A practical guide for riders in Bradford District

If you’ve had an e-bike loan with us, when the loan period ends, you might feel a sudden “cliff‑edge”. You’ve built confidence, independence and new habits — and now you are without a bike! The good news is that owning an e‑bike affordably is possible, and this guide shows the clearest routes.

If none of these prove affordable or feasible there’s a few other options you might not have considered at the end of the article.

🌟 Quick comparison of the main ways to buy a bike

Option	Typical saving	Ease
Employer “Cycle to Work” Scheme	High (25–47%)	Easy if employed
0% interest finance	Low (but spreads cost)	Easy
Buy new outright	None	Simplest
Refurbished / second‑hand e‑bike	High	Moderate
Non‑electric bike	Cheapest option	Easy

1. The best saving if you’re employed: A Cycle to Work Scheme

If you’re employed, this is usually the cheapest way to buy an e‑bike. Despite the name, you do not have to cycle to work — it’s simply a tax‑efficient way to buy a bike.

How it works

• Ask your employer if they have a Cycle to Work scheme in place (most large employers do).
• Or ask your employer to sign up with a provider such as Green Commute Initiative – greencommuteinitiative.uk – it’s a great employee benefit they can provide with very little overhead or admin.
• The employer buys the bike.
• You “hire” it through salary sacrifice for 12 months.
• Payments come from your gross salary, so you save tax and National Insurance.
• After the hire period, you can keep the bike!

A message you can send to your employer

Subject: Cycle to Work Scheme (Green Commute Initiative)

Hi [Name],

I’d like to buy a bike through a Cycle to Work scheme. I’ve done some research and found that The Green Commute Initiative handles the paperwork and requires very little admin from employers.

It’s a tax‑efficient benefit that reduces travel costs and supports staff wellbeing without placing costs on the employer.

Could we please look at signing up?

More info: www.greencommuteinitiative.uk/employers

Thanks, [Your Name]

2. Interest‑free instalments

0% finance is the next best option for buying new if Cycle to Work schemes are unavailable and assuming you can get credit. Many retailers offer interest‑free monthly payments over 6–36 months.

Why choose this

• No interest
• Low monthly payments
• Quick approval
• Works well for riders with a steady income

Example retailers that provide 0% finance options:

• Decathlon (Leeds)
• Evans Cycles (Keighley)
• All Terrain Cycles (Saltaire)
• Ilkley Cycles

3. Where to buy an e‑bike locally (and try before you buy)

Test‑riding is one of the best ways to avoid buying the wrong bike. These shops sell, service, and allow test rides.

🚲 All Terrain Cycles — Saltaire

• Sells and services e‑bikes
• Test rides available
• Large range, including ex‑demo bikes
• Strong aftercare

🚲 Riverside Bikes — Apperley Bridge

• Sells and services e‑bikes
• Perfect for canal‑side test rides
• Great for riders who want to feel how an e‑bike handles in real conditions

🚲 Evans Cycles — Keighley

• Sells and services mid‑range e‑bikes
• Car‑park test rides available
• Convenient for Keighley, Silsden, Haworth, Bingley

🚲 Ilkley Cycles — Ilkley

• Premium brands
• Excellent workshop
• Encourages test rides

Nearby but useful

• Decathlon (Leeds) — affordable e‑bikes + car‑park test rides
• Evans Cycles (Leeds) — larger range
• Chevin Cycles (Otley) — high‑quality brands + test rides

4. Buying second‑hand safely

Second‑hand e‑bikes can save £300–£800, but you need to check a few things carefully.

What to check

• Frame number — ask for it and check on BikeRegister website
• Battery health — age, range, receipts
• Motor brand — Bosch, Shimano, Yamaha are reliable
• Service history
• Proof of ownership
• Test ride — strongly recommended

Where to buy safely

• Reputable private sellers who allow test rides and have good scores for previous item sales
• Avoid anonymous listings with “brand new, no box” or suspiciously low prices.
• You can find bikes on Gumtree, E-bay, Facebook Marketplace (doesn’t have buyer protection) and MyNextBike.

5. A cheaper alternative: non‑electric bikes

E‑bikes are brilliant for hills, longer distances and carrying loads — but they’re not the only option. For some riders, a non‑electric bike can be a better fit.

Why consider a non‑electric bike

• Much cheaper — often £200–£500 for a good quality hybrid
• Much lighter — easier to carry upstairs, store indoors, or lift onto a train
• Lower maintenance costs
• No battery to replace
• A folding bike is an option for more flexible for multi‑modal travel (e.g. bus) 

Folding bikes

A folding bike can be a game‑changer if you:

• Use the bus or train
• Have limited storage
• Need to bring your bike indoors at work
• Want a bike that’s easy to carry

Folding bikes are available through Cycle to Work and 0% finance, and some models are surprisingly affordable.  There are also electric folding bikes on the market.

What about hills?

Bradford has hills — no getting around that — but many routes are flatter than you’d expect. Canal towpaths, valley routes, and greenways offer gentle gradients that suit non‑electric bikes perfectly. If you’re unsure, ask a local shop for route advice or try a test ride on a flatter section first.

6. Simple decision guide

If you’re employed → Ask your employer about the Cycle to Work Scheme (e.g. Green Commute Initiative). Biggest savings.

If you can pass a credit check → Look for 0% finance at Decathlon, Evans Keighley, All Terrain, Ilkley Cycles.

If you want strong local support → Try All Terrain, RiverBikes, Riverside Apperley Bridge, Ilkley Cycles.

If funds are tight → Consider refurbished or second‑hand with proper checks.

If you want the cheapest and lightest option → Look at non‑electric hybrids or folding bikes.

Final note

You’ve already built the confidence and skills to ride. The next step is choosing a route into ownership that fits your budget and keeps you moving. Whether it’s Cycle to Work, interest‑free finance, a refurbished bike, a folding bike, or a local test ride, there’s an affordable way forward.

If none of these work, the options below might help you keep cycling too.

Hire schemes and flexible access options

Not everyone wants to buy a bike straight away. Bradford District has several ways to keep cycling without committing to ownership.

🚲 Beryl Bikes (Bradford & Leeds)

Beryl operates a public bike‑hire scheme with both pedal bikes and e‑bikes.

Why use Beryl:

• No upfront cost
• Pay‑as‑you‑go or day passes
• Great for occasional trips
• Good way to test whether cycling fits your routine
• E‑bikes available in many locations

Perfect for:  

People who want flexibility, or who are unsure about buying.

🚲 Shared ownership through your employer or with friends

Some employers offer shared‑ownership bike schemes, where:

• The employer buys a small fleet of bikes
• Staff can book them for commuting or work travel
• Sometimes staff can buy the bike later at a reduced cost

This is especially common in:

• NHS trusts
• Universities
• Large employers with sustainability programmes

Ask your employer’s HR or sustainability team if they offer shared bike access.  You could also just team up with some neighbours or colleagues to share a bike.

🚲 Apply for another loan from Capital of Cycling

If you’re not ready to buy, you may be able to apply for another loan through the Capital of Cycling e‑bike library or partner programmes.

We prioritise:

• People who are actively using the bike for essential travel and demonstrating real benefits
• People who need more time to build confidence
• People who will act as ambassadors, getting others signed up and enthusiastic about cycling
• People who are engaging with our lessons and confidence building activities and who are sharing and promoting our activities through their social media or word of mouth connections.

Loan availability depends on demand and fleet capacity, but it’s always worth asking (e-mail: ebikes@capitalofcycling.org).