Bike2Work scheme...how was it for you?

[Maz]

If this has been asked before, I apologise...

I was thinking of asking my employer to take part in the Bike2Work scheme, but before I do I just wanted to get some feedback from those forum members who are already participating in the scheme.

Is it a good deal? Did it run smoothly or delays along the way? Did your employer take to the scheme straight away or did you have to badger them? etc etc

Many thanks in advance.

 

[spindrift]

Piece of cake, the bike had to be bought from halfords but they can order anything for you. I've never heard anything from my employer about buying the bike back.

 

[redjedi]

I didn't have any problems with my work's scheme.

As I have almost finished paying it off, I asked my boss what happened to the ownership. He said legally it still belongs to them, but they don't care what I do with it now, and they'll sell it to me at a minimal fee, but it doesn't really matter to either of us.

I've heard some stories of empoyers asking for almost the full value of the bike, after it's been paid off, which is a bit naughty. So you may want to get that cleared up first.

 

[Maz]

I didn't have any problems with my work's scheme.

As I have almost finished paying it off, I asked my boss what happened to the ownership. He said legally it still belongs to them...

This is true, and it's put me off a bit (text from Halfords website). I wrongly assumed I owned it once it was paid for.
Who owns the equipment?
The employer owns the equipment. The legislation that governs Cycle2Work schemes quite specifically forbids the employee to own the equipment - and therefore there can be no automatic right for the employee to own the equipment at the end of the Agreement. If they do, they cannot claim the tax exemption...

 

[goo_mason]

Back in April 2007 at the end of the year of paying for the bike, my work 'sold' it to me for 5% of the original value - so £12.50 and it was mine.

Up until that point, it did still legally belong to them/Halfords. In effect, you pay all year to 'rent' it.

 

[spindrift]

i finished the scheme a year ago and havn't heard nuffink about buying the bike.

 

[Maz]

That's it. I'm off to see our Human Remains Dept. Wish me luck.

 

[Soltydog]

I also finished paying for my bike a few months back, but haven't heard anything about buying it, but possesion is 9 tenths & all that

My employer did the scheme through www.wheelies.co.uk
I'm sure it cant have taken a great deal of setting up as they wouldn't have done it otherwise

 

[just jim]

Piece of cake, the bike had to be bought from halfords but they can order anything for you. I've never heard anything from my employer about buying the bike back.

Can Halfords order a bike from a shop that already has a B.T.W scheme in place? My employer has already ruled out Edinburgh Bike Co-Op because of that.

 

[Downward]

Can you get another bike at the end of the scheme say if you wanted a Road Bike or something different ?

 

[hackbike 6]

My work weren't interested at first but then became interested but if I want a bike I will save up and buy it when I am ready.I'd much rather they installed showers than this.

 

[goo_mason]

Can you get another bike at the end of the scheme say if you wanted a Road Bike or something different ?

My work runs the scheme every year, so when our flexible benefits package comes up for renewal in April you can get another bike if you so wish. And the next year. And the next.... (repeat until retirement or the Govt pulls the scheme).

So yes, you can get another bike. I had a MTB for 2 years and I'm now on a road bike (though the MTB has been kept for the worst months of winter commuting).

 

[HLaB]

Can Halfords order a bike from a shop that already has a B.T.W scheme in place? My employer has already ruled out Edinburgh Bike Co-Op because of that.

My work is starting the scheme in October, they're using the Ed Co Op, am I restricted to their range?

 

[Mr Pig]

I thought about asking my boss to sign up for CTW but I'm the only person who'd take it up and there's no way he'd go to the trouble for just me :0(

 

[AdamBlade]

I've asked my new employers over a month ago but it has to go to en employee forum to get passed. Apparently it was raised 18 months ago but didn't get anywhere. Just got the first response back and they are costing out shower facilities. Don't see why they can't set up the scheme whilst costing it out.