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Travelling by eBike is a popular choice if you’re trying to lower your carbon footprint. However, if you have a further distance to travel, you might want to combine cycling with another low-carbon travel option like taking the train. Rules about travelling with your eBike on the train can seem confusing, which is why we’ve put together this simple guide, explaining everything you need to know.

Can you take an eBike on a train in the UK?

Yes, most train operators permit eBikes onboard. However, there are some rules and regulations that you should be aware of. And, while bikes and eBikes are allowed, eScooters, mopeds and motorbikes are not permitted.

Rules and regulations for eBikes

The rules and regulations for bringing eBikes on public transport vary, depending on which train company you are travelling with.

Do I have to buy a train ticket for my eBike?

No, it’s free to take your eBike with you on the train. However you might need to make a reservation to ensure that there’s enough room on the train for your eBike. Not all train operators require a reservation, but it’s a good idea to check before you travel.

Which train operators require a reservation?

The handy table below explains which train operators require or recommend a reservation for your eBike.

Train OperatorReservation Details
Avanti West CoastRequired
Caledonian SleeperOptional
CrossCountryOptional
Great Western Railway – Intercity Express ServiceRequired
Great Western Railway – London and Thames Valley ServicesNot available
Great Western Railway – West Country ServicesOptional
LNERRequired
ScotRail  – Glasglow/Edinburgh and Aberdeen ServicesRequired
ScotRail – Glasgow/Edinburgh and Inverness ServicesRequired
ScotRail – Glasgow/Oban/Fort William and Mallaig ServicesRequired
ScotRail – Aberdeen and Inverness ServicesRequired
ScotRail – Inverness/Wick/Thurso and Kyle of Lochalsh ServicesRequired
ScotRail – Glasgow and Stranraer ServicesOptional
Transport for WalesOptional on some services
East Midlands RailwayRequired on mainline services
Greater Anglia and Stansted ExpressRequired on inter city services
Hull TrainsOptional
South Western Railway – London Waterloo and Sailsbury ServicesRequired
South Western Railway – Exeter and Bristol ServicesRequired
TransPennine ExpressRequired

Are there any restrictions on where and when I can take my eBike on a train?

Yes, there are some restrictions at peak times and journeys including:

Elizabeth Line:

eBikes are not allowed Monday to Friday:

  • Arriving at Liverpool Street before 07:30 and after 09:30.

  • Leaving Liverpool Street before 16:00 and after 19:00.

  • Arriving at London Paddington before 07:45 and after 09:45.

  • Leaving London Paddington between 16:30 and after 19:00.

  • Between Paddington and Abbey Wood before 07:30, between 09:30-16:00, and after 19:00.

Great Western Railway:

eBikes are not allowed Monday to Friday on services:

  • Arriving at London Paddington between 07:45 and 09:45.
  • Leaving London Paddington between 16:30 and 19:00.

  • Between Wokingham and Reading on services arriving at Reading between 07:45 and 09:45, and leaving Reading between 16:30 and 19:00.
Heathrow Express:

eBikes are not allowed on trains:

  • Leaving Heathrow Central between 06:30 and 10:00.

  • Leaving London Paddington between 16:30 and 19:00.
London Overground:

eBikes are not allowed Monday to Friday between 07:30-09:30 and 16:00-19:00.

Southeastern:

eBikes are not allowed Monday to Friday:

  • Arriving in London between 07:00 and 09:59.

  • Leaving London between 16:00 and 18:59.
Transport for Wales:

eBikes not allowed Monday to Saturday:

  • Arriving into Cardiff between 07:30 and 09:30.
  • Departing Cardiff between 16:00 and 18:00.

  • Saturdays: arriving between 10:00 and 14:00, departing between 15:00 and 18:00.
c2c:

eBikes are not allowed Monday to Friday:

  • Arriving at London Fenchurch Street between 07:14 and 09:30

  • Leaving London Fenchurch Street between 16:30 and 18:34.

