An e-bike can change your commute in all the right ways. You still ride. You still pedal. You still get the fresh air, the headspace, the freedom. But you get help where it matters most. Hills feel easier. Longer journeys feel more realistic. Arriving hot, flustered, and slightly regretful starts to feel like old news. 

That’s why more employees are looking at the cycle to work scheme electric bike route. An electric bike gives you a practical way to swap expensive, stressful travel for something smoother, cheaper, and a lot more enjoyable. And with Cyclescheme, you can save up to 47% on an electric bike, spread the cost through salary sacrifice, and choose from over 2,600 retailers across the UK.  

If you’re trying to work out which electric bike suits your commute, this guide is here to help. We’ll cover what an e-bike is, how it works, what kind of range you might need, the rules in the UK, and three commuter-friendly picks from the original Cyclescheme round-up. 

What is an electric bike and how do electric bikes work? 

An electric bike, or electric bicycle, is a bike with a motor and battery that gives you pedal assistance while you ride. In the UK, most road-legal e-bikes are electrically assisted pedal cycles, often shortened to EAPCs. That means the motor helps when you pedal, up to the legal speed limit for assistance.  

But the simple answer is this: they make everyday cycling feel lighter. They help you tackle headwinds, hills, longer miles, and heavy bags without turning your ride to work into a sweaty survival exercise. 

Why an electric bike cycle to work scheme makes sense 

Cost is the big barrier for lots of people. E-bikes are usually pricier than standard bikes because you’re paying for the motor, battery, electronics, and the rest of the bike itself. But the electric bike cycle to work scheme changes the maths. 

With Cyclescheme, you pay through salary sacrifice, which means the repayments come from your gross salary before tax and National Insurance. That can cut the overall cost by up to 47%, depending on your tax rate, employer, and package value. You also spread the cost over time instead of paying for everything upfront. 

That matters even more when travel costs are under pressure. The latest National Travel Survey says cycling miles per person in England rose to 53 in 2024, up 12% on 2023, showing that active travel remains part of how people are moving around. Cycling UK’s current statistics page also reports that cycling accounted for 1.4% of non-motorway traffic mileage in Great Britain in 2024, with 3.5 billion miles cycled overall. 

In other words, people are still riding. And for many commuters, an e-bike makes that choice easier to stick with. 

Are electric bikes legal in the UK? 

Yes, road-legal electric bikes are legal in the UK, as long as they meet the EAPC rules. 

According to GOV.UK, you can ride one from age 14. You do not need a licence, vehicle tax, registration, or insurance for a compliant EAPC. If the bike falls outside those rules, it may be treated as a motorcycle or moped instead. 

How much are electric bikes and why are electric bikes so expensive? 

Electric bikes vary a lot in price. What with the battery, motor, controls, build quality, brakes, and gearing, it all adds up. Entry-level models can start around the £1,000 mark, while better-specced commuter models climb well beyond that.  

The good news is that the cycle to work electric bike route softens that blow. As there is no £1,000 limit built into Cyclescheme, you have access to a much wider range of e-bikes. That is a big reason e-bikes are now a realistic option for many employees, not a ‘maybe one day’ purchase. 

Types of electric bike: which one suits your commute? 

The best e-bike for you depends on one thing above all else. Your commute. 

If you ride mainly on roads and want comfort, stability, and practicality, an electric hybrid bike is often the best place to start. If you combine rail and cycling, a folding e-bike makes a lot of sense. If your route includes rougher paths or broken surfaces, you may want something more robust. If you want a step-through frame for easier mounting and everyday convenience, many shoppers look for a ladies electric bike, though plenty of step-through models work brilliantly for any rider. 

H2: Can you take electric bikes on trains, and can you ride electric bikes in the rain? 

These are two of the most common real-life questions, and rightly so. 

National Rail says road-legal electric bicycles can be taken on most trains, though local operator cycle restrictions still apply. That means you should always check peak-time and operator-specific rules before you travel. 

On weather, yes, you can ride electric bikes in the rain. E-bikes are built for outdoor use. Cyclescheme’s commuting advice notes that riding in the rain can feel easier on an e-bike because you can ride in waterproofs without getting as hot and uncomfortable. 

Best e-bikes for cycling to work 

Here are three good examples of electrically-assisted bikes from a little over £1,000 to £2000. 

Cube SUV Hybrid Pro 27.5 

Cube is a German company that has a huge selection of pedelecs, ranging from town bikes to tourers to full-suspension mountain bikes. This 'sport utility vehicle' is an urban mountain bike with a nice aluminium frame, an air-sprung SR Suntour XCR fork, and commuter-friendly Shimano Alfine 8-speed hub gearing. Its vast Schwalbe Super Moto tyres will comfortably cope with the worst potholes, and its hydraulic disc brakes offer lots of stopping power for little lever effort. It's powered by a down tube mounted Bosch Li-Ion battery and an efficient Bosch bottom bracket motor. In ideal conditions, you might get 70 miles or more per charge. You'll need to add mudguards, rack, and lights for commuting. 

