Bike to Work Scheme Mistakes to Avoid
The Bike to Work Scheme can make a new bicycle, electric bike and approved safety equipment more affordable. However, a small mistake at the quotation stage can delay your application or mean an item cannot be included in your scheme order.
Before you request a Cycle to Work Scheme quote, check your employer's process, choose the right bike and add any eligible accessories you need. A few minutes of preparation can help you avoid having to change your quote later.
Here are the most common Bike to Work Scheme mistakes to avoid in Ireland.
1. Choosing a Bike Before Checking That Your Employer Participates
The Bike to Work Scheme is offered through employers, but participation is voluntary. Your employer must agree to take part, and the scheme purchase must ultimately be processed and paid for through your employer.
Before choosing a bike, ask your HR, payroll or finance team:
- Does the company participate in the Bike to Work Scheme?
- Which scheme provider or quotation process should I use?
- Is there a particular application period or deadline?
- Does the company require an Irish IBAN or VAT breakdown?
- How long does approval normally take?
If your employer works with Taxfreebicycle or Cyclescheme.ie, or requires an Irish IBAN or VAT breakdown, Pogo Cycles may direct you to its partner website, LetsCycle.ie, to generate the appropriate quote.
2. Buying the Bike Yourself Without Following the Scheme Process
Do not simply purchase a bike independently and expect your employer to reimburse you afterwards. Under the Bike to Work Scheme, the purchase must still be processed through your employer.
However, if you want faster delivery, you can purchase the bike online directly from Pogo Cycles and continue with the normal Bike to Work Scheme process. Generate your Bike to Work Scheme quote and submit it to your employer as usual. Once your employer completes the scheme payment to Pogo Cycles, Pogo Cycles will refund the payment you made for the bike.
This is not a reimbursement from your employer and does not replace the normal Bike to Work Scheme process.
The normal Bike to Work Scheme process still applies:
- Confirm that your employer participates.
- Choose your bike and eligible accessories.
- Generate your Bike to Work Scheme quote.
- Submit the quote to your employer.
If you want the bike sooner, purchase it online from Pogo Cycles while your employer processes the scheme payment.
Once your employer pays Pogo Cycles through the Bike to Work Scheme, Pogo Cycles refunds your original payment.
This option can help avoid delays if employer approval or payment takes longer and your chosen bike is at risk of going out of stock. If you have any questions, contact Pogo Cycles support.
You can find the full quotation process on the Pogo Cycles Bike to Work Scheme page.
3. Using the Wrong Spending Limit
The maximum tax-exempt amount depends on the type of bicycle you choose. The current limits in Ireland are:
|
Bike type |
Maximum tax-exempt amount |
|
Standard bicycle |
€1,250 |
|
Electric bike or pedelec |
€1,500 |
|
Cargo bike or electric cargo bike |
€3,000 |
These limits include any approved safety equipment added to the same purchase. For example, if you select an e-bike for €1,400 and add €150 of eligible accessories, the total quotation is €1,550 and exceeds the €1,500 e-bike limit.
Before requesting your quote, calculate the full order value rather than looking only at the price of the bike. Our guide to what you can buy with the Bike to Work Scheme explains the different allowances in more detail.
4. Forgetting to Add Accessories to the Original Quote
A helmet, lights, lock or pannier may be just as important as the bike itself for a daily commute. Approved safety equipment should be included in the quotation or invoice submitted to your employer and counts towards the relevant scheme limit.
Eligible items can include:
- Cycling helmets that meet European standard EN 1078
- Bells and bulb horns
- Front and rear bike lights
- Mirrors and mudguards
- Panniers, luggage carriers and straps
- Bike locks and chains
- Pumps, puncture repair kits, cycle tool kits and tyre sealant
- Reflective clothing and reflectors
Not every cycling-related product qualifies. Child seats, child helmets, trailers, second-hand equipment and general bicycle parts are not covered under current Revenue guidance. If you are unsure, review our guide to accessories covered by the Bike to Work Scheme before finalising your order.
5. Trying to Add Accessories After the Quote Has Been Approved
Once your employer has approved or paid a quote, you should not assume that extra items can simply be added to the same scheme purchase.
