Save up to ~40% on a premium folding e‑bike through the UK’s Cycle to Work scheme

A Great Deal — Once You Understand How It Works

The Cycle to Work scheme can feel confusing, and the savings sometimes sound too good to be true. But when it’s used correctly, it’s one of the most cost‑effective ways for UK employees to buy a high‑quality e‑bike.

For many higher‑rate taxpayers, it can turn a £2,500 FLIT M2 into an effective cost of around £1,450 — spread over monthly salary deductions rather than paid upfront.

This guide explains how the scheme works in practice, what you’ll typically pay, and where the common misunderstandings lie — so you can decide if it’s right for you.

What Is the Cycle to Work Scheme?

Cycle to Work is a UK government‑backed initiative that allows employees to obtain a bike and safety equipment through their employer using salary sacrifice.

Instead of paying from your take‑home pay, the cost is deducted from your gross salary, meaning you save on Income Tax and National Insurance.

In simple terms: you don’t get a discount at checkout — you save because you’re taxed on a lower salary while you’re paying for the bike.

Key points to know

• The government‑imposed £1,000 bike limit was removed in 2019, making e‑bikes eligible
• Individual employers or scheme providers may still set their own limits
• Typical savings range from ~25% to ~40%, depending on tax bracket and scheme setup
• Payments are usually spread over 12–18 months
• More than 2 million people have used Cycle to Work since it launched

What You’ll Typically Pay for a FLIT M2

The FLIT M2 has a retail price of £2,500. Below is an illustrative example of how the numbers often work out under common Cycle to Work arrangements.

Tax band	Approx. effective cost*	Monthly (12 months)	Approx. saving
20% (Basic rate)	~£1,800	~£150	~28%
40% (Higher rate)	~£1,450	~£121	~42%
45% (Additional rate)	~£1,325	~£110	~47%

*Figures assume standard Income Tax and NI savings and a typical extended‑hire ownership model. Actual savings can vary by employer, provider and personal tax situation.

A note on ownership at the end

Most Cycle to Work schemes offer one of two routes at the end of the initial hire period:

• Extended hire (often 2–4 years) at no extra cost, after which ownership transfers automatically
• Immediate ownership, usually for a fee based on HMRC’s fair‑market‑value guidance

In practice, many riders end up paying little or nothing extra, but the exact outcome depends on the scheme provider.

1. Check your employer’s scheme

Many medium and large employers offer Cycle to Work through providers such as:

• Cyclescheme
• Green Commute Initiative
• Cycle Solutions
• Halfords Cycle2Work
• Vivup and others

If your employer doesn’t yet offer it, HR can usually set one up at no direct cost. We’re always happy to work with new providers of the scheme.

2. Choose your FLIT M2 and accessories

You can normally include:

• Your FLIT M2 (£2,500)
• Essential accessories such as locks, extra lights and luggage

Most schemes allow accessories to be bundled with the bike, which can be convenient and cost‑effective.

3. Apply through your employer

• FLIT provides a formal quote
• You apply via your employer’s scheme portal
• Once approved, you receive a voucher or certificate

Approval times vary, but can be quick.

4. Place your order with FLIT

Once your voucher is issued:

• We process your order
• Your bike is built and dispatched with chosen accessories from those we stock. Check out the Accessories Advice for more info.
• We can ship next day once the voucher has been processed by the provider, subject to availability

5. Salary deductions begin

Your employer deducts the agreed amount from your gross salary each month for the duration of the hire period.

A Real‑World Example

Sara is a project manager earning £55,000 and commuting from Reading to London several days a week.

Before:

• Station parking: ~£180/month
• Train pass: ~£420/month
• Total: ~£600/month

After using FLIT + Cycle to Work:

• FLIT M2 via salary sacrifice: ~£121/month (first year only)
• No parking costs
• Same train pass

Over three years, the bike more than pays for itself — while also adding daily exercise and flexibility to her commute.

Why FLIT Works Particularly Well with Cycle to Work

Light enough to matter

At 14.5kg, the FLIT M2 is significantly lighter than many folding e‑bikes, making it easier to carry onto trains, store in flats, or lift into a car.

Designed for real commuting

The fast fold and compact size make mixed train‑and‑bike journeys genuinely practical — exactly what Cycle to Work was designed to support.

A sensible price point

At £2,500, FLIT sits in a sweet spot:

• High enough to benefit meaningfully from tax savings
• Not so expensive that monthly deductions become uncomfortable

FLIT vs Another Leading Brand via Cycle to Work (Illustrative)

Model	RRP	Approx. cost via C2W (40%)
FLIT M2	£2,500	~£1,450
Other Leading Brand	£2,999	~£1,740
Other Leading Brand	£5,799	~£3,365

*Figures shown are indicative and depend on scheme structure and tax position.

Common Questions

Can I use the bike for leisure as well as commuting?
Yes. HMRC guidance requires it to be used mainly for commuting — leisure use is absolutely fine.

What if I leave my job?
Most schemes allow you to buy the bike at its market value or, in some cases, transfer the agreement.

What if I’m self‑employed?
Standard Cycle to Work isn’t available, but some providers offer alternatives for sole traders.

The Bottom Line

Cycle to Work doesn’t magically make bikes cheaper — but it does make them far more affordable by spreading the cost and reducing tax.

For professional commuters considering a premium folding e‑bike, it’s often the smartest way to buy a FLIT M2 — provided you understand how your employer’s scheme works.

If you’d like help checking eligibility or getting a quote, visit flit.bike/cycle-to-work or contact [email protected].

Savings examples are illustrative and based on typical UK tax rates and scheme structures. Actual outcomes vary depending on employer, provider and individual circumstances.