Article jump links:

• What types of inclusive cycles exist?
• Can I get a non-standard cycle on the scheme?
• How do I get a non-standard cycle on the scheme?
• Can I get just an adaptive or specialist part on the scheme?
• Where can I shop for an inclusive cycle or adaptive part?

What types of inclusive cycles exist?

Bikes can come in many shapes and sizes. The cycle to work guidance specifically designates cycles as 'being a bicycle, a tricycle, or a cycle having four or more wheels, not being in any case a motor vehicle'. 

This definition aims to be inclusive of the wide range of preferences and requirements people have when choosing a cycle. Thankfully, it is broad enough to cover all conceivable types of cycles for disabled people. 

Specifically, people often designate two, three and four wheelers, hand cycles, wheelchair cycles, tricycles, recumbent tricycles, go-karts, cycles made for two, side-by-side cycles and tandems as cycles that are particularly useful to disabled people. 

In other instances, riders often consider adapting mass-market cycles to make them more suitable for specific requirements or certain cycling preferences; these types of enhanced cycles tend to be called adapted cycles.

There's a fantastic overview of the different types of inclusive cycles that exist on the Wheels for Wellbeing website (Wheels for Wellbeing is an award-winning charity supporting disabled people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefits of cycling). 

Can I get a non-standard cycle or an adapted cycle on the cycle to work scheme?

Yes, the cycle to work scheme has always been available to disabled people. The great news is that thanks to some recent Government guidance updates to the scheme, it's now easier than ever before to save money and spread the cost on an inclusive cycle of any value. 

Inclusive cycles are often made in lower volumes than mass-market bikes and they can sometimes require specialists to engineer them; this can make them more costly than other shop brought bikes.

Historically, there was a special dispensation for disabled riders that wanted to get a specific (or, essentially, a suitable) cycle on the scheme. The dispensation essentially allowed employers to loan bikes worth more than the usual £1,000 to riders needing specific bikes due to a disability. The guidance also encouraged employers to contribute to these bikes. Sadly, this dispensation and advice were not widely utilised. This approach has been superseded by the new guidance meaning getting a bike (or any sort) that is worth more than £1,000 is much easier. 

The updated guidance essentially allows employers to utilise Cyclescheme to loan staff cycles (and/or accessory packages) of any value. Employers can do this because Cyclescheme is FCA Authorised for this type of regulated activity.  

How do I get a non-standard cycle or an adapted bike on the cycle to work scheme?

First of all, you need to check if your employer is signed up. You can check if they use Cyclescheme by clicking on the floating 'I'm an employee' button below. You simply need to search for your employer by name. 

If your employer is signed up to Cyclescheme, you'll be able to see if they have a limit in the message that's displayed upon successful login.

1. If the message says 'Great news, you can save on a cycle to work package of any value. Start your application today...​' then saving on your new cycle is simple, simply find the cycle you want, apply for the amount you wish to spend and await your eCertificate.  
   
   
2. If the message says 'Great news, you can save on a cycle to work package of up to £X,XXX. Start your application today...' then whatever the X,XXX states is your current limit.
   
   If this is not enough to get the specific cycle you need to make cycling safe and enjoyable for you, then we suggest you chat to your employer as it's likely that they will increase their limit to accommodate your requirements. Cyclescheme can help them with this, they simply need to contact us to raise their limit.

Do I have to ride my non-standard cycle or adapted cycle to work?

Yes, if you used the cycle to work scheme to save on your inclusive cycle you do need to ride the cycle to work (sometimes). 

You can read our general FAQ on how frequently you should be using the cycle for work via our knowledge base.

Can I get just an adaptive or specialist part on the cycle to work scheme?

Yes, if there's a specific part of a component that you need to be able to cycle to work, then this is allowable on the scheme. 

You may find that the store (or even the engineering firm) is not already signed up with Cyclescheme - if this is the case, please contact our retail team who will endeavour to sign them up.

Where can I shop for an non-standard cycle or adaptive part?

Cyclescheme has a host of inclusive cycling stores and specialists on our books and we're raring to sign up more. 

You can see an article we've created on our top inclusive cycling stores here or simply search our entire retail network.

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