[Closed] Bike to work scheme question

Do you mean you’d like to simply upgrade your existing bike and finance the upgrade via the C2W scheme?

If that’s what you mean then no that’s not allowed.

However, if you mean can you upgrade your bike that you’re purchasing under the scheme at the point of sale then yes, as long as it is within your finance limit (though some company will allow you to add to the overall cost).

If you mean you have a C2W scheme bike that is worn out and you wish to spend your own money on its upkeep then yes, I believe you’re obliged to stand the cost of upkeep for the duration of your contract.

I bought components on the cycle2work scheme with zero issues.

You no longer have to buy a bike, you can buy accessories only if you want (has been like that for ages)

Interesting tell me more. Our scheme has just been released as is only 1000 still, so can't get a decent bike for that, but a few cheeky taxpayer subsidised upgrades would be a sweetener.

I bought new parts only when I did it, from Evans. Bars, brakes, stem and some other bits.

Likewise I bought (I suppose technically I've hired them?) a combination of parts and clothes to upgrade my commute bike. This was with Cycle Solutions and the website had a variety of parts, accessories & clothing available. Did need to be careful with the pricing as for some parts it was still cheaper to buy outside of the scheme.

Hmmmm, I tried and was told no. This was on cyclescheme - does the employer have a say?

does the employer have a say?

Yes, of course they do

Colleague tried this recently and was rejected. This was based on acceptance criteria of employer. They will only allow this to go through if purchasing a complete bike.

Yup, I think the only bike related stuff that's excluded are GPS/computers and turbo trainers.

I was considering a set of Garmin Vectors, but my contracts due for renewal in August so didn't want to risk being redundant and lumbered with a lump sum payment at the same time.

Legally you can use it for components these days (which makes a whole bunch of sense)

But, it depends on the shop too. I was told no and refused to supply by halfords, but cycle republic were okay. (vectors, lights, helmet and chains and stuff)

I think the only bike related stuff that’s excluded are [s] GPS/computers [/s] and turbo trainers.

In a few weeks that might be as close as most of us can get to cycling to work

Annex A of this:

A.1 Eligible equipment includes cycles for active travel and cyclists' safety equipment.

A.2 A "cycle" is 'a bicycle, a tricycle, or a cycle having four or more wheels, not being in
any case a motor vehicle' (Section 192(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (c.52)). An
Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) can be included under the scheme. For
further information on requirements for using EAPCs see:
https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules

A.3 Cyclists' safety equipment is not defined in legislation, although this could include:

• Cycle helmets which conform to European standard BSEN1078
• Bells and bulb horns
• Lights, including dynamo packs
• Mirrors and mudguards to ensure riders’ visibility is not impaired
• Cycle clips and dress guards
• Panniers, luggage carriers and straps to allow luggage to be safely carried
• Child safety seats
• Locks and chains to ensure the cycle can be safely secured
• Pumps, puncture repair kits, cycle tool kits and tyre sealant to allow for minor
repairs
• Replacement parts to keep a cycle roadworthy
• Adaptations for disability/mobility issues.
• Reflective clothing or reflective cycle equipment, e.g. spoke reflectors