Halfords launches bike recycling scheme pilot at four stores across Wales

Cycling products and services retailer Halfords announced the launch of a new bike (re)cycling scheme. The Pre-Loved scheme, is being trialled across four stores in Wales where it will be evaluated before being rolled nationwide, will encourage customers to trade in ‘pre-loved’ bikes for gift cards at its stores. Bikes will then be serviced and resold with a discount.

The aim of the new scheme is to minimise waste while also offering customers more affordable options that have been serviced by Halfords experts, are safe to ride and come with a Halfords warranty.

Halfords is introducing the scheme at a time when interest in cycling is at a record high in the UK. It recently revealed that sales of adult bikes were up by 193% last year and in a recent poll commissioned by Halfords, more than a third of cyclists said they bought a new bike during the pandemic. Looking ahead, 37% said they were planning on buying a new bike for either themselves or a family member by September.

To contribute to the ‘Pre-Loved’ scheme, customers must simply take their second-hand Carrera* bike to one of the stores in the trial, where it will be inspected by a team of Halfords specialists and the customer will then receive a gift card, the value of which will be determine based on the condition of the bike. Even if a bike is deemed to not be re-sellable, the customer will get a £20 gift card for ensuring parts will be recycled through Halfords, rather than taking the bike to landfill.

Once the second-hand Carrera bikes have been checked and repaired, they will be sold at a discounted price at the same location. Bikes will only be sold on after strict quality controls have been made and come with a 12-month warranty.

Sarah Fillipardos, Head of Cycling at Halfords, comments on the new scheme:

“We are thrilled to be launching our ‘Pre-Loved’ bike scheme, offering clear benefits to both bike owners, who are offered an easy and sustainable way to rid themselves of their old bikes, and of course customers who will now have access to  a new Carrera bike at a more affordable price. The scheme is also a way for us to stimulate more sustainable treatment of bikes and make sure that more bikes are used to their maximum before being discarded.”

The new Pre-Loved scheme will launch today at Halfords stores in Cwmbran, Carmarthen, Llanelli and Merthyr Tydfil.