Cyclescheme Partners with Lime to Provide Tax-Efficient E-Bike Subscriptions Through Salary Sacrifice

Cyclescheme, the well-known Cycle to Work provider, has joined forces with Lime Bikes to give employees the opportunity to purchase an annual subscription to the company’s shared electric bicycles. This collaboration allows eligible workers to access Lime’s e-bike services at a significantly reduced rate by utilizing salary sacrifice arrangements.

Through this partnership, the cost of a Lime Bikes annual subscription can be lowered by as much as 28% to 47% for qualifying employees, depending on their tax bracket. The tax advantages of salary sacrifice make this substantial discount possible, allowing workers to save money while embracing a more sustainable way to travel.

The full price of a yearly Lime Bikes subscription obtained through Cyclescheme comes to £635. When paid via salary sacrifice, basic-rate taxpayers would pay approximately £38.10 each month, higher-rate taxpayers would contribute £30.69 monthly, and additional rate payers would pay just £28.05 per month.

BNH Extras, which manages Cyclescheme, expressed optimism that this new collaboration will inspire a greater number of commuters and travelers to incorporate cycling into their daily routines. According to the organization’s research, roughly one-third of UK employees are considering cycling as part of their work commute, and 44% indicated that having access to an electric bike would motivate them to cycle more frequently.

Peter Dando, senior director of employee benefits and recognition at BHN, commented on the partnership: “This collaboration brings Lime’s e-bikes into Cyclescheme’s range of Cycle to Work benefits, allowing employees to cover an annual subscription through salary sacrifice. Traditionally, Cycle to Work has meant purchasing your own bicycle, but for workers who prefer to avoid the expenses, storage requirements, or maintenance responsibilities associated with bike ownership, this partnership provides an alternative path into cycling.”

**Monthly Allowance of 500 Minutes**

Under this arrangement, cyclists receive 500 minutes of Lime Bike usage each month throughout a 12-month period. While this figure might appear modest at first glance, BNH believes it will adequately serve the needs of most riders.

Dando explained: “After examining the data, we’re confident that 500 minutes per month meets the requirements of the majority of our riders. This amounts to approximately 25 minutes of riding on each weekday, which aligns well with a typical commute. We also recognize that many of our riders combine Lime bikes with public transportation—for instance, riding to or from the station instead of completing the entire journey by bicycle. Should riders require additional minutes in any given month, they can simply top up using a LimePass or LimePrime through the Lime app. Any rides exceeding the minute allowance will be charged to the payment method linked to the rider’s Lime account at the standard rates displayed in the Lime app.”

Lime Bikes maintains operations in numerous locations throughout the UK, including major cities such as London, Oxford, and areas within the West Midlands. Cycle to Work participants can collect a Lime e-bike in any UK city where the service operates, though international locations are not included.

Dando also noted that there’s no obstacle preventing cyclists from combining the Lime Bike subscription with a Cycle to Work purchase or adding cycling accessories like a helmet or jacket, provided this doesn’t surpass their employer’s salary sacrifice limit.