Chiltern:

eBikes are not allowed Monday to Friday:

  • Arriving at London Marylebone or Birmingham Moor Street between 07:45 and 10:00.

  • Leaving London Marylebone or Birmingham Moor Street between 16:30 and 19:30.
East Midlands Railway:

eBikes not allowed on specific services:

  • 07:30 from Derby to London St Pancras.
  • 13:59 from Sheffield to London St Pancras.
  • 18:37 from Corby to London St Pancras.
  • 19:45 from Nottingham to London St Pancras.
  • 10:05 from London St Pancras to Nottingham.
  • 16:50 from London St Pancras to Corby.
  • 20:31 from London St Pancras to Derby.

  • 22:00 from London St Pancras to Nottingham.
Gatwick Express:

eBikes not allowed Monday to Friday:

  • Arriving at London Victoria between 07:00 and 10:00.

  • Leaving London Victoria between 16:00 and 19:00.
Greater Anglia:

eBikes not allowed Monday to Friday on services:

  • Arriving at Stratford or Liverpool Street between 07:45 and 09:45.
  • Leaving Stratford or Liverpool Street between 16:30 and 18:30.

  • Between 07:45 and 08:45 on services to/from Cambridge, as far as Audley End and Ely.
London Northwestern Railway:

eBikes not allowed Monday to Friday:

  • Arriving at London Euston between 07:00 and 09:59.

  • Leaving London Euston between 16:00 and 18:59.
South Western Railway:

eBikes not allowed Monday to Friday:

  • Arriving at London Waterloo between 07:15 and 10:00.
  • Leaving London Waterloo between 16:45 and 19:00.

  • Leaving Clapham Junction between 07:45 and 09:00.
West Midlands Railway:

eBikes are not allowed Monday to Friday:

  • Arriving at London Euston between 07:00 and 09:59.

  • Leaving London Euston between 16:00 and 18:59.

Top tips for taking your eBike on the train

Taking your eBike on the train can make getting from A to B much more convenient, but it’s important to remember that each train operator has their own rules and regulations, which may include restrictions. Our top tips for taking your eBike on the train include;

Be Prepared

Check the times and stations for any restrictions during your journey. Being prepared, not only includes knowing your route, but thinking ahead about storage. It can be handy to bring a bungee cord or strap to keep your eBike in place so it doesn’t move while the train is in motion.

Book in advance

Book a space in advance if you can, if your train operator does not accept reservations, it’s a good idea to arrive 15 minutes before your departure to ensure there’s room for you and your eBike.

Find your carriage

Usually your train will have a carriage with designated space for bike storage, it’s important to check where this will be so you can board the train at the correct entry point.

Consider your surroundings

Make sure your train isn’t blocking the aisles or doors, and is kept out the way of passengers and train staff.

Ready to shop eBikes?

If you’re looking for an eBike for your commute, including Urban eBikes, we have the solution for you. Fancy a test drive? Book now, or start shopping eBikes today.

Top tips for taking your eBike on the train

Taking your eBike on the train can make getting from A to B much more convenient, but it’s important to remember that each train operator has their own rules and regulations, which may include restrictions. Our top tips for taking your eBike on the train include;

Be Prepared

Check the times and stations for any restrictions during your journey. Being prepared, not only includes knowing your route, but thinking ahead about storage. It can be handy to bring a bungee cord or strap to keep your eBike in place so it doesn’t move while the train is in motion.

Book in advance

Book a space in advance if you can, if your train operator does not accept reservations, it’s a good idea to arrive 15 minutes before your departure to ensure there’s room for you and your eBike.

Find your carriage

Usually your train will have a carriage with designated space for bike storage, it’s important to check where this will be so you can board the train at the correct entry point.

Consider your surroundings

Make sure your train isn’t blocking the aisles or doors, and is kept out the way of passengers and train staff.

