The Irish Bike to Work scheme enables employees and directors paying Irish PAYE to save up to 52% on the cost of a brand-new electric bike or cargo bike through salary sacrifice. Under Revenue.ie rules, qualifying e-bikes receive tax relief on up to €1,500 of expenditure, while cargo e-bikes receive tax relief on up to €3,000, paid back across up to 12 months free of Income Tax, PRSI, and Universal Social Charge (USC).
As Dublin’s dedicated electric mobility specialist, Lifty Electric (157 Capel Street, Dublin 1) works with all major Irish employer programmes—including TravelHub, HubEx, Cyclescheme.ie, and direct company proforma invoicing. This comprehensive guide covers exact statutory limits, genuine tax calculation examples, vehicle eligibility rules, and how to get your official quote.
Standard Pedelec E-Bikes
Applies to 250W road-legal pedal assist bikes (25 km/h limit) plus safety gear (helmets, locks, lights).
Cargo E-Bikes & Longtails
Dedicated statutory allowance for purpose-built cargo bikes designed to transport heavy loads, children, or commercial tools.
Vehicle Eligibility: What Can and Cannot Be Purchased
ELIGIBLE UNDER REVENUE RULES
- EN 15194 compliant electric pedal assist bikes (250W, 25 km/h)
- Folding e-bikes (e.g. UTO OG16)
- Purpose-built cargo electric bikes (e.g. UTO OG200)
- Helmets conforming to EN 1078 standards
- Gold or Diamond Sold Secure cycle locks
- Lights, reflectors, bells, mudguards, and panniers
STRICTLY EXCLUDED BY LEGISLATION
- Electric Scooters: Not eligible under current Irish tax legislation
- Electric Unicycles (EUCs): Excluded from Bike to Work relief
- Mopeds / Speed Pedelecs: Motors over 250W or throttles over 6 km/h
- Cycle computers, smartwatches, or GPS tracking subscription fees
- Casual cycling apparel not specifically designed for road safety
Real-World Savings Calculation on Lifty E-Bikes
Here is how salary sacrifice breaks down for employees earning under €42,000 (standard rate ~28.5%) versus employees earning €42,000+ (higher rate up to 52% relief):
| Model | Retail Price (EUR) | Relief Cap Applied | Net Cost (Higher Rate 52%) | Monthly Deduction (12 Mo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiido C11 Pro City E-Bike | €1,199.00 | Full amount (€1,199) | €575.52 | ~€47.96 / month |
| ENGWE P275 ST (Carbon Belt) | €1,499.00 | Full amount (€1,499) | €719.52 | ~€59.96 / month |
| UTO OG16 Magnesium Folding | €1,799.00 | €1,500 capped | €1,019.00 | ~€84.92 / month |
| TENWAYS CGO600 Pro (16kg) | €2,049.00 | €1,500 capped | €1,269.00 | ~€105.75 / month |
| UTO OG200 Cargo E-Bike | €2,499.00 | Full amount (€2,499 under €3k cap) | €1,199.52 | ~€99.96 / month |
*Note: When a bike's price exceeds the statutory cap (e.g. €1,500 for standard e-bikes), tax relief applies up to the cap, and the remaining balance is paid directly by the employee through salary sacrifice or initial deposit, depending on employer scheme rules.
Four Simple Steps to Get Your Bike at Lifty
Select Your E-Bike
Browse our qualifying e-bikes and add any safety accessories (lock, helmet, lights) you require.
Request Official Quote
Generate an instant formal proforma invoice on our website or visit our 157 Capel Street showroom.
Employer Approval
Submit the quote to your HR department or portal (TravelHub, HubEx, Cyclescheme). They issue payment directly.
PDI & Delivery
Your bike is assembled and inspected by Lifty Labs technicians, ready for showroom collection or nationwide delivery.
Authored by: Lifty Electric Team | Lifty Electric (157 Capel Street, Dublin 1, D01 F5P1) | Ireland’s Bike to Work & E-Bike Specialists
