Why it pays to be proactive with employee wellbeing

You’re not just offering a bike, you’re investing in:

• Fewer sick days: Cycle commuters take 1.3 fewer sick days per year

• Higher productivity: Physical activity has been linked to a 12% increase in productivity

• Better mental health: 82% of Cyclescheme riders say they feel less stressed after commuting

Now ask yourself: Are cycle to work schemes worth it for employee morale? Absolutely.

Zero cost to join

Cyclescheme is completely free to set up and run, making it a no-brainer for businesses of any size. There are no subscription fees, hidden charges, or long-term contracts. You simply register your business and instantly unlock one of the UK’s most popular employee benefits, without touching your budget.

Worried about financial exposure? Don’t be. Cyclescheme operates on a salary sacrifice agreement model, so employers are fully repaid through monthly deductions. Even if an employee leaves early, processes are in place to ensure repayment. That means zero liability, minimal risk, and peace of mind for your HR or finance team.

Cyclescheme is designed to run smoothly in the background. Once you’re set up, we take care of everything, from the employee application process and voucher generation to handling end-of-hire ownership. You simply approve requests. With all the tools and templates provided, running your scheme is refreshingly low effort.

Every salary sacrifice payment through Cyclescheme generates up to 13.8% in Employer National Insurance Contributions (NIC) savings. That means for every £1,000 processed, you save £138. Multiply that by multiple employees, and you’ve got a cost-positive benefit that doesn’t just support well-being, it also boosts your bottom line.

Extra benefits: BHN Extras, free bike insurance, marketing support

Cyclescheme comes bundled with added value. You get access to BHN Extras, our free benefits platform for small businesses, plus 14 days of free bike insurance for your employees, and professionally designed marketing materials to help boost engagement. It’s a full support package designed to make you look good.

Offering Cyclescheme isn’t just good for your people, it’s great for the planet. Every new cyclist helps cut carbon emissions and reduce local congestion. That means you’re actively supporting your organisation’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments, while encouraging sustainable travel behaviours company-wide.

Want to see the real impact? You’ll get your own employer dashboard, branded with your company’s details, giving you complete visibility over who’s joined, how much has been saved, and how your scheme is performing. It’s great for reporting, internal comms, and showcasing your employee benefit success story.

Futureproofing your benefits offering

Offering flexible, tax-efficient benefits like Cyclescheme helps attract and retain top talent, especially younger employees looking for eco-conscious employers.

Plus, e-bikes are booming. By including electric bikes in your scheme, you’re tapping into one of the fastest-growing transport trends in the UK. Sales of e-bikes have grown 25% year-on-year.

Cyclescheme is ready for this future, and so are your people.

Still sitting on the fence? Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions that sometimes make employers hesitate. 

Is there a cost risk if an employee leaves?

No risk to you. If an employee leaves your organisation mid-agreement, the remaining balance is simply deducted from their final net salary. You’re never left out of pocket. This process is built into the scheme’s design, ensuring financial protection for employers and making Cyclescheme a truly risk-free benefit.

What if the bike is stolen?

Each employee receives 14 days of free insurance from Cyclescheme as standard. We also strongly encourage them to take out longer-term cover for peace of mind. If the bike is stolen after the initial period, the employee remains responsible for repayments, so again, no financial liability falls on the employer.

What’s the admin burden?

Minimal. Once your business is signed up, we handle all the tricky bits, from employee communications to scheme logistics and end-of-hire processes. You simply approve applications when notified. No chasing paperwork, no complex payroll integrations, just a straightforward digital platform that makes it easy to manage everything in minutes.

Cycle to Work Scheme FAQs

Are cycle to work schemes worth it for small businesses?

Yes! They’re completely free to join and often save small businesses money on NICs. Even if you only have a handful of staff, it’s a cost-positive benefit.

Definitely. Employees don’t have to cycle daily, just 50% of their bike use should be for work purposes. Great for hybrid schedules.

Are cycle to work schemes worth it even if few employees cycle?

Yes. Those who do will be healthier, more punctual and more productive. Plus, offering it boosts your employee benefits reputation.

Are cycle to work schemes worth it if I already offer travel benefits?

Absolutely. Cyclescheme complements public transport incentives, and appeals to different needs, especially for shorter commutes.

Are cycle to work schemes worth it in cities with good public transport?

Yes. Using bikes as a mode of transport reduces reliance on crowded trains and buses and gives staff flexibility. Plus, many employees prefer the independence of cycling.

Are cycle to work schemes worth it for e-bike purchases?

Without a doubt. E-bikes are more expensive, so the tax savings make a big difference, and they appeal to less experienced cyclists.

Are cycle to work schemes worth it for sustainability goals?

Yes. Encouraging active travel is one of the simplest ways to reduce your business’s carbon footprint and meet CSR goals.

Yes, the benefits for employers are more than financial. Employees who cycle are less stressed, take fewer sick days, and feel more valued. That helps keep them around.

Are cycle to work schemes worth it for tax savings?

Yes, without a doubt. Employers save up to 13.8% in National Insurance Contributions (NIC) on every salary sacrifice transaction made through the scheme. That means for every £1,000 processed, your business keeps an extra £138. Multiply that by multiple employees and multiple packages, and you’re looking at a significant saving.