GCI Blog

New Year – New Limits

To have a successful Cycle to Work Scheme, it’s important to have a realistic spend limit and the start of a new year is a great opportunity to review how your organisation’s scheme is set-up.

Before Green Commute Initiative entered the Cycle to Work market in 2016, most schemes were limited to £1,000.  However, GCI’s unique model showed that it’s possible to have a scheme with no spend restrictions (and no fees!) and thousands of employers have taken advantage of GCI’s no limits model.  Unfortunately, many employers are still under the impression that the limit remains or simply continue with an older scheme model because “that’s how we’ve always done it”.  It’s time to update this mindset.

The key to the success of any scheme is to ensure it encourages employees from all demographics to take part.  Therefore, your scheme needs a spend limit which encompasses all types of bicycles for all types of users. If you don’t limit choices, your scheme will be more successful.

Different bikes at different price points

Ebikes make cycling easier and more enjoyable which is great for those new to cycling.  However, a commuter quality ebike will cost in the region of £2,500 to £3,000.  If your scheme limit is below this, then your scheme won’t be piquing the interest of those employees looking to get an ebike.

Employers also have to consider employees with disabilities who require a specialist or adapted cycle or trike. These aren’t cheap!  Your Cycle to Work Scheme needs include those with mobility issues and enable them to get a cycle suited to their needs.  A £1,000 limit just won’t cut it.

A lady wearing a suit and riding a red bicycle.
Helping you achieve Net Zero

More employees cycling means your carbon reporting under Scope 3 of the GreenHouse Gas Protocol will be lower.   See the Carbon Trust website for more information on how carbon emissions from employee commuting are included in these calculations.

Get in touch

To discuss how your current scheme can be vastly improved with a change to the spend limit, get in touch today with the team at Green Commute Initiative or visit our website.

#cycletowork
#ebikes
#activetravel
#carbonreduction
#employeebenefits

  • 19th January 2024