The UK Cycle to Work scheme makes commuting with Lime even more affordable. By participating, eligible employees can save between 28% and 47% on the cost of Lime’s monthly and annual passes through pre-tax payroll deductions, while employers simultaneously can save on National Insurance contributions.
This benefit is available exclusively for e-bike rides (e-scooters are not eligible for the Cycle to Work scheme). Lime has partnered with CycleSaver and Cyclescheme to provide this benefit. Your Cycle to Work provider and employer are responsible for administering the scheme, including eligibility, salary sacrifice deductions, subscription changes and cancellation. Lime provides the riding benefit in the Lime app.
For more details on the offerings, please visit their respective websites.
FAQs
General
What is the Cycle to Work scheme?
Introduced in the 1990s to promote healthier and greener commutes, the government-backed Cycle to Work scheme allows employees to pay for cycle-related benefits via "salary sacrifice." The subscription cost is deducted directly from the employee's pre-tax salary, which reduces their overall tax bill. Originally designed for purchasing personal bikes, the scheme is now available for bike-sharing services like Lime.
What Lime products are available on the Cycle to Work scheme?
Lime offers various subscription options to suit your commuting needs:
- Monthly subscriptions: 280-minute, 500-minute, or 1000-minute passes (available via CycleSaver).
- Annual subscriptions: 500 minutes per month for 12 months (available via Cyclescheme).
Current prices and tax savings calculators are available on the CycleSaver and Cyclescheme websites.
How much can employees save?
Eligible employees can save between 28% and 47% on their Lime subscriptions. The exact savings depend on the individual's income tax band. You can estimate your exact savings using the calculators on our partners' websites.
Where can the benefit be used?
The benefit is for UK employees making trips within the UK. Lime currently operates eligible e-bikes in London, Milton Keynes, the West Midlands, Nottingham, and Oxford.
Are both bikes and scooters eligible?
No, this scheme is valid for Lime e-bikes only. E-scooter rides are not eligible for the Cycle to Work scheme.
Which Cycle to Work providers does Lime work with?
Lime currently partners with CycleSaver and Cyclescheme.
Who should I contact if I have a problem with the benefit?
- For subscription changes, cancellation or Cycle to Work scheme-related issues: Contact your Cycle to Work provider directly (CycleSaver or Cyclescheme).
- For ride-specific issues (e.g. vehicle or app related): Contact Lime via the "Help" section within the Lime app.
For employers
How can I offer Lime Cycle to Work to my employees?
If you haven't already, your company simply needs to sign up with one of our partners - CycleSaver or Cyclescheme - and ensure that bike sharing services are activated. Lime subscriptions will then become available for your employees to purchase through a pre-tax salary sacrifice.
How much will my employees save?
Eligible employees can save between 28% and 47%, depending on their individual tax band. Calculators are available on our partners' websites to help them estimate savings.
How much will the company save?
Employers signed up to the Cycle to Work scheme can save up to 15% on National Insurance contributions based on the total subscription amounts deducted from their employees' salaries.
Can I sign up my company directly with Lime?
Lime does not currently offer Cycle to Work directly, employers need to work with one of our approved partners.
For employees
How do I sign up for a Lime Cycle to Work offering?
First, check with your HR department to see if your employer has signed up with CycleSaver or Cyclescheme.
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If your employer has already signed up:
- Go to the Cycle to Work provider’s employee portal and select your desired Lime subscription.
- If eligible, your employer will approve the selection, and you will be prompted to sign a Salary Sacrifice Agreement to authorise payroll deductions.
- You will receive a code via email for your Lime Cycle to Work benefit.
- If you haven’t already, download the Lime App from the App Store or Google Play and create a Lime account.
- Redeem the code you received directly in the "Wallet"/"Promo Code" section of the Lime App and start riding!
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If your employer has not signed up yet:
- Contact your HR department to express your interest in using Lime through the Cycle to Work scheme.
- Ask your HR department to submit a request via the Lime for Business interest form so that we can arrange a call between Lime and your employer to get them set up.
Can I cancel my monthly or annual subscription?
To manage or request cancellation of your subscription, please contact your Cycle to Work provider. Lime Cycle to Work subscriptions are subject to the UK’s statutory 14-day cancellation right from the day you receive your redemption email.
Monthly subscriptions can be activated and deactivated month-to-month. They cannot be cancelled within an active month, outside of the statutory cancellation right.
Outside of the statutory cancellation right, annual subscriptions can only be cancelled if your employment is terminated within the first month of starting the subscription.
What happens to unused monthly minutes?
Unused monthly minutes expire at the end of the applicable monthly period and do not roll over. You can view the expiry date in the Lime app.
What happens if I ride for longer than my subscription minutes?
Rides beyond the minute allowance are charged to the payment method associated with your Lime user account at the prevailing rates shown in the Lime app.
What happens if I leave the company?
Unless your employment is terminated within the first month of an annual subscription, the remaining balance of your subscription will be deducted from your final paycheck. Subscriptions cannot be transferred between companies. Once at a new company, you will need to restart the process.
For questions about your subscription, contact your Cycle to Work provider.