Cycle to Work Scheme in Bow, East London

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

• Can I use the Cycle to Work scheme for a custom build or an Elves Bike?

  Absolutely! At Aztecs Bikes, we specialize in high-performance custom builds and we are a proud partner for Elves Bikes in London. You can use your Cycle to Work voucher (Cyclescheme, GCI, etc.) to fund your custom project or frame. Visit us in Bow or contact us to discuss your spec and get a quote for your scheme.

• How do I get a quote for my employer at Aztecs Bikes?

  It’s simple! Visit us in-store at 4 Corsican Square, London (near Bow Road) or browse our bikes online. We’ll provide a professional quote for your bike and accessories to submit to your HR department.

• Is there a price limit for the Cycle to Work scheme in 2025/2026?

  The short answer is no. Since 2019, the government-mandated £1,000 cap has been removed to encourage the use of electric bikes and cargo bikes. While there were rumors of changes in the latest 2025 Autumn Budget, the Treasury has confirmed that the rules remain unchanged.

  However, the final spending limit is determined by your employer’s internal policy. Many employers now set limits between £3,000 and £10,000 to cover high-quality e-bikes. We recommend checking with your HR department or your scheme provider (like Cyclescheme or GCI) to see your specific company cap.

• What items are eligible for the scheme?

  You can choose from various items to support your cycling commute. This includes different types of bikes, e-bikes, and cycles with at least two wheels.

  There are three package options available:

  • Just a bike
  • A bike and accessories
  • Just accessories

  Exceptions to the scheme include GPS ride trackers, navigation devices, bike racks for cars, cameras, turbo trainers or rollers, gift cards, nutritional products/foodstuffs, power meters, and headphones. However, the majority of cycling-related items are allowable.

• How do I save money?

  You can achieve savings by purchasing the bike and/or accessories directly from your gross salary before taxes. This reduces your taxable income, resulting in lower income tax and national insurance payments (check the calculator to check how much you can save).

• How often can I apply?

  You can apply for a Cycle Scheme certificate once every 12 months, in accordance with your employer’s policy, and go ahead with either a new bike, just accessories or bike and accessories, it is also possible to get parts for repairing your bike but the labour cannot be included.

• How long does it take to get the certificate?

  After placing your order, the approval process for your certificate usually takes around 24 hours, though occasionally it might take a bit longer. The process is generally smooth, but we need confirmation from Cycle Scheme before preparing your new gear for you.

• Do I need to ride to work every day?
  • Simple answer: No, daily commuting is not mandatory.
  • Technical answer: While you are not required to commute daily by bike, the primary use of the bike and/or accessories should be for commuting to work. At least 50% of the bike and/or accessories usage should be for work-related purposes. While the bike and accessories can also be used for non-work purposes, there’s no need to keep track of your journeys. Please note that you cannot claim business mileage allowance when using a bike provided by your employer.
• What is an ownership fee?

  An ownership fee is a cost incurred at the end of your Hire Period if you wish to keep the bike. Opting for the ‘Own it later’ option, which involves a refundable deposit, is recommended for the best savings. There are three ownership options:

  • Own it later: Pay a small refundable deposit (3% or 7% of your certificate value), use the equipment for 3 years, and at the end of the period, ownership is transferred to you.
  • Own it now: Pay the market value (18% or 25% of the Certificate value) to own the package.
  • Return: Return the package to Cyclescheme at your own cost and pay no ownership fee.
• How many bikes can I order?

  You can order up to two bikes on a single certificate, as long as both bikes are for your personal use and intended for commuting.

• Which providers do we accept (Cyclescheme, Halfords, GCI, Gogeta)?

  We accept vouchers from all major UK providers, including Cyclescheme, Green Commute Initiative (GCI), Cycle2Work (Halfods), Gogeta, Bike2Work, Vivup, and Enjoy Benefits. If you have a voucher, we can process it in-store or online. If your employer uses a different provider, no problem, please contact our shop in Bow, and we’ll do our best to assist you.

• Can I buy an Electric Bike through the Cycle to Work scheme?

  Yes! E-bikes are highly recommended for the scheme as you save significantly on the higher purchase price. We stock a wide range of E-bikes in our Bow store that are fully eligible for tax-free savings."

• What happens if I leave employment?

  If you leave employment or are made redundant, any remaining salary sacrifice repayments will be deducted from your final NET salary. This is because you’re no longer eligible for the tax saving, as you won’t be commuting to your original workplace. Depending on the situation, you might still be liable for your ownership payment, but we may waive it if certain conditions are met. Please note that agreements cannot be transferred between employers.

• Where can I find a Cycle to Work shop in East London?

  Aztecs Bikes is a registered partner for cycle schemes in Bow, East London (E3). You can visit our shop to test ride bikes and get a professional quote for your employer. Get in touch today!

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