If you notice that something is missing, contact Pogo Cycles and your employer before payment is completed. You may need a revised quote showing the bike and all approved accessories together. This also gives your employer an accurate total to review.
To avoid delays, plan your complete commuting set-up before requesting the quote. Think about visibility, security, carrying work items, puncture repairs and wet-weather riding.
6. Choosing a Bike That Does Not Suit Your Commute
The most expensive model is not automatically the best bike for your journey. Consider how and where you will use it before making your choice.
Ask yourself:
- How far is my daily return journey?
- Is the route flat, hilly or mixed terrain?
- Will I combine cycling with a train or bus?
- Do I have secure storage at home and at work?
- Will I need to carry a laptop, shopping or other equipment?
- Can I comfortably lift or move the bike when needed?
A folding electric bike may suit commuters with limited storage or those combining cycling with public transport. A mountain electric bike may be more suitable for rougher routes, while a cargo e-bike can help carry heavier loads.
You can also browse electric bikes available from Pogo Cycles to compare options before requesting a quote.
7. Assuming Every Electric Two-Wheeler Qualifies
The scheme covers new bicycles, pedelecs, e-bikes, cargo bikes and e-cargo bikes that meet the relevant conditions. It does not cover motorbikes, scooters or mopeds.
Do not assume that an electric scooter qualifies simply because it can be used for commuting. Check that the product is an eligible bicycle before adding it to your quote.
8. Forgetting the Four-Year Rule
You can normally use the Bike to Work Scheme once every four years. The tax year in which the bike was provided counts as the first year.
For example, if you used the scheme at any time in 2022, you became eligible to use it again from 1 January 2026. If you are unsure when you last used the scheme, check with your payroll or HR team before applying again.
9. Providing Incomplete Details on the Quote Request
Missing or incorrect information can slow down the quotation process. When requesting a quote from Pogo Cycles, make sure your name, email address, phone number and employer details are accurate.
Once the request is submitted, check your inbox for the quote and look in your spam or promotions folder if it does not arrive. Review the PDF carefully before forwarding it to your employer. Check the products, quantities, prices and employer details rather than assuming everything is correct.
10. Assuming You Always Have to Wait for Employer Payment Before Delivery
Requesting a quote does not complete the Bike to Work Scheme process. Your quote must still be submitted to your employer, who will need to complete the required approval and payment or voucher process.
Employer processing times can vary, which may delay delivery. In some cases, your chosen bike could go out of stock while you are waiting.
If you want to receive your bike sooner, you can purchase the bike online directly from Pogo Cycles and continue the Bike to Work Scheme process as normal. Generate your quote and submit it to your employer. Once your employer completes the Bike to Work Scheme payment to Pogo Cycles, Pogo Cycles will refund the payment you made online.
This means you do not necessarily have to wait for your employer’s payment before receiving your bike, while the Bike to Work Scheme process still continues through your employer.
Your Checklist Before Requesting a Cycle to Work Scheme Quote
- Confirmed that your employer participates in the Bike to Work Scheme
- Checked which scheme provider or quotation process your employer uses
- Confirmed that you are eligible under the four-year rule
- Chosen an eligible bike that suits your commute and storage needs
- Checked the correct scheme spending limit for your bike type
- Added any eligible accessories you want included in the same quote
- Checked that the total cost of the bike and accessories fits within your planned scheme amount
- Entered your personal and employer details correctly
- Generated your Bike to Work Scheme quote
- Reviewed the quote carefully before submitting it to your employer
- Understood that the Bike to Work Scheme process must still be completed through your employer
- If you want faster delivery, decided whether to purchase the bike online from Pogo Cycles while your employer processes the scheme payment
Ready to Request Your Bike to Work Scheme Quote?
Taking time to check your order now can prevent delays later. Once you have confirmed your employer's requirements, choose your bike and add any eligible safety equipment you want included in the same quotation.
Visit the Pogo Cycles Bike to Work Scheme page to follow the steps and request your quote. If you need help choosing a suitable bike or preparing your order, contact the Pogo Cycles team before submitting it.