I've read the details ref the NHS one, which my wife can apply for.
In summary, the deal is something like this:
- Buy upto 2 bikes with a maximum cost of £1000
- If your employer is VAT registered, deduct VAT
- The payment comes from your gross pay, i.e. you get full tax relief
- It's assumed that you are actually leasing the bike from your employer, and that at the end (if you so chose) you buy the bike post depreciation for a nominal amount (i.e. pretty much bugger all)
- The costs are then split over 13 monthly payments
So for example, if you buy a £500, deduct VAT, then your highest rate of tax. e.g. overall 40%, leaving £300 to pay. Split that over 13 months and your cost per month is around £25.
We're thinking of joining my wife's scheme shortly. At the moment I'm running around on some really tatty old Trek to see how I feel about being back on a bike again.