What you need to do
Applications are processed through email and it is very simple process:
- select bicycle and accessories you love on our website and add them to wishlist by clicking the heart add to wishlist button
- view your wishlist here
- click share your wishlist by email or WhatsApp
- write your full name, mobile number and name of your employer in the message
Once we receive your message we will prepare special document for your employer, that will allow you to avail of discount up to €750, the limit on your purchase is €1500. You pass this document onto HR or directly your manager, printed or by email.
Once your application is processed, we receive a payment from your employer for your items, we prepare your bicycle and accessories and deliver them directly to your home.
So if you buy €1500 worth of bike and accessories and get the full discount of €750 the balance left to pay by you will be only €750 and your employer can spread the repayments over 12 month period so you will only pay around €15 a week of your payslip.
The Scheme Details
Introduction
The Cycle to Work Scheme is a tax incentive scheme which aims to encourage employees to cycle to and from work. Under the scheme employers can pay for bicycles and bicycle equipment for their employees and the employee pays back through a salary sacrifice arrangement of up to 12 months. The employee is not liable for tax, PRSI or the Universal Social Charge on their repayments.
Your employer does not have to take part in the scheme. However if they do, they must offer it to all their employees.
Rules
What equipment does the scheme apply to?
The scheme applies to new bicycles and pedelecs (electrically assisted bicycles which require some effort from the cyclist). It does not cover motorbikes, scooters or mopeds.
Purchase of the following new safety equipment is also covered:
- Cycle helmets which conform to European standard EN 1078
- Bells and bulb horns
- Lights, including dynamo packs
- Mirrors and mudguards to ensure that the rider’s visibility is not impaired
- Cycle clips and dress guards
- Panniers, luggage carriers and straps to allow luggage to be safely carried
- Locks and chains to ensure cycle can be safely secured
- Pumps, puncture repair kits, cycle tool kits and tyre sealant to allow for minor repairs
- Reflective clothing along with white front reflectors and spoke reflectors
How do I pay for the bicycle?
Usually your employer pays the supplier for the bicycle and sets up a ‘salary sacrifice’ arrangement from your salary over an agreed time frame (which cannot be more than 12 months). This generally means that you visit the shop, select the equipment you wish to buy and have the shop invoice your employer directly for the cost. Note that the tax exemption does not apply if you pay for the bicycle and are reimbursed by your employer – they must pay for the bicycle.
The repayment for the bicycle and equipment is then deducted from your gross salary (this means before income tax, PRSI, pension levies or Universal Social Charge are deducted). These deductions can be made weekly, fortnightly or monthly depending on your salary payment arrangement. Your employer can also buy the bicycle on your behalf and not require you to pay for it.
You can only avail of the scheme once in a four-year period. This applies even if you do not purchase equipment up to the €1,250 or €1,500 limit.
Qualifying journeys
You must use the bicycle and safety equipment mainly for qualifying journeys. This means the whole or part (for example between home and train station) of a journey between your home and your normal place of work. Employers do not have to monitor this but you will be asked to sign a statement saying that the bicycle is for your own use and will be mainly used for qualifying journeys.
Rates
There is a limit of €1,250 for bicycles and €1,500 for pedelecs or e-bikes and can be spent on accessories and delivery charge. If you spend more than this limit you are liable for a benefit-in-kind income tax charge.
You can find out more about the scheme on the Revenue Commissioner’s website.
How to apply
Contact your employer to ask about the scheme.