How to claim £50 bike repair voucher as government releases 150,000 more today

CYCLISTS can get a free £50 voucher to fix their bikes during the pandemic – and the government has today released 150,000 more.

The scheme, which was initially announced by transport secretary Grant Shapps last year, is open for any bike owner to sign up to.

You can get £50 from the government to fix your bike.

It will be available until the number of allocated vouchers run out, and is part of a £2billion package to get people to walk and cycle more.

There are 500,000 vouchers available, with the coupons given out in stages on a first come, first served basis.

The first round of 50,000 vouchers were released at the end of July and they went within hours, leading the site where you claim them to crash.

In November, the Department for Transport released 50,000 more.

Now, it has released 150,000 vouchers in the biggest batch to date.

The scheme is only available in England and bike repair businesses can register to take part.

But not all bike stores will be participating, so make sure you check that your local shop is accepting the vouchers before heading out.

Here’s what you need to know.

Bike owners in England can visit the Energy Saving Trust’s website and register to get a free £50 voucher.

The Energy Saving Trust will then email you a code, which you can either show on your phone or print out and give to the retailer.

The vouchers were incredibly popular in the first two rounds, so make sure you apply as soon as possible to avoid the risk of missing out.

They can only be used for repairs, so you can’t buy any bike accessories with it.

Everyone in England who is aged 18+ will be able to apply for the scheme.

Just keep in mind only one voucher can be claimed per household.

Can I find out if my local bike shop is taking part?

There’s an interactive map on the Energy Saving Trust’s website which helps you track down where your nearest participating shop is.

Businesses have to apply to be part of the scheme, so not everyone is on it automatically.

But the Department for Transport has said that the list will continue to be updated as vouchers are available, so keep checking back to see when your nearest repair shop is included.

Which retailers have signed up to offer vouchers?

HERE are some of the major retailers who had signed up to the bike repair scheme by November.

We’ve contacted the Department for Transport for an updated list and will add to this page when we know more.

Bike repairers must meet certain criteria to sign up including, the possession of valid public liability insurance with a minimum cover of £2million.

Major brands already signed up include Cycles UK, Evans and Halfords.

If you own a bike shop and want to apply, sign up here.

What repairs are included?

The government’s list of acceptable repairs are listed below.

Inspection, adjustment, lubrication, tyre inflation.
adjustment, repair, replacement of tyres, tubes, wheels and related components.
adjustment, repair, replacement of braking system components.
adjustment, repair, replacement of transmission system components.
adjustment, repair, replacement of any other essential components which prevent safe use of the bike e.g. deteriorated grips or saddle, failed bottom bracket, failed headset bearings.
adjustment, repair, replacement of components for permanently fitted dynamo-powered lighting systems.

Repairs which are not eligible under the scheme include:

replacement or upgrade of existing safe and roadworthy components.
replacement or repair of removable or battery powered lighting systems.
provision of any additional parts or accessories, whether attached to the bike or for the rider’s use.
replacement of any part or component, even if the replacement is necessary and otherwise eligible, by a component of disproportionate value where a component of a quality and value more closely matching the original is reasonably available. In other words, it is not permitted for new parts to represent very significant upgrading not essential for roadworthiness.