Fix your bike: What is the £50 repair voucher scheme and how can I claim one?

Boris Johnson says he wants everyone to ‘feel the transformative benefits of cycling’

Cyclists can now claim a £50 repair voucher from the government as part of its new “Fix Your Bike” scheme.

The initiative, which launched in England on Tuesday, forms part of the government’s plans for a “new golden age for cycling” with more bike lanes and safer junctions.

It is hoped the scheme will encourage more people to embrace cycling, boost the number of commuting and leisure trips, and promote an alternative to public transport, while social distancing measures are in place.

The government also hopes it will help reduce the number of short journeys made by private cars.

“From helping people get fit and healthy and lowering their risk of illness, to improving air quality and cutting congestion, cycling and walking have a huge role to play in tackling some of the biggest health and environmental challenges that we face,” prime minister Boris Johnson said.

“But to build a healthier, more active nation, we need the right infrastructure, training and support in place to give people the confidence to travel on two wheels.

“That’s why now is the time to shift gears and press ahead with our biggest and boldest plans yet to boost active travel – so that everyone can feel the transformative benefits of cycling.”

The scheme was announced alongside a number of other measures, including GPs being able to prescribe cycling to people in disadvantaged areas, as part of the government’s obesity strategy.

But, who is eligible for a voucher and how do you get one? Here’s everything you need to know.

How can you claim a voucher?

Registrations for members of the public who want to apply for a voucher are open on the Energy Saving Trust website.

After you apply, you can bring your cycle to a mechanic or bike repairer that has also registered to take part in the government's scheme, to get your bike fixed.

Who is eligible for the scheme?

Anyone living in England who has a bike that needs repairing is eligible for a £50 voucher.

However, there are some limitations. There are a limited number of vouchers available and only two bike vouchers can be claimed per household and only one voucher can be used per bike.

The vouchers can also only be used with mechanics and bike repairers that register for the scheme in England.

How does the “Fix Your Bike” scheme work?

Once you have claimed your voucher, you can take your bike in to your chosen repairer to be fixed, using the voucher to cover up to £50 of the total cost of the repairs needed.

If the repairs come to more than £50 you will have to pay the difference.

The vouchers will typically cover the bill for a standard service and the replacement of a basic component such as an inner tube or cable.

Applications for the vouchers opened on 28 July, with just 50,000 made available. The vouchers are being released in batches “to help manage capacity” and so that the scheme can be monitored before being rolled out more widely, the government said.

However, on Tuesday the website crashed at launch with those wanting a voucher told: “Due to extreme volumes of traffic this resource has been temporarily paused whilst we take action to improve performance for users. Please try again later today.”

A Department for Transport (DfT) spokesperson said on Wednesday: “The Fix Your Bike voucher scheme website was taken offline by the Energy Saving Trust this morning following high levels of interest.

“Vouchers are being released gradually to reflect the capacity of cycle repairers signed up to the scheme and more will be available soon.”

Which retailers are taking part?

Vouchers can only be used with bike repair businesses that are registered for the scheme, so make sure you check with your local shop first.

Major cycle retailers that have signed up to the scheme so far include Evans and Halfords.

Businesses that want to take part can do so by registering on the Energy Savings Trust website.

“The new voucher scheme presents a fantastic opportunity to help revive any bike that might benefit from a bit of care and repair,” an Evans spokesperson said. “We hope the public embrace the opportunity of the funding, so that more people can discover that life really is better by bike.”

Graham Stapleton, chief executive at Halfords, added: “We think the Government’s ‘Fix your Bike Voucher Scheme’ will not only help individuals become more confident about keeping their bikes maintained, but will help speed up the cycling revolution.”