What’s holding you back?

If you’re like most new riders, four things stop you starting:

• The upfront cost looks high.

• You’re confused by how Cycle to Work works.

• It’s hard to know which bike’s best for your commute - hybrid, road, gravel, folding, e-bike?

• Safety and weather worries: dark, wet, cold, traffic.

The good news? Every one of these is fixable. And Cyclescheme exists to make the whole thing affordable, practical, and easy to do.

Find your perfect commuter bike (including an e-bike that makes hills easy)

Match the bike to your route and routine:

• Hybrid/City: upright, comfy, easy to mount racks and mudguards. The ‘gets it done’ commuter.

• E-bike: power for hills, headwinds and heavy bags; arrive fresh without breaking a sweat. Brilliant for longer routes or if your fitness is building.

• Gravel/All-road: stable handling, wider tyres for potholes, towpaths and winter grip.

• Road/Endurance: fast and efficient on smooth tarmac if your commute is longer and mostly on roads.

• Folding: tiny footprint for flats, offices and public transport mix-and-match.

Fit matters more than the label on the frame. Your retailer will help with size, saddle height, reach, grips and contact points. Test ride at an easy pace; check braking confidence, low-speed balance, gear range for your steepest hill, and where lights, racks and a lock will live.

With Cyclescheme you can add approved accessories (lights, mudguards, lock, helmet, racks, panniers, clothing, and more) to your package so everything arrives ready for autumn commuting from day one.

E-bikes make autumn bike commuting easier, more inclusive, and more consistent, especially when the weather turns.

Why do e-bikes shine when it’s colder and darker?

• The motor smooths out hills, headwinds and heavy loads.

• You stay warm by moving, but you don’t overheat or arrive needing a full kit change.

• They boost confidence for new or returning riders, and they’re kinder on joints.

Cost-of-living bonus: swap car or public transport for an e-bike on most days and daily costs fall fast. With Cyclescheme, the e-bike’s price drops and is spread over time, so the numbers become practical. For guidance on getting your first e-bike through the scheme, read: How to get an e-bike on Cyclescheme.

What to look for at the retailer:

• Motor type (mid-drive for hills and natural feel; hub for simplicity).

• Battery capacity and real-world range (expect slightly less in low temps).

• Integrated lights, full-length mudguards, rack mounts, and puncture-protected tyres.

Cold-weather battery care: store and charge indoors, avoid full drains if you can, and keep a charger at work. Simple habits that keep range reliable.

Oh, and yes, you still pedal! And it counts as exercise. And no, maintenance isn’t scary. Your retailer will set you up with simple checks and a service plan.

Autumn/winter kit that makes a difference

Want rides that feel safe and comfortable from week one? Start here:

See and be seen

• Bright, USB-rechargeable front and rear lights (use day-flash where legal for visibility).

• A helmet light for eye-line visibility.

• Reflective clothing, ankle straps, and bag panels.

Stay dry and warm

• Waterproof jacket and over-trousers.

• Insulated gloves, a breathable base layer, and a neck buff that covers ears.

• Waterproof overshoes or winter shoes; consider flat pedals on very wet days.

Stay clean

• Full-length mudguards. They’re the single best comfort upgrade in autumn commuting.

Grip and reliability

• Wider, puncture-resistant tyres at the right pressure (check weekly in cold weather).

• Keep spare tubes and a tiny pump or CO₂.

Carry it right

• Rear rack and panniers beat a sweaty backpack. Dry bags protect laptops and paperwork.

Lock it down

• A strong and secure D-lock plus a cable for wheels.

• Register your frame number with BikeRegister, the UK’s national cycle database.

• After your free 14-day insurance window, consider ongoing cover.

Maintenance basics

• Use wet lube in winter.

• Check brake pads (rim or disc) more often in wet grit.

• Keep lights charged and stash a spare set at work.

Simple bundles

• Starter: LED lights, mudguards, and lock.

• Commuter: add rack, panniers, and gloves.

• All-weather: add waterproofs, winter tyres, and spare lights.

Simple habits that make cycling feel easy

• Plan a calmer route: favour quieter streets, protected lanes and cycle paths where allowed; test your route on a weekend first.

• Ride for the conditions: slow a touch in the wet, brake earlier, avoid metal covers and painted lines.

• Road position: don’t hug the kerb. Hold a safe line and signal early.

• Workday security: lock to a fixed point, remove easy-grab kit (lights, batteries), and store inside if possible.

• Free help: many stores offer quick bike checks. Some councils run confidence sessions. Ask your Cyclescheme retailer to point you to local options.

• Micro-habits: lay out kit the night before; charge lights with your phone; keep spare gloves at work.

If you’re brand new (or coming back after a break), this is a great primer: Cycling training for beginners.

Why Cyclescheme retailers make autumn commuting painless

Practical advice from people who ride: You’ll meet staff who commute year-round. They’ll steer you to tyres that grip, lights that cut through murk, and layers that keep you dry without turning you into a boil-in-the-bag commuter.

Choice that solves problems: 2,600+ places to shop means stock for your size, your budget and your style, including sale bikes honoured by many ‘no-quibble’ retailers. Need a folding bike for the train? An e-bike for hilly suburbs? A gravel setup for pothole-strewn backstreets? Sorted.

Confidence through experience: Cyclescheme has been doing this for 20 years, sits on the board that shapes Cycle to Work guidance, and is trusted by the NHS, universities and thousands of employers. That history shows up in the details: clear savings, simple redemption, and fuss-free end-of-hire handled for you.

You get the right bike, the right kit, and the right routine quickly. Which is exactly what you need for autumn bike commuting.

Your autumn checklist

• Pick your retailer and book a test ride (make one an e-bike).

• Choose lights, mudguards, a solid lock, and a waterproof jacket.

• Apply for your Cyclescheme Certificate (know your employer’s limit).

• Plan a quieter route and pick a dry-day first commute.

• Set up indoor charging and stash a spare glove/hat set at work.

• Note your calculator saving. It keeps you motivated.

You’re one ride away from a cheaper, healthier commute

You want to save money on commuting. You want to feel better and cut your carbon. You also want a setup that actually works when the leaves fall and the rain shows up. That’s what autumn commuting can be with Cyclescheme and a good retailer: simple, affordable, and solid in all weathers.

So here’s how to get started.

• Find your nearest store: Cyclescheme Retailers.

• If you’re e-bike curious, read: How to get an e-bike on Cyclescheme.

• New to riding? Start here: Cycling training for beginners.

Pick a day this week. Do one commute by bike. Feel the difference. Then do it again. That’s how autumn commuting sticks. And that’s how your cheaper, healthier, calmer routine begins.