The Green Commute Initiative is a salary sacrifice arrangement. Your employer funds the upfront cost of your bike and/or accessories, and you pay it back over an agreed period (commonly 12, 18 or 24 months) directly from your gross salary. Because repayments are taken before tax and National Insurance, you end up paying less overall - saving between 28% and 47% depending on your tax band.

During the scheme period you are technically hiring the bike. At the end of the agreement, with GCI there is just a £1 fee to take full ownership - there are no percentage-based exit charges.

GCI does not set any spending limit - it's entirely up to your employer whether they choose to set one. This means e-bikes and higher-value packages are fully supported. If your employer has set a limit and you'd like to go higher, speak to your HR team about increasing it, or ask us about GCI's options.

You can get any bicycle, tricycle or e-bike (including cargo bikes and specialist cycles). E-bikes must be electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs) with a maximum output of 250 watts and a top assisted speed of 15.5mph.

Accessories are also covered, including:

• Helmets, lights, bells, locks and mirrors
• Panniers, child safety seats and reflective clothing
• Tools, puncture repair kits and replacement parts
• Servicing costs

Please note: bike computers (with or without GPS), cameras and non-reflective waterproof clothing cannot be included. There is a minimum order value of £100.

No pre-registration is required. Any UK employer can approve an individual GCI application without being formally signed up. If your employer is already registered, they'll have a Corporate GCI employer code. If not, the Instant GCI platform allows applications without a code. We'd normally expect that if an employer agrees for one person, they'll allow it for others too.

Yes - you can reserve items by paying a small refundable deposit (£50) either in-store, over the phone with your local store, or through our mail order hotline if you'd like home delivery. If the application doesn't proceed, your deposit will be returned in full.

With GCI, there is no percentage-based exit fee. At the end of the Extended Loan period there is simply a £1 fee to take full ownership of the bike - this acts as a tax marker to protect you from any future HMRC claim. Some other schemes charge up to 7% of the bike's value at the end, so this is one of the key advantages of using GCI.

If you leave before the end of your Salary Sacrifice Agreement, any outstanding balance must be repaid within 14 days of leaving. Where possible this is taken from your gross salary (preserving the tax benefit), but if that's not sufficient it may be taken from net salary or paid directly. Your employer should be able to advise on the process.

Reducing your gross salary through salary sacrifice may reduce your pension contributions, which could affect your final pension pot. Your employer may have different arrangements in place, so it's worth checking with your pension provider before you apply.

We strongly recommend insuring your bike as soon as possible. If it's stolen or damaged beyond repair, your salary sacrifice repayments will continue regardless. You are responsible for insuring the bike throughout the scheme period. For more information on cycle insurance, visit our Cycleplan page.

Unfortunately the Green Commute Initiative is not available to self-employed individuals, as your tax arrangements work differently. You may however be able to claim business use for a bike - speak to your accountant for advice.

Yes - organisations can run multiple schemes simultaneously. If your employer is already signed up to another provider, they can still approve GCI applications alongside it.

Green Commute Initiative is a Social Enterprise and the UK's only not-for-profit scheme provider. GCI is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 755361). Their mission is to get more commuters out of cars and onto bikes, improving individual health while reducing environmental impact. All profits are reinvested into improving the scheme.

GCI charges just 5% commission - the lowest in the industry. For any queries about applying through GCI, call our hotline on 01772 644340.