Cycle to Work Scheme Information
The Cycle to Work Scheme or Bike to Work Scheme was introduced in 2009 to encourage greater usage of bicycles for journeys to and from work. The scheme offers significant savings for the purchase of a bicycle and related equipment - up to 51% off the retail price, depending on your tax rate - and is very easy to access providing your employer is offering the scheme.
The scheme applies to bikes and equipment up to the value of €1,250 and ‘e-bikes’ and related safety equipment up to the value of €1,500
This means that a bike and accessories with a retail price of €500.00 may only cost you €250.00 after the tax savings. The scheme also offers savings for employers who operate it as their employers contribution of PRSI will reduce.
Here are some FAQs, if you have any further questions about the scheme please give us a call or drop in to the store.
Q. I’ve heard about this tax relief for buying a bike to cycle to work, what is it all about?
A. This is a Government initiative that enables your employer to buy a bicycle and bicycle accessories for you, without you being liable for benefit in kind taxation. For a tax payer at the top rate, this equates to a minimum saving of up to 51% on the cost of a new bike.
Q. What’s the purpose of the scheme?
A. The goal of the scheme is to encourage more employees to cycle to and from work. As well as reducing traffic congestion and lowering carbon emissions, more people cycling to work will improve health and fitness levels.
Q. Is it just the bike that is covered by the scheme, or does it include things like locks and lights?
A. The scheme covers the following items, which must be purchased as new (not second-hand):
New bikes and tricycles
New electric bikes (electrically-assisted bikes that require some effort to propel)
Cycle helmets
Bells and horns
Lights (including dynamo packs)
Mirrors
Mudguards and skirt guards
Cycle clips
Panniers, luggage carriers and straps
Locks and chains
Pumps
Puncture repair kits and cycle tool kits
Reflective clothing
Bike reflectors
Q. Is there a limit to the amount I can spend on the bicycle and equipment?
A. Yes, if the total value of the purchases is over €1,250 or €1500.00 for E-Bikes
Q. If I want to participate, is my employer obliged to get involved?
A. No, participation in the scheme is voluntary and it is up to your employer. However, where an employer does agree to implement the scheme, it must be offered to all employees on an equal basis.
Q. Who pays for the bicycle?
A. The bicycle must be bought by your employer. The scheme can then operate with either your employer bearing the full cost of the bicycle, or by way of a salary sacrifice agreement.
Q. How does the salary sacrifice operate?
A. Under a salary sacrifice arrangement, you agree to forego or sacrifice part of your salary every pay period (weekly/fortnightly/monthly as the case may be), in order to cover the cost of the bike and equipment provided by your employer. The amount of salary you sacrifice will be exempt from tax, employee’s PRSI and income levies. It will also be exempt from your employer’s PRSI. The salary sacrifice arrangement must be completed within a maximum period of twelve months.
Q. Do I pick out the bicycle and equipment from the shop myself?
A. It is for employers to decide how they will operate the scheme. Some employers may allow their employees to select the bicycle and equipment from the retailer of their choice and the employer can then organise appropriate invoicing and delivery arrangements with the retailer. However, other employers may offer more limited options to employees. An employer could, for example, allow an employee to choose only from the range available from a single retailer.
Q. If the employer opts for the ‘salary sacrifice’ model, during the 12 month salary ‘sacrifice’ period who actually owns the bike, the employer or the employee ?
A. On the basis of a signed agreement in which they accept the bicycle equipment and a reduced salary in the structure of their remuneration package, the employee owns the bicycle. Ownership will similarly transfer to the employee if the employer purchases the bicycle for the employee.
Q. Are electric bikes covered under the scheme?
A. Electric bikes (also known as 'pedelecs') are eligible for the scheme. These include a bicycles or tricycles which are equipped with an auxiliary electric motor having a maximum continuous rated power of 0.25 kilowatts, of which output is progressively reduced and finally cut off as the vehicle reaches a speed of 25 kilometers per hour, or sooner if the cyclist stops pedaling. Since 2020 the limit of the scheme has been increased for E-Bikes to €1500.00 for allowable tax relief.