Q: What exactly is the Bike to Work Scheme?

A: The Bike to Work or Cycle to Work Scheme means your employer will pay for a new bike and equipment to encourage you to cycle to and from work. You then repay the cost back through regular payments from your salary. You save because your repayments are not liable to tax, USC or PRSI.

Q: How do I buy a bike under the scheme?

A: Check with your employer first to see if they operate the scheme. They may allow you to select the bicycle and equipment from any shop, or only certain bicycles from specific shops.

Q: How much can I save?

A: You can save up to 52% of the retail cost of the bike and equipment if you pay the highest rate of tax.
Your repayments come out of your salary before tax, USC and PRSI are deducted.

Q: How much can I spend and what can I buy?

A: You can buy one new push bike and related equipment up to the max value of €1,250 or one new e-bike or pedelec (electrically-assisted bike) and related equipment to the max value of €1,500.

Q: How often can I get a new bike?

A: Once every four years. The four-year period between tax breaks is counted by tax year. As long as you bought your bike in 2018, regardless of what month it was, you can avail of the next tax relief in January 2022.

Q: Who owns the bike?

A: You do! You are fully responsible for the upkeep, safety and road worthiness of the bike upon completion of the sale. Therefore, it is recommended you get it insured in particular against theft.

Find out more about the Bike to Work Scheme on citizensinformation.ie, or you can call a member of the local Citizens Information Service in Kerry on 0818 07 7860. The telephone lines are staffed from 10am to 4pm from Monday to Friday. The National Phone Service is available on 0818 07 4000 Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm. Alternatively, you can email on tralee@citinfo.ie or log on to www.citizensinformation.ie.