Understanding the ins-and-outs of the cycle to work scheme, knowing how to choose a cycle to work scheme provider and being clear on how a good cycle to work scheme should be setup are all important issues for an employer to consider. For many employees, though, there is only one question that matters: “What can I get through the cycle to work scheme?” 

Getting employees on bikes is, ultimately, the point of the scheme and communicating clearly what is available through the scheme can help to encourage uptake. Perhaps the three most notable points to consider are the types of bikes that can be bought, the fact that cycling equipment can also be and the value of bikes and equipment that the scheme covers. 

Types of bikes 

The cycle to work scheme bikes you can buy need not actually be bikes, in the strictest sense of the word, in that they don’t need to have just two wheels. So, if you want to buy a trike or a cycle with more than three wheels, you can. What’s more, electric bikes are also covered by the scheme. These can be great if you have a long commute, if you live in a hilly area or if pedal power alone simply sounds too strenuous! 

Cycling equipment 

Many people don’t realise that you’re not just limited to buying bikes via the cycle to work scheme, but that you can buy equipment for cycling too. The only stipulation is that it must be safety equipment. That’s not actually too limiting, though, as all sorts of cycling equipment, it can be reasonably argued, is related safety. So, equipment covered can include cycle helmets, bells, lights, reflectors, mirrors, mudguards, cycle clothing, cycle clips, panniers, luggage carriers, child safety seats, locks, chains, pumps, puncture repair kits and cycle tool kits, among other things. 

Value of bikes and equipment 

Employers can recoup up to a maximum of £1,000 from each employee for any bikes and equipment bought via the cycle to work scheme, although it is possible to gain Limited Permission from the Financial Conduct Authority so that employees can spend more than £1,000. Another thing to note is that employees can opt into the scheme as many times as they like, as long as they only have one agreement in place at any one time.