http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Cycle to Work Scheme - can I buy parts not bikes? en Wed, 13 May 2026 04:31:23 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17777#post-253279 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 15:33:54 +0000 ARobComp 253279@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Hi Team. </p> <p>We're kicking off a B2W scheme. Anyone got any good/bad experiences with any of the companies offering the serviced version (work very keen that it doesn't create extra admin). Keen to speak to anyone that's set one up as well. </p> <p>At the moment looking at cyclescheme. Specifically we're all going to be buying bikes, so no worries about not being able to buy "stuff" </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17777#post-251118 Thu, 25 May 2017 15:10:48 +0000 DaveC 251118@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yes, but <strong>we can park this here</strong> as I have had feed back from a number of shops who say they only supply bikes and not components.</p> <p>Cheers, Dave C </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17777#post-251100 Thu, 25 May 2017 11:46:18 +0000 LaidBack 251100@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Is it a <a href="http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk" rel="nofollow">http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk</a> one? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17777#post-251099 Thu, 25 May 2017 11:41:57 +0000 AlexPro2015 251099@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It really depends on the retailer and how strict they are with the rules... My company only allowed us to go via Halfords until recently, and Halfords won't allow you to push the envelope on this. Last year though they included a number of smaller independent shops in the scheme - I spoke to a few of them and figured that most of them don't mind some flexibility in interpreting the rules. The trick for me personally though is that going through Halfords I get 15% top-up for accessories, so that's a big opportunity cost. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17777#post-251080 Thu, 25 May 2017 10:16:18 +0000 Stickman 251080@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>A friend took out the maximum £1000 voucher, bought the cheapest Halfords Apollo bike he could get and spent the remaining £850 on wheels. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17777#post-251073 Thu, 25 May 2017 09:57:31 +0000 Cyclingmollie 251073@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>mainly for the purposes of cycling to work</em></p> <p>My previous employer didn't bother to check this. My colleague got a bike on the scheme, rode it to work just once and got herself featured in the promotional leaflet the following year. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17777#post-251061 Thu, 25 May 2017 08:51:37 +0000 chdot 251061@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"new acessories are required to make cycling to work easier (e.g. new waterproof/reflective clothing, Lights, Helmet)"</p> <p>"easier" - better gears/brakes, smoother running wheels, better (puncture resistant) tyres?? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17777#post-251058 Thu, 25 May 2017 08:42:59 +0000 HankChief 251058@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks. That's useful to know for when my current scheme expires. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17777#post-251057 Thu, 25 May 2017 08:37:45 +0000 Roibeard 251057@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@HC - the scheme was recently (with the last year or two) extended to the list above.</p> <p><a href="https://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/help/faqs/cyclescheme-package" rel="nofollow">https://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/help/faqs/cyclescheme-package</a></p> <p>Accessory only packages are now permitted - given the original concern that the items purchased need to be able to handed back at the end of the period, some of these might be harder to return!</p> <p>Robert </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17777#post-251022 Wed, 24 May 2017 15:37:19 +0000 Murun Buchstansangur 251022@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The below is from the FAQs on my work scheme (Cyclescheme). Getting accessories without a bike is allowed.</p> <p>"What accessories are allowed?</p> <p>Allowable accessories include:</p> <p>Cycle helmets<br /> Bells<br /> Lights, including dynamo packs<br /> Mirrors and mudguards to ensure riders visibility is not impaired<br /> Cycle clips and dress guards<br /> Panniers, luggage carriers and straps to allow luggage to be safely carried<br /> Child safety seats<br /> Locks and chains to ensure cycle can be safely secured<br /> Pumps, puncture repair kits, cycle tool kits and tyre sealant to allow for minor repairs<br /> Reflective clothing along with white front reflectors and spoke reflectors</p> <p>This list is by no means exhaustive, so if you do have questions about what accessories you can obtain our Contact Centre will be happy to help. Bicycle components such as frames etc. are not permitted."</p> <p>Evans' Ride-to-Work scheme seems to be a bit more laissez-faire:<br /> "You can get any adult bike and a wide range of cycling equipment and clothing. You can select cycling equipment with a bike, or if you are already have a bike and are cycling to work you can choose to get equipment only, with all the same tax savings.