FEATURE
income when leasing, it is said that basic rate taxpayers would get a 30% effective support on their monthly lease, and the deduction scales naturally with income tax/NICs, but is still substantial for lower earners. Plus, it works for the self- employed via their self-assessment declarations. Ellis argues that this leasing and subscription model will be more affordable and lessen the upfront investment in an electric bike, which is putting so many potential buyers off, particularly as the cost-of-living crisis shows no sign of abating. Of course, leasing would cover insurance, servicing, theft concerns with recovery services and trackers built in, plus offer up all the other essentials to make the cycle a practical item for daily use. Later on, riders can swap, upgrade, pause or return the cycle, building in the flexibility that families need when circumstances change. Meanwhile, monthly outgoings would be benchmarked against the cash flow of low-income households. All the while, the independent bike shop gets a shot in the arm that it so direly needs, perhaps minus a slice of its margin. Naturally, with all of these things considered and with too many fresh sideline issues surrounding e-bikes and Government budgets to count, the Cycle to Work scheme, it’s rumoured, has the Government’s attention. At the time of writing, we do not have the luxury of an Autumn budget update, and it’s not entirely beyond the realms of possibility
that a cash-strapped treasury might do something none of us are expecting in relation to the scheme. We are aware that the All Party Parliamentary Group for
Walking and Cycling has the issue of Cycle to Work reform somewhat on its radar, in large part down to the perceived inequality issues being raised with MPs. It is fair to say that inequality remains baked in, with the greatest earners getting the most generous benefits, while those on low incomes – arguably those who most need cheap, active mobility – remained totally sidelined. Steve Edgell, a bike retailer, Cycle to Work Scheme facilitator and Chair of the Cycle to Work Alliance, says that it would be a big mistake to make knee-jerk cuts, if Rachel Reeves were so inclined. He says, “The Cycle to Work scheme is a proven, cost-effective mechanism for driving cycling uptake. It delivers clear economic benefits by supporting sustainable transport, reducing congestion, improving public health, and lowering emissions - all of which generate long- term savings for the economy and the NHS. “It supports employees in accessing active, low-carbon,
and affordable travel – with average annual savings of £1,262 (rising to £1,600 in London) – while sustaining the cycling retail sector and helping employers promote healthier and more productive workforces. Protecting and building on this success to widen access further should be the priority.”
www.bikebiz.com
October 2025 | 39
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