RRP: £1,999 

Cyclescheme Price: £1,749.88 

Kalkhoff Groove F7 

Electric bikes are more popular on the Continent than in the UK, and German company Kalkhoff make some of the best. The Groove F7 is one of their least expensive models. It's a step-through framed aluminium town bike with a budget suspension fork and seatpost. The 7-speed Shimano Nexus hub gear makes sense for an urban commuter: the drivetrain is more durable and you can go from top gear to bottom gear while stationary at the traffic lights. A 250W hub motor drives the front wheel, which can mean traction issues on the steepest hills but is fine for most purposes. The battery range is up to 37 miles per charge in ideal conditions. It comes with a rear rack, mudguards, battery lighting, and a kickstand. 

RRP: £1,095 

Cyclescheme Price: £845.88 

Raleigh Stow E Way 

This 20-inch wheel folding back collapses down to 90x50x70cm. It's no Brompton but you shouldn't have any problems taking it on a train or putting it in a car boot. At around 18kg, you won't want to carry this Raleigh far by hand: unfold it and push it. The battery is cleverly hidden inside the frame, while the motor is in the rear hub. The range is only about 24 miles per charge, which should be ample if you're using the Stow E Way for mixed-mode commuting. The bike itself is a Dahon-style fold-in-half frame with a long seatpost and stem that allow for a lot of height adjustment. Seven-speed Shimano Altus gears and V-brakes are par for the course on a folder of this type. It comes with a rack, mudguards and a kickstand. 

RRP: £1,350 

Cyclescheme Price: £1,100.88 

Why Cyclescheme is still the electric bike scheme to beat 

There is a reason Cyclescheme keeps standing out. It has 20 years in the market. It is trusted by over 50,000 employers. It gives employees access to more than 2,600 retailers. It has no fixed £1,000 scheme limit on e-bikes. It focuses hard on e-bike commuting and being the UK centre of excellence for commuting by e-bike. 

If you want an electric bike for work, Cyclescheme makes it easier to get the bike you actually want, not just the bike that feels barely affordable. 

e-bikes and the cycle to work scheme FAQs 

How long do electric bikes last? 

A good electric bike can last for years if you look after it properly. Frame life, motor life, and battery life all vary by brand, mileage, servicing, and storage. The battery is usually the part people replace first over the long term. Regular care and the right cycling equipment helps a lot. Cycling UK advises correct charging, sensible storage, and avoiding heat extremes. 

How much are batteries for electric bikes? 

Battery prices vary by brand, capacity, and system. Replacement batteries can be one of the most expensive parts of owning an e-bike, which is why it pays to buy from a reputable bike shop and follow the manufacturer’s charging advice. Prices vary too much by model to give one reliable UK figure. Many riders also invest in protective cycling gear for safe commuting and secure storage equipment such as locks and chains, which can help protect the overall value of their bike over time.  

How to charge electric bikes safely at home? 

Use the charger designed for your battery. Charge in a dry, ventilated place. Avoid overnight charging. Keep batteries away from exits and escape routes. Cycling UK’s current battery safety guidance covers all of those points. While charging, it is also a good time to check your tyres, lights, and essentials like pumps and puncture repair kits, so your bike is ready for your next ride. 

Are electric bikes waterproof? 

They are weather-resistant for normal riding and cycle commuting, but that does not mean you should treat every e-bike like a submarine. Heavy soaking, pressure washing, and poor storage can all cause problems over time. Normal rain riding is usually fine when the bike is maintained properly and paired with practical cycling gear such as waterproof clothing and cycle helmets designed for everyday commuting. 

How heavy are electric bikes? 

Most e-bikes are noticeably heavier than standard bikes because of the motor and battery. Folding e-bikes and cheaper commuter models can still be awkward to lift, so check the actual weight before you buy if storage or train travel matters to you. The Raleigh Stow E Way in this round-up is around 18kg. 

Can I get accessories with an electric bike cycle to work scheme? 

Yes. You can get a bike, accessories, or a combination of both through the scheme, subject to the approved package value. 

Is there a credit check for the electric bike scheme? 

There is no credit check for employees using the scheme as part of their employee benefits. Approval depends on eligibility through your employer and your pay staying above minimum wage after salary sacrifice. 

Can I use the scheme again after I finish paying for my first e-bike? 

Yes. there is no overall limit on how many times employees can use the scheme, but you can only have one salary sacrifice agreement at a time. 

Do e-bikes help with longer commutes? 

Yes. That is one of their biggest strengths. Government research on active travel found that equal or longer commuting times did not deter people from using an e-bike instead of a car, and Cyclescheme’s own guidance says e-bikes help flatten hills, reduce effort, and make longer journeys feel more manageable. 

Where can I shop for an electric bike through Cyclescheme? 

Across more than 2,600 retailers in the UK, including in-store, online, click and collect, and direct brand options. Cyclescheme says 45% of those retailers stock e-bikes.