<br /> A wide range of cycling equipment can be included on Ride-to-Work and scheme guidelines (as set by HMRC) advise a ‘common sense approach’ should be taken when considering items to include.<br /> As a guide any items which help make you safer, keep your bike safe, or help with your commute can be included, as follows:</p> <p>Helmet<br /> Lights<br /> Locks<br /> Bags and racks<br /> Cycle clothing*<br /> Any high-viz items<br /> Cycle cameras<br /> Shoes<br /> Mudguards<br /> Pedals<br /> Saddles<br /> Tyres<br /> Stems, seat-posts<br /> Replacement bike parts to keep your bike safe on the road, for example:</p> <p>Brakes<br /> Chains<br /> Cassettes<br /> Derailleurs<br /> Groupsets<br /> Wheels<br /> Tools and maintenance items (e.g. pumps, puncture repair kits, multi-tools but not workstands)<br /> Child seats and car racks can be included for example, when your journey to work involves using either piece of equipment as part of the commute.<br /> Cycle clothing needs to contain some high viz or reflective detail.<br /> Please note HMRC currently excludes the following items from the scheme:<br /> Computers, including GPS units<br /> Energy food and drink" </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17777#post-251013 Wed, 24 May 2017 13:28:54 +0000 HankChief 251013@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I always thought the rules were quite strict that it had to be a complete bike (+ safety equipment).</p> <p>Whether a bike shop knows/adheres to the rules is another question... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17777#post-251012 Wed, 24 May 2017 13:26:54 +0000 Edinburgh Cycle Training 251012@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Cycle carriers (and jackets and locks) can be bought with bike to work vouchers.</p> <p>I recently used one online via evans, so no questions asked at the store.</p> <p>Went via Quidco too, so got 5% cashback. Which was nice. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17777#post-251011 Wed, 24 May 2017 13:26:31 +0000 deckard112 251011@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Dave, an LBC might be a better option as they are more likely to take a 'view'? I've found Edin Bike Coop not so good when I've spoke with them about cycle-to-work before as it erodes their margins (great for other stuff though!) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17777#post-251010 Wed, 24 May 2017 13:23:09 +0000 DaveC 251010@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Hmm, HR suggest it is allowed but walking into Ed Bike Coop at lunchtime, they said I could only buy a new bike and not components.</p> <p>I'll go through the process and see what it says I can buy. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17777#post-251002 Wed, 24 May 2017 12:25:49 +0000 Arellcat 251002@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Dave, yes, you can buy parts rather than a whole bike, <em>providing</em> that you use those parts mainly for the purposes of cycling to work, <em>and</em> that those parts count as safety equipment.</p> <p>Safety equipment isn't rigorously defined in HMRC's guidance note (<a href="https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/employment-income-manual/eim21664">EIM21664</a>) but the note does give examples:</p> <p><ul><li>Cycle helmets that conform to EN 1078</li><li>Bells and horns</li><li>Lights, including dynamo lights</li><li>Child safety seats</li><li>Reflective clothing and retroreflectors</li></ul></p> <p>The note also gives examples of what isn't safety equipment, including computers and GPS devices, and waterproof clothing that isn't reflective. I have also found that cycle racks for cars are not considered safety equipment. I would have to categorise upgraded wheels as not being safety equipment – unless that upgrade was specifically a front wheel with a hub dynamo. HMRC might argue that only the dynamo itself would attract the tax adjustment, but in reality scheme users aren't expected to make that distinction.</p> <p>In practice, however, I have found that the definition of a bicycle and/or safety equipment is generally expanded to include typical accessories for the purposes of cycling work, such as waterproof clothing, locks and luggage. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17777#post-250989 Wed, 24 May 2017 11:27:20 +0000 CycleCommute.CC 250989@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Can buy anything cycle related, and with parts/accessories you get the added bonus of not having the rip off final value handover fee to pay. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17777#post-250988 Wed, 24 May 2017 11:18:52 +0000 ARobComp 250988@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>From what I've heard from friends in bike shops you can buy whatever you want as you're just given a voucher. A buddy upgraded his wheels and bought a dynamo light with his. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17777#post-250987 Wed, 24 May 2017 11:17:33 +0000 DaveC 250987@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Our company Cycle To Work scheme is running in May.</p> <p>Can I buy parts and not a whole bike?</p> <p>This would be more useful to me as I don't need another cheapish bike, I'd rather buy better parts to upgrade my own bikes. </p>