Gocycle to pay employees for e-bike commutes

Urban electric bike brand Gocycle will pay its employees for commuting to work by e-bike in a scheme announced today.

Employees will be entitled to claim 40p per mile when choosing to commute to Gocycle’s Chessington-based headquarters on an e-bike rather than using their car.

Gocycle designer and founder Richard Thorpe announced the policy this morning at the 2019 UK eBike Summit held in Oxford, a forum attended by business leaders and key figures working in the sector to explore how to advance e-bike mobility.

Thorpe said: “Our cities are at breaking point with traffic congestion resulting in pollution levels that are causing health problems and premature death. It is no longer acceptable to do nothing; we all have a role to play no matter how small. At Gocycle we truly believe that e-bikes are the perfect solution to help us live healthier and more sustainable lifestyles. We can’t wait for Government policy to change, and it’s no good expecting others to act first. So, we’re starting with what we can do now and taking direct action to reward our employees for making the switch to more sustainable and healthy transport.

“There are countless studies that indicate the enormous cost savings that pedal power can bring to the NHS and wider communities. Paying people to choose to commute by e-bike over a car is an investment in future cost savings for our communities and good for the planet. It just feels like the right and smart thing to do, and I urge the Government to support businesses with tax credits for all cycle miles commuted, or at least allow the mileage allowance to be tax free to the employee.

“My message to other businesses is simple – join us! There are huge benefits for businesses beyond contributing to reduced pollution levels. Research shows that encouraging cycling reduces sickness levels and contributes to a more productive, healthier and happier workforce.”

Gocycle is based in Chessington, Surrey and employs 15 people in the UK. 2019 marks the tenth anniversary since the launch of the first Gocycle model, and the business now has three models: the GS, the GX and the G3. The business will also pay 20p per mile to employees who choose to commute to work using a non-powered bicycle.