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Cycle to Work Scheme limit increased for cargo bikes.

New Cycle to Work Limit for cargo bikes and e-Cargo bikes - Eurocycles.com

In a bid to encourage greater use of cargo bikes in Ireland, the government has increased the cycle-to-work scheme limit for cargo bikes to €3000. This new limit came into effect on the 01st of January 2023, and the hope is that more families will replace their cars with cargo bikes in the future. 

In a statement, Minister Ryan mentioned that the "increase will help make cargo bikes more affordable for those choosing to purchase a new bike under the bike to work scheme. Cargo bikes have become more popular in recent years, with many people using them to bring their kids to school, for shopping and work purposes as delivery vehicles. The cost factor, however, impedes many people who may want to buy one. We hope that by increasing the limits for cargo bikes, more people will be able to choose them as a more sustainable way to get around.
We also need to see our courier and delivery companies moving at a faster pace, from vans and trucks to cargo bikes and we are looking at ways of supporting this transformation, specifically for the last mile element of their deliveries."

What is a cargo bike?

Cargo bikes are bicycles specifically designed to carry additional or excess loads. They often have large containers or seating on the front or back to transport large items or ferry younger children. The cargo bike racks are specifically designed to support heavy loads, unlike standard bicycles. A regular bicycle cannot be converted into a cargo bike by simply attaching a container or a trailer. The frame must be designed to carry loads or passengers to avail of the new €3000 cycle-to-work limit. 

There are two main cargo types: 

Cargo bikes types illustrated - Eurocycles Ireland

The Two-Wheelers: 
- Butcher's bikes or Baker's bikes: cargo bikes with a front basket or storage box
- Compact cargo: designed to ride and feel like a regular bike but with the load capacity of a cargo bike.
- Long John: a long cargo bike with a cargo area in front of the rider
- Box Bike: Long John cargo bike with box storage in front of the rider
- Long Tail: a cargo bike with an extended rear to support a rear rack for heavy load.
- Transporters: a cargo bike with a storage box at the back of the rider
 
The Three-Wheelers 
- Christiana (or coffee trike): a cargo bike with front-loaded storage and two front wheels to balance it. 
- Rickshaw (or velotaxi): hatchback tricycles designed to carry passengers.
- Heavy-duty delivery bike: backloading cargo trike.

The most common cargo bikes on Irish roads are the Long John, the Box Bike, the Long Tail, and the Christiana Trike, as pictured above. 

While electric cargo bicycles are the most popular option, some come without electric-assist motors. The new €3000 ceiling can be used towards electric-assisted and regular cargo bikes. 
This new limit should be welcomed by parents looking to bike to school with their kids or for anybody looking to cut down on their car use. 

How does the cycle-to-work scheme work?

The Cycle-to-Work scheme is a tax scheme allowing you to save on the costs of a new bike and cycling equipment through a salary sacrifice. Your repayments are taken out of your salary before tax, USC and PRSI are deducted. 
There are now three limits, depending on the type of bicycle purchased, under the Cycle to Work Scheme:
- for cargo bikes and safety equipment, the limit is €3,000.
- for pedelecs or e-bikes and related safety equipment, the limit is €1,500.
- for other bicycles and safety accessories, the limit is now €1,250.

If you want to learn more about the scheme and how to order with us, visit our cycle-to-work dedicated page and read our cycle-to-work FAQs. 

Cargo Bike via the Cycle to Work Scheme Example - Bergamont E-Cargoville LT Expert E-Cargo Bike.

As an example of how the bike-to-work scheme applies to a specific cargo bike, we'll look at the sturdy and versatile Bergamont E-Cargoville LT Expert e-bike. 
The bike retails at €4599 (January 2023 price) on Eurocycles.com. The cycle-to-work ceiling for cargo bikes is €3000. So, the tax savings applies to €3000, and the customer has to pay the remaining €1599. 
The amount of tax saved depends on your tax rate. See our calculator to see how much you can save.

Savings with cycle to work scheme on a cargo bike example - Eurocycles Ireland

Ordering a cargo bike with Eurocycles.

At Eurocycles, we make ordering your cargo bike or any bike via the cycle-to-work scheme effortless. All you need to do is:
- select your bike and accessories
- choose the Cycle to Work as your payment method at checkout
- give the quote emailed to you after your place your order to your employer
- Collect your bike or get it delivered once ready

All bikes are assembled by our expert mechanics with care and to the highest standards, whether you wish to collect them in-store or have them delivered. 
What's more? We offer a Free first essential service when you purchase a bike from us.