Scotland Cycle Repair Scheme FAQs
What is the Scotland Cycle Repair Scheme?
This scheme works with bike shops across the country to provide free bike repair and maintenance to those who need it most right now.
We know it can be difficult to pay for essential bike repairs. If you need a helping hand to get your bike into shape, this scheme provides free repair and maintenance work up to the value of £50.
It’s a simple process – just contact your nearest participating bike shop or mechanic, mention the scheme and get your repair booked in.
A total of 30,000 repairs will be available across Scotland. The scheme is funded by the Scottish Government and is administered by Cycling UK.
What do I have to do?
Simply search our map for your nearest participating bike shop or mechanic, then get in touch with them to book your bike in for its repairs. They will look at your bike and let you know what work needs doing, before going ahead with any repairs. Make sure you tell them you want to book a repair under the Scotland Cycle Repair Scheme.
Do I have to fill in a form, get a voucher or claim the money back?
No. All we ask is that you complete two short email surveys after the repairs so we can demonstrate the benefits of the scheme.
Who is the scheme for?
The scheme is aimed at people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford standard cycle repairs at this time. That can be for an old bike that needs some work to make it roadworthy, or one that’s well used but requires some attention.
Do I need to make a booking to get my bike repaired?
Each bike shop will have their own booking system so please contact them directly. Find their details on our map.
How long will it take to get my cycle repaired?
Your bike shop will try to carry out the repairs as quickly as possible, but it will depend on things like how busy they are, if they have the parts in stock, how many staff they have working etc.
What cycles are covered by the scheme?
All cycles are welcome in the scheme including adults’ and children’s bikes, e-bikes and non-standard cycles (e.g. tandems, tricycles, recumbents, side-by-side and cargo bikes). Not all bike shops can repair each kind of bike, individuals will need to check with their local participating bike shop first.
I use a non-standard cycle (e.g. tandems, tricycles, recumbents, side-by-side and cargo bikes. Excluding standard upright e-bikes) and the maintenance is much more costly than a solo bike. Can I get more than £50 of repairs?
Yes - we appreciate that repairs on non-standard cycles are more expensive. The scheme will cover repairs and maintenance up to £100 for non-standard cycles.
I use a manual wheelchair which I usually take to a bike shop for maintenance. Can I access the scheme?
Yes, at a participating bike shop.
When does the scheme finish?
Each bike shop will have their own operating procedures and can offer the scheme until 28 February 2023, however they may stop running the scheme before then. We recommend you use our map to contact your nearest participating centre to check.
I own three bikes. Can I get a £50 repair for all of them?
No – we’d ask that each individual only take one bike in for repair.
Can I take in bikes for others?
Yes – we don’t expect every individual to be in attendance. For example, someone could bring in their own bike and bikes for their children and/or partner.
Can I use the scheme more than once if my bike needs further repairs in the future?
Yes. You can take your cycle to a participating bike shop for repairs more than once, but each individual is only entitled to maximum of £50 of free repairs in total each time the scheme runs. The scheme has run twice before: August 2020 - May 2021 and November 2021 - May 2022. If you accessed one or both of these schemes you can also access the current scheme.
How will I know how much the repairs will cost?
The bike shop will undertake a free assessment of the repairs and then provide you with a quote for the work. You are under no obligation to proceed with the repairs.
What repairs are covered by the £50?
Basic service and essential mechanical repairs are covered by the scheme i.e. repairs that are necessary to make the cycle roadworthy and fit for purpose. We would expect that £50 should cover at least what is known as a Bronze service (e.g. frame and forks wiped down and checked for alignment; gears and brakes adjusted; chain checked and lubricated; wheels and tyres inspected for wear; full safety check).
The following repairs/transactions are NOT covered by the scheme:
- a sale of replacement parts without any repair work
- replacement or upgrade of existing safe and roadworthy components
- replacement or repair of removeable lighting accessories
- using the £50 to contribute to the purchase of cycles or accessories
- any repairs to e-bike electronic units
- bike building
- fleet repairs.
What if the repair costs more than £50?
The scheme only covers the first £50 of any repair. All repair costs should be agreed in advance before any work is carried out. If you can’t afford the additional costs then you must agree with the bike shop in advance what repairs can be carried out up to the value of £50.
What if I can’t afford any repairs over the first £50 and my bike still isn’t roadworthy?
Unfortunately the scheme can only support basic repairs up to £50.
Can I get the parts myself and use the £50 to cover the shop fitting them?
No.
Funding
The scheme is funded by The Scottish Government and is administered by Cycling UK.
Contact
For more information, contact us on scrs@cyclinguk.org.
For advice on cycling through the coronavirus pandemic, see our Q&A.