Ebike on train

[Jackyh]

I am hoping to take my Agattu on the train soon but I have noticed that the cycle policy for the train network I want to use states"no motorised bikes". Does this mean ebikes are not allowed? Or should I just put my battery in a rucksack and hope for the best?

 

[Jimod]

It probably means mopeds but if you stick your battery in a rucksack who would know it's an ebike? I've been right next to people with both my ebikes who never spotted it was anything different.

 

[Wicky]

I take my KTM on abellio greater anglia trains in Essex without any problems (outside of busy times).

 

[Emo Rider]

According to my area station master, you can as it still is classed a bicycle. Best to pre book a spot for your bike.

 

[halfer]

I've never heard of this before. I've been on a fair few different operators in the Midlands, and the only issues I've had are with Virgin Trains (very limited space in cycle compartment) and another (I forget who) who prefer cyclists to use the guards' van.

Most of the others are happy for cyclists to use the vestibule area or the wheelchair carriage, as long it is not too crowded.

 

[alex_h]

I am hoping to take my Agattu on the train soon but I have noticed that the cycle policy for the train network I want to use states"no motorised bikes". Does this mean ebikes are not allowed? Or should I just put my battery in a rucksack and hope for the best?

I think they mean mopeds, not ebikes

 

[PennyFarthing]

I've often wondered when the train comes in, how on earth you are meant to know where these special places are on the train?!

 

[Wicky]

On intercity trains (as least in East Anglia) aim for the carriage marked with the disabled logo, where there's space for bikes. Otherwise I just wedge it in the area in front of the doors and move it when necessary. In the old days there was the guards van at the back the train - not sure if they still have those.

 

[neptune]

whilst I have never taken an ebike on a train, I often take my normal hybrid pedal bike on trains. The local trains are run by East midland trains. All the local trains are Diesel Multiple Unit type with no guards van. Officially each train can take up to two bikes, first come first served.

I was on a train yesterday and I struggled because the whole luggage space was taken up by a pushchair. If the owner had folded it up, there would have been no problem. I had to stand up and hold my bike. Thankfully it was only a twenty minute trip.

There is no advance booking, but I have always managed to get on. The exception was when maintenance work was in progress, and the train was replaced by a bus.

My pet gripe is the lack of bike racks on buses. Especially as I have a bus pass.

 

[Chris the Sheep]

The main operators in the OP's area are Northern and Transpennine (TPE). Northern say no 'power-assisted' bikes, while TPE say no 'motorised' bikes.
I've never tried to take my ebike on a train, but my experience of bikes on Northern suggests that they're unlikely to be bothered unless the train is jam-packed full. They don't seem to enforce the 2-bike rule off peak; I've seen seven or eight on one two-coach train and nobody was bothered in the slightest.

The OP doesn't say which route or what time they'll be travelling - that makes a big difference. But in general the main local operators are quite relaxed.

 

[robert1976]

I took mine on normal carriage, gotta make sure I get on a bike one next time. C2C Fenchurch. I did have issue with guard at Benfleet on my return journey But after refusing to move and about to call head office they let me on missed my train though.

 

[halfer]

But after refusing to move and about to call head office they let me on missed my train though. View attachment 12247

I can see why you had problems with this bike - it is a moped style vehicle. For the non-enthusiast, there is little difference between this and a petrol version, and I don't think we can reasonably expect train staff to know the difference.

I think that if it looks like a bicycle, then it should be let on. If you can get on with a moped/e-bike, then great, but I wouldn't insist on it. We don't want to encourage train operators to tighten their terms of carriage as a result of vehicles like this.