Ready to shop eBikes?

If you’re looking for an eBike for your commute, including Urban eBikes, we have the solution for you. Fancy a test drive? Book now, or start shopping eBikes today.

win an EBCO eBike

🎉🚲 Welcome to our exciting competition where you could be the lucky winner of an EBCO Street 3 electric bike!

No purchase is necessary to enter this competition; you only have to fill out the form to participate. All you need is a passion for adventure and the desire to explore on two wheels.

CLICK HERE TO WIN AN EBCO STREET 3

EBCO is thrilled to announce our exciting new partnership with Switch2zero, a leading pioneer in sustainable technology solutions. In unison, we are forging a path towards a more sustainable future by seamlessly incorporating tree planting into every purchase on our platform.

At EBCO, we understand the importance of sustainable practices and the urgent need to address environmental challenges. With Switch2zero as our trusted partner, we’re now able to make a tangible impact on reforestation through tree planting. This partnership allows us to contribute to a healthier planet and empower our customers to be part of the solution.

One Tree Planted for Every Purchase

Starting today, 20th March 2024, for every bike purchased on our websote, we will be planting a tree through Switch2zero. This means that each time you shop with us, you’re not only getting quality eBikes but also actively participating in creating a greener and more habitable planet.

The Power of Trees: Carbon Sequestration

Trees are nature’s superheroes when it comes to fighting climate change. They play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere through a process called carbon sequestration. This not only helps mitigate climate change but also improves air quality and supports biodiversity.

Every tree planted through our partnership with Switch2zero will sequester an estimated 0.2 metric tons of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) over its lifetime. This impressive carbon sequestration potential demonstrates the long-lasting environmental impact each tree can make.

By planting trees through Switch2zero, we are directly contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, as each tree will in the future actively remove CO2 from the atmosphere. Together, we can make a substantial difference and create a sustainable future for generations to come.

Join Us in Making a Difference

We invite our valued customers to join us on this journey towards a greener and more sustainable future. By choosing to shop with EBCO, you’re not only supporting a business committed to environmental stewardship but also actively participating in the restoration of forests worldwide.

With every purchase, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you’re contributing to the planting of trees, improving air quality, supporting biodiversity, and mitigating human-induced climate change. Together, we can achieve remarkable results and create positive change.

Stay Tuned for Progress Updates

We believe in transparency and accountability. We will regularly share updates on the number of trees planted and the positive impact we’re collectively making through our partnership with Switch2zero. 

Join us in celebrating this meaningful partnership and let’s embrace a greener future, one tree at a time.

Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can create a sustainable tomorrow.

EBCO & Switch2zero. Growing a Greener World.

Book an appointment to visit our showroom (Stoneleigh Park, close to Kenilworth) before investing in a new bike and meet one of the EBCO Team who can help ensure you get the bike that’s right for you.

We offer a short demo ride on any of the e-bikes we have in our showroom and answer any questions about buying your perfect electric bike. We want to ensure we help you find the e-bike best suited to your needs.

Price: Free!
Requirements: Passport and bank statement
Duration: 15-minute test ride

Our showroom is open only by appointment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly by phone (01926 437700) or email ([email protected]) for availability.

If you are not local to Warwick/Leamington Spa, please fill out this form. We will then help you facilitate your request with one of our existing EBCO partners.

We are now able to accept Cyclescheme vouchers at the checkout: simply use the code CYCLESCHEME.

Cyclescheme is an employee benefit that saves you 23-39% on a bike and accessories. You pay nothing upfront and the payments are taken tax efficiently from your salary by your employer.

If your employer is part of CycleScheme then you’re eligible, simply choose your new bike (no price limit), hire it for an agreed length of time, and pay a fraction of the cost at the end.

There’s no price limit on what you can apply for, meaning our full range of bikes is available through CycleScheme.

WHAT IS CYCLESCHEME?

