Getting the Electrical Boost with the Cycle to Work Scheme - a column by Link Cycling Correspondent Becky Cox

This month I spoke to Nigel Woodforth, owner of E-Zoom, a local supplier of electric bikes, and bike and e-scooter mechanic.

With e-bikes becoming increasingly popular and now representing up to a quarter of all bike sales, I asked Nigel what got him started. 

“For me in was the onset of arthritis in my knee, my friend encouraged me to try his e-bike I was blown away. It was so much fun and changed my life, allowing me to get out into the countryside, and enjoy  [Anchor] a bit of fresh air and exercise.”

Being a fair weather cyclist, Nigel freely admits that if it wasn’t for his e-bike he’d just drive everywhere, but he loves the freedom that the e-bike brings him and now regularly cycles to work. 

As a qualified electrical engineer and bike mechanic, Nigel’s love for e-bikes led him into opening a specialist e-bike sales and repair shop, now based just off the Western Flyer on the River Ray Industrial Estate.

E-bikes are great alternatives to cars, especially for trips round town, and they only cost a few pence to charge. It’s important to buy from a reputable retailer rather than buying a cheap electric bike or conversion kit on the internet, which have more recently been associated with electrical fires. 

Whilst good electric bikes can seem an expensive investment, schemes such as the government’s Cycle to Work Scheme initiative can help. 

The Cycle to Work scheme is commonly offered as a company benefit giving employees the chance to save up to 40% on the cost of bike and equipment. 

Payment is typically spread over 12- 24 months, a tax-free benefit coming out of your salary. Generally you find a bike (and equipment) that you like at a local bike shop signed up to your company’s scheme and get a quote. Your company then sorts the payment and you get a voucher to take to the cycle shop. 

So if you’re thinking of investing in an e-bike why not check if your company offers the Cycle to Work scheme? If not, encourage them to join! It’s simple for businesses to sign up, and costs nothing but offers employees big savings.

If you need an incentive to get cycling this year, why not sign up to the MacMillan Castles Bike ride? The annual charity event is taking place on Sunday 2 June. There’s a range of off-road routes suitable for all the family, all starting from Coate Water. E-bikes are welcomed too!