UK Cycle to Work Discount Scheme -

[HappyGrandpa]

What a pity the UK Gov are so short sighted in the implementation of the Cycle to Work scheme. If they want get people out of cars and onto bikes, then they should extend the scheme to everyone. The way the scheme works is that you must already be in employment and paying income tax. It is a salary sacrifice scheme, where the cost of the bike is deducted in monthly instalments from your pay check before tax.
However, If you are retired, receiving a pension and still paying income tax then you must pay the full price for your bike.

 

[J.R.]

What a pity the UK Gov are so short sighted in the implementation of the Cycle to Work scheme. If they want get people out of cars and onto bikes, then they should extend the scheme to everyone. The way the scheme works is that you must already be in employment and paying income tax. It is a salary sacrifice scheme, where the cost of the bike is deducted in monthly instalments from your pay check before tax.
However, If you are retired, receiving a pension and still paying income tax then you must pay the full price for your bike.

I think all of these schemes, no matter the country, should be means tested. Tax payers shouldn't be helping anyone get a bike if that person can afford the bike. I won't get support for that on an ebike forum, but an economist would agree. Responsible use of taxes is more important than ever. No country can afford giveaways to people who don't need them. For someone that does need it, it could be life altering. A lot of seniors do need it, many young working poor need it. It's sad to see young people not earning enough to buy a home, plan for a family. Sad to see poor elderly that are basically shut ins. We need to help the forgotten man, not people that have more than enough. If they can afford a $£€1k iPhone, a gaming console and a big screen tv, they can likely afford a 2k ebike. Priorities.

 

[HappyGrandpa]

I do agree - the problem with means testing is that it takes a lot of man power resources to run the necessary checks. Take the UK £200 winter fuel payment that goes to all over the age of 60. Even those with huge pensions. It would cost too much to means test it; so those who receive it but do not need it are encouraged to pass it on to those in need. Steering us back to the topic of cycling and cycle to work discount schemes, I know of a number of people who have received a bike under the scheme, but have no intention of using it to cycle to work. It is just a way of getting a bike at a generous discount.