HOW ARE CYCLESCHEME SAVINGS MADE?

Still confused? Check the official website here: https://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/

How it works

Step 1: Select a store you’d like to collect your brand-new EBCO e‑bike from, whether it’s close to you or convenient

Step 2: Confirm and continue the checkout process

Step 3: Complete the checkout using the code CYCLESCHEME and we will be in touch to redeem your voucher

Step 4: Collect your e‑bike from the selected store, assembled, safety checked and ready to ride!

EBCO’s new prices, available from today, empower eBiking enthusiasts and redefine affordable quality

Warwick, UK – EBCO, the independent eBike manufacturer, is proud to announce the 2024 pricing strategy, with a structure that simplifies the eBike buying experience, ensuring consumers enjoy a straightforward user journey. Leveraging both its industry expertise and a strategic alliance with TVS Motor, EBCO has bridged the gap between premium products and accessibility, embodying its core ethos of making eBiking available to all.

EBCO’s commitment to affordability has always been unwavering. With its 2024 pricing model, the brand reiterates its dedication to delivering quality eBikes that don’t strain your budget. This shift is a permanent testament to EBCO’s belief that high-quality eBikes should be within everyone’s reach.

EBCO’s strategic partnership with TVS Motor has not only pooled their expertise but also amplified their purchasing power. This collaboration has empowered EBCO to streamline production processes, reduce costs, and pass on the resulting savings to their loyal customer base. The result is an eBike range that combines premium quality with affordability, setting a new industry standard.

At the core of EBCO’s brand ethos lies the desire to promote accessibility. EBCO understands that eMobility represents not just an eco-friendly mode of transportation but also a way of life. With the new prices, EBCO invites individuals of all backgrounds to embrace the eBiking experience, reducing barriers and welcoming newcomers to the eBike community.

“The 2024 prices are our commitment to the eBiking community,” emphasised Chris Needs, Head of EBCO. “We are making a bold statement: premium quality and affordability can coexist, and no one should be left behind when it comes to Urban Mobility.”

EBCO condensed its pricing points into three clear categories, making it easier than ever for customers to choose their perfect eBike. The entry-level eBikes, including the highly popular Urban 2 and Street 2 models, are now priced at an enticing £1399. This incredible value ensures that those new to Urban Mobility can start their journey with a high-quality EBCO eBike without a huge investment. For riders seeking a bit more sophistication and enhanced features, the mid-range eBikes, which encompass the Urban 3, Street 3, and Adventure 3, are now available at the competitive price of £1999. And for those who demand nothing but the best, the Urban 5, Street 5, and Adventure 5 models are now priced at just £2399. These premium eBikes are equipped with cutting-edge technology and design, providing an unmatched eMobility experience.

In the evolving landscape of urban mobility, EBCO’s initiative stands as a beacon of change, offering eBiking enthusiasts an exciting opportunity. As Paolo Pezzangora, Head of Marketing at EBCO, put it, “Thanks to our new prices, but also with our new click and collect website, our eBikes are now more accessible than ever. We believe in making urban mobility a choice that aligns with both your passion and your budget.” EBCO’s pioneering approach to affordability without compromise is set to reshape the eBike industry.

Revolutionizing urban mobility: EBCO returns stronger than ever, unveiling an exciting range of e-bikes, enhanced user experience with a refreshed website, and the added convenience of click-and-collect services.

Warwick, UK – After a temporary pause in its operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK e-bike company EBCO is hitting the market again with a fresh new start. This relaunch comes with a new brand, an exciting range of bikes, a revamped website with a convenient click-and-collect option that allows consumers to choose their preferred local bike retailer for pre-delivery and handover, and three new appointments joining the team.

In its 13th year as a dedicated e-bike manufacturer, EBCO introduces its new range of e-bikes designed with function in mind, representing significant improvements in technical features. These features include LG internal batteries optimised for weight distribution and improved handling, user-comfort-centric designs maintaining a traditional look, and a slacker head angle adaptable for any level of rider. Additionally, EBCO has refocused on size split and wheel sizes to accommodate more people with fewer compromises.
With EBCO’s upgraded battery performance, extended riding distance, BAFANG motors, and an eco-friendly approach, all infused with British style and a unique flair, customer satisfaction is guaranteed.

The company’s new website reflects EBCO’s importance on innovation, comfort, and convenience. The website now features a click-and-collect option, making the process of purchasing bikes easier and more straightforward, delivering to customers’ preferred shops for pickup. The overall design of the website is clean, clear, and user-friendly, allowing customers to find all the information they need about the three ranges of e-bikes: Urban (with well-thought-out function and classic styling), Adventure (go anywhere bikes with a mountain bike DNA) and Street (fun bikes with small sizes, perfect for short hops).

Joining the team recently are experienced individuals who bring innovative skills. Chris Needs has taken on the role of overseeing EBCO UK, while Josh Charteris has become the new Head of Product Development and Procurement. Additionally, Paolo Pezzangora is now responsible for the marketing department. With extensive experience in their respective fields, these appointments add an extra level of dynamism to the EBCO team.

“Here at EBCO, we are thrilled to announce our comeback to the market after the challenges posed by the global pandemic,” said Chris Needs, Head of EBCO UK. “Our new range of bikes represents remarkable improvements on our previous models, and our new appointments boost our team’s experience and skills. We are also excited for our customers to try our new click-and-collect option as we continue to focus on providing convenience and quality services.” EBCO is a UK brand that thrives on a passion for electric bikes and environmentally friendly transportation. The company prides itself on designing bikes that are comfortable, reliable, eco-friendly and of great value. EBCO’s e-bikes are rapidly growing in popularity throughout the UK due to their numerous benefits.

The pace of evolution in the electric bike market has been substantial in the past decade

But the rate of change is not too dissimilar from another product that we will all be familiar with. Remember the first handheld mobile telephones? Yes, the phrasing was deliberate, to take you back to a place in time when you may as well have been holding a home phone. The difference between the early days of mobile phones and today’s devices is vast. The batteries used to be heavy, and large and the tech within was not at all sophisticated compared to today’s multiple cameras, high definition OLED screened devices.


Similarly, only ten to fifteen years ago electric bikes were unsightly, essential running from a lead acid battery that would be better suited to a car. The weight made their handling prohibitively bad, as did the technology. You’d not get far assisted before the battery would run dry and you’d be left with a hunk of metal that was no fun to ride.


Fast forward to today, we largely have lithium ion and sometimes other battery types, which have revolutionised the electric bike experience, working alongside modern microchips, sensors and motor evolutions that have steadily helped bike designers create vehicles that ride just like a bike.

So, what were the main technological evolutions that changed the game?

Motoring on! Assistance comes in ever-smaller packages
The size, weight and shape of motors is a quite crucial considerations for bike designers. Once upon a time, it was harder to place the weight of the systems in the exact place frame designers desired to ensure the bike remained well balanced. It is generally desired that any component that carries weight is placed low down on the bike in order to give a low centre of gravity and create a more planted feel for the rider. Have you ever ridden with a dog in a basket on the handlebar? That’s a good example of why it’s no fun to have weight in the wrong place; it can unsettle the ride feel. Thankfully, modern electric bikes have engineered most motors into either the frame, often at the centre of the crankset, or into either of the wheels at the hub where there is no undue rotational weight causing the wobble.


That’s a bit on the shell of the motor, but what’s going on inside is arguably more interesting. Through the introduction of sensors, the motors have become incredibly efficient at knowing when to deliver power and how much torque to offer seamlessly alongside the rider’s cadence. This adds up to saved battery over the course of a ride.


More recently still, some motor systems have begun to build in anti-theft features such as immobilisers, or app-controlled functionality that can fine-tune output, or