Cycle to Work Scheme

The Government Cycle to Work Scheme is a tax incentive scheme designed to give Employers the opportunity to offer their Employees big savings when purchasing a bicycle/electric bike, once every four years for the purposes of primarily commuting to work.

Whilst your Employer is not obliged to offer this scheme, the majority do if they are aware of its existence. The amount you save will depend on the rate of Income Tax you pay. The Employer is invoiced directly for the eBike and buys the bike on your behalf, then deducts the reduced payment amount from your pay packet.

The scheme applies up to the value of €1500 for ‘pedelecs’ or ebikes, so the potential savings off the cost of of your ebike could be considerable.

The cost of your ebike (up to the permitted allowance) will be deducted from your take home pay (before tax considerations) by your Employer to pay for the eBike. Your employer may take this deduction from your pay packet, in a lump sum, over a few months, or over a 12 month period.

What equipment does the Bike to Work Scheme cover?

The scheme covers the following items, which must be purchased as new (not second-hand):

  • New bikes and pedelecs (electrically-assisted bikes that require some effort to propel)
  • Bells and bulb horns
  • Bike reflectors
  • Cycle clips
  • Cycle helmets
  • Lights (including dynamo packs)
  • Locks and chains
  • Mirrors
  • Mudguards and skirt guards
  • Panniers, luggage carriers and straps
  • Pumps
  • Puncture repair kits, cycle tool kits and and tyre sealant
  • Reflective clothing

The scheme does not include motorbikes, mopeds, scooters or second-hand bicycles or equipment or bicycle parts or associated equipment.