E-bikes are expensive, so paying the full amount up front can be challenging for many people. But you don’t have to let the expenses stop you from buying it.
The Cycle to Work Scheme offers a smart way to get the e-bike you want while saving money. By purchasing through your employer and spreading the cost via salary sacrifice, you can make your daily commute affordable.
In this guide, we will take you step by step through the process of getting your electric bike through the Cycle to Work Scheme.
What Is the Cycle to Work Scheme?
The Cycle to Work Scheme is a government-supported initiative that helps employees purchase bikes and cycling equipment through their employers. Instead of paying the full price upfront, you can spread the cost over 12 months through salary deductions.
This system reduces your taxable income and helps you to save up to 52% on your new bike and accessories, depending on your tax rate. Your employer buys the bike on your behalf, and you repay the total in small installments.
It is an efficient, tax-free way to start cycling to work while supporting the country’s sustainability goals. So, more people are now switching from cars to cleaner and zero-emission travel.
How to Get Your Electric Bike Through the Cycle to Work Scheme?
Getting an electric bike through the Cycle to Work Scheme may seem complicated at first, but the process becomes simple when broken down into clear steps. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started with the process:
Step 1: Check Eligibility and Employer Participation
The first step is to confirm whether your employer participates in the Cycle to Work Scheme. Many Irish companies already support it, but if yours doesn’t, you can encourage them to join. The scheme is voluntary so that any business can be registered quickly.
To qualify as an employee, you generally need to be on a PAYE payroll or be a company director. This means anyone earning a regular salary through an employer can take part.
Self-employed individuals cannot participate in the standard Bike to Work Ireland Scheme, as it is designed for employees on payroll. However, they can still purchase a bike and cycling equipment for business use and claim it as a deductible business expense when filing taxes.
Once your eligibility is confirmed, you’re ready to choose the electric bike that best suits your commute and lifestyle.
Step 2: Choose Your Perfect Electric Ride
Next, it’s time to find your ideal electric bike. Before making a choice, consider your daily commute and lifestyle. If you mostly ride in the city, a lightweight commuter or folding e-bike is a great option.
For longer journeys or off-road adventures, hybrid or mountain e-bikes are better suited.
Make sure the bike complies with EAPC (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle) standards. This means the motor should not exceed 250 watts, and the electric assistance must cut out at 25kph.
Step 3: Request a Quote or Invoice
Once you have chosen your preferred model, the next step is to get a quote. Most cycle to work scheme bike shops provide a simple way to generate an official quote online or in-store.
Bring this quote to your employer or HR department. It will include details like the bike’s cost and equipment list. Your employer then uses this document to process the purchase through the scheme.
Step 4: Employer Approval & Payment
After submitting your quote or invoice, your employer reviews your application and pays the supplier directly. You don’t need to pay anything at this stage.
This process aligns with the rules set by the Irish Revenue Commissioners, which ensure that the purchase is tax-compliant and that you can benefit from salary sacrifice savings.
Once payment is processed, you’ll receive confirmation that your electric bike is ready for collection. Many retailers also offer the option to reserve your chosen model. They keep it aside until you get the approval.
Step 5: Collect Your New Bike
Now it’s time to collect your cycle to work scheme electric bike. Bring identification and your confirmation letter.
Many retailers participating in the Cycle to Work Scheme offer free setup and guidance on how to ride your new e-bike.
Before you ride away, take a few minutes to check the warranty and test the brakes. Familiarise yourself with key features such as pedal assist levels and the display functions so you have full control over your ride.
Step 6: Make Salary Sacrifice Payments
Your employer will now begin deducting the agreed amount from your payslip each month. This continues for up to twelve months, and the purchase becomes easy to manage.
The key benefit of this system is that payments are taken from your gross salary (before tax), which reduces your overall taxable income.
By the end of the repayment period, you will have fully paid off your bike and can continue using it without any restrictions. This arrangement makes the cycle to work scheme one of the smartest financial choices for modern commuting.
Zingy: A Convenient Way to Access the Cycle to Work Scheme in Ireland
You might be wondering where to begin your e-bike journey through the Cycle to Work scheme. That is where Zingy comes in. As a 100% Irish-owned retailer, Zingy is dedicated to making the Cycle to Work Scheme simple and rewarding for every rider.
You can browse a curated collection of high-quality, EAPC-compliant e-bikes built for comfort and long-term reliability. Every model comes with a manufacturer's warranty and free nationwide delivery. From providing detailed quotes for employers to assisting with the approval process, Zingy manages all the small details so you can focus on enjoying your new electric ride.
Conclusion
In short, the Cycle to Work Ireland scheme makes owning an electric bike affordable through easy monthly payments and valuable tax savings.
Your journey to greener commuting begins with one simple step: check if your employer participates in the scheme. Then, explore approved retailers and choose your ideal e-bike.
After getting a quote, your employer handles the approval and payment process. Once everything is set, you’ll collect your bike and start enjoying the ride.
To make the process even easier, Zingy, a 100% Irish-owned retailer, helps you access the Cycle to Work Scheme Dublin seamlessly. Discover our high-quality e-bikes and start riding toward a more sustainable Ireland.