UK Cycle to Work Scheme (2026/27)
The Cycle to Work scheme is a salary-sacrifice arrangement that lets UK employees buy a bicycle (and safety equipment) through their employer, paying for it from pre-tax salary. Sacrificed pay avoids both Income Tax and employee National Insurance. The 2019 reform abolished the £1,000 cap, so high- end e-bikes and cargo bikes are now in scope.
Tax savings by band
| Tax band | Bike price | Tax + NI saving | Net cost | % saved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic rate (20% + 8% NI) | £1,000 | £280 | £720 | 28% |
| Basic rate (20% + 8% NI) | £2,500 | £700 | £1,800 | 28% |
| Higher rate (40% + 2% NI) | £2,500 | £1,050 | £1,450 | 42% |
| Higher rate (40% + 2% NI) | £5,000 | £2,100 | £2,900 | 42% |
| Additional rate (45% + 2% NI) | £5,000 | £2,350 | £2,650 | 47% |
Frequently asked questions
- How much can I save with Cycle to Work?
- Cycle to Work is a salary sacrifice scheme: the sacrificed amount escapes both Income Tax and employee National Insurance. Basic-rate taxpayers save 28% (20% IT + 8% NI), higher-rate taxpayers save 42% (40% + 2%), and additional-rate taxpayers save 47%. On a £2,500 bike a basic-rate taxpayer saves £700; a higher-rate taxpayer saves £1,050.
- Is there still a £1,000 limit?
- No - the £1,000 cap was abolished by the Office for Tax Simplification reform in June 2019. Schemes can now finance bikes and safety equipment of any value, provided the scheme operates as a regulated consumer hire agreement under the Financial Services and Markets Act. Most schemes now offer bikes up to £3,000-£10,000+ depending on the provider.
- What counts as eligible equipment?
- The bike itself (including e-bikes), plus "safety equipment" which HMRC defines broadly: helmet, lights, locks, reflective clothing, mudguards, panniers / pannier racks, child seats / trailers (for adult transport of children to school etc), repair kits, GPS / cycle computers, mirrors, and clipless pedals. Cyclewear with no safety function (regular sportswear) is not covered.
- Do I have to use it for commuting?
- HMRC requires "qualifying journeys" (commuting to/from work, or between workplaces) to account for at least 50% of the bike's use during the hire period. There is no logging requirement - the employee self-certifies. The bike can be used for leisure rides outside the qualifying-journey window.
- What happens at the end of the hire period?
- Employees typically have three options: (1) extend the hire at a low residual rental for several more years until the bike's HMRC-deemed market value reaches £0, then take ownership free; (2) buy the bike at the HMRC-published Fair Market Value (e.g. 18% of original price after 4 years for a bike under £500, lower for higher-value bikes); (3) return the bike. Option (1) is the standard route used by most major providers because it minimises the eventual transfer cost.
- Are there pitfalls?
- Two main ones: (1) the sacrificed amount reduces gross pay used for some other purposes (mortgage applications, statutory maternity / sick pay, pension contributions on a "qualifying earnings" basis) - usually small effect on a £2-3k bike but worth checking; (2) National Minimum Wage compliance - the post-sacrifice hourly rate must remain at or above the NMW for the employee's age band. Low-paid employees may be ineligible if the sacrifice would drop them below NMW.