay cost-effective. A dedicated Client Success Manager ensures ongoing guidance and support at every stage.
This government-approved, free employee benefit aims to get more people cycling to work and enjoying healthier lifestyles. By offering affordable access to bikes, they make it simple for individuals to embrace active commuting.
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This comprehensive platform brings all employee benefits together in one easy-to-use location. By providing the resources needed to foster wellbeing and adaptability, it empowers teams to handle life’s challenges with greater confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can. HMRC rules state that the majority of the bike's use should be for commuting, considered over its entire lifespan. Therefore, even if you're working from home now, you can still acquire a bike through the scheme, anticipating future commuting. Additionally, using the bike for exercise and local errands during this period is acceptable.
While the scheme itself doesn't impose a maximum limit, employers may set internal caps based on their policies or financial considerations. It's advisable to check with your employer regarding any specific spending limits they may have in place.
Yes, you can include a wide range of accessories such as helmets, bells, lights, panniers and luggage carriers, child safety seats, locks and chains, and reflective clothing and equipment. However, items like bike computers, power meters, and GPS devices are generally not permissible.
At the end of the hire period, providers may offer you a free extended loan period, typically lasting five years and nine months. After this extended period, you can usually take ownership of the bike for a nominal fee, such as £1.
Yes, provided your employer agrees, you can obtain more than one bike through the scheme. This can be useful if, for example, you need different types of bikes for various commuting routes or purposes.
Yes, acquiring a second-hand bike is possible as long as the retailer provides at least a three-month warranty. Additionally, you can purchase an e-bike conversion kit to upgrade your regular pedal bike to an electric one.
Engaging in a salary sacrifice arrangement like the Cycle to Work scheme may impact your pension contributions, especially if your earnings approach the National Minimum Wage. It's essential to consult with your employer's HR or payroll department.
To begin, check if your employer is registered with a Cycle to Work scheme provider. If they are, choose your desired bike and accessories, submit your application, and, once approved, start enjoying the benefits of cycling to work.
By participating in the Cycle to Work scheme, you not only make a positive impact on your health and well-being but also contribute to environmental sustainability.