Cycle to Work Scheme in 2026: What You Can Buy, What’s Allowed, and How to Maximise Your Savings

Cycle to Work Scheme in 2026: What You Can Buy, What’s Allowed, and How to Maximise Your Savings

If you’re thinking about buying an electric bike in 2026, the Cycle to Work Scheme remains one of the most cost-effective ways to do it in the UK.

But despite how popular the scheme is, there’s still a lot of confusion around:

  • what e-bikes are allowed
  • how much you can actually save
  • hidden fees some retailers add
  • and what accessories you can include

This guide breaks it all down clearly — so you know exactly what you can buy, how it works, and how to get the best value from the scheme.

What Is the Cycle to Work Scheme?

The Cycle to Work Scheme is a government-approved salary sacrifice benefit for PAYE employees.

Instead of paying for a bike upfront, you:

  • spread the cost through monthly deductions from your gross salary
  • pay before tax and National Insurance
  • save a significant percentage compared to buying outright

Most schemes allow repayment over 12, 18 or 24 months, depending on your employer’s settings.

For electric bikes, this can translate into savings of 24%–47%, depending on salary and tax band.

Is the Cycle to Work Scheme Still Available in 2026?

Yes — the Cycle to Work Scheme continues into 2026 and remains fully available for electric bikes.

There is:

  • no government cap on bike value
  • no ban on e-bikes
  • no change to eligibility rules

The key requirement is that the bike must be road-legal (EAPC compliant).

What Electric Bikes Can You Buy on Cycle to Work?

You can use the scheme for a wide range of e-bikes, including:

  • City & commuter e-bikes
  • Folding e-bikes
  • Cargo & utility e-bikes
  • Fat-tyre and trekking e-bikes
  • Lightweight commuter e-bikes

As long as the bike is road-legal (meaning it has a maximum 250W motor, is pedal-assist only, and assistance cuts off at 15.5 mph / 25 km/h), it can usually be included.

This makes the scheme ideal whether you:

  • commute daily
  • mix cycling with trains or cars
  • carry children or equipment
  • want a leisure e-bike for regular travel

What Accessories Are Allowed?

Accessories used for commuting can normally be included in your Cycle to Work package.

Common examples include:

  • helmets
  • locks
  • lights
  • mudguards
  • racks
  • pannier bags
  • mirrors
  • pumps

At Rocket Ebikes, some accessories may not be listed online, but we can source them directly from the manufacturer and add them to your Cycle to Work quote.

You simply email us with what you need and we’ll include it.

The Hidden Cost Many Retailers Don’t Talk About

Here’s something most buyers don’t realise until late in the process:

Many Cycle to Work retailers add scheme provider or commission fees onto the invoice once the order is raised.

That means:

  • the final invoice is higher than the website price
  • your savings are reduced
  • the scheme feels less transparent

Rocket Ebikes Does Not Do This

  • We do not pass scheme or provider fees on to customers
  • The price you see on our website is the exact price used on your Cycle to Work invoice
  • No mark-ups, no invoice uplifts, no surprises

This is one of the biggest reasons customers choose Rocket Ebikes for Cycle to Work orders.

How Much Can You Save?

Savings depend on:

  • your salary
  • your tax band
  • your employer’s scheme setup

As a rough guide:

  • Basic-rate taxpayers often save around 24%–32%
  • Higher-rate taxpayers can save up to ~47%

Because Rocket Ebikes doesn’t add scheme fees, your savings are maximised compared to retailers who inflate invoices.

How the Process Works (Step by Step)

  1. Choose your e-bike and accessories on Rocket Ebikes - If you can’t see an accessory, email us and we’ll add it
  2. Confirm which Cycle to Work provider your employer uses
  3. Submit your application via that provider
  4. Once approved, we process the order and ship your bike

We assist throughout the process, including:

  • quotations
  • product advice
  • scheme coordination

Which Cycle to Work Schemes Does Rocket Ebikes Support?

Rocket Ebikes works with Gogeta Bike, Enjoy Benefits Cycle to Work, and Vivup Cycle to Work.

All supported schemes cover electric bikes and commuting accessories, use salary sacrifice, and do not add scheme or commission fees to your Rocket Ebikes invoice.

Full details on how each scheme works and how to apply can be found here: Cycle to Work Schemes – Rocket Ebikes

Final Thoughts: Is Cycle to Work Worth It in 2026?

For most UK employees, the answer is yes.

The Cycle to Work Scheme remains:

  • one of the best-value ways to buy an electric bike
  • flexible across bike types and budgets
  • even more powerful when paired with a retailer that doesn’t add hidden fees

At Rocket Ebikes, we focus on:

  • transparency
  • correct advice
  • and helping you get the most from the scheme

Need Help or a Quote?

Email sales@rocketebikes.co.ukand we’ll:

  • recommend the right e-bike for your commute
  • build an accessories bundle
  • guide you through your employer’s scheme

Savings vary depending on salary, tax band, employer scheme settings and basket contents.

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