Previously, anyone looking to purchase a Cargo Bike via the Bike to Work scheme could only avail of the limits which were available for bicycles (€1,250) and electric assist bicycles (€1,500). However, the limit for cargo bikes has now doubled to €3,000, whether electrically assisted or regular cargo bikes.
The Bike to Work Scheme allows employees to give part of their salary for a bicycle and/or safety equipment, which should be used primarily for journeying to and from work. The purchase is not taxable benefit-in-kind and can be made in any shop.
Commenting on the change, Eamon Ryan, Ireland’s Minister for Transport, said:
“This 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 for work purposes as delivery vehicles. The cost factor, however, is an impediment to 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.
The coming years will see a re-allocation of road space away from private vehicles towards public transport and space for people walking and cycling and cargo bikes will play a large part in how we use our roads. I look forward to seeing many more cargo bikes on our roads over the coming years, helped by this decision today to make them more affordable.”
Ireland’s Department of Transport adds that it is examining other ways to increase the number of cargo bikes.
Moreover, the country’s National Transport Authority is looking at trialling the Bicycle Library concept at a number of schools in the coming year, so that parents can experience using Cargo Bikes and other family bikes and be confident that they would use it before investing.
Photo by Jørgen Larsen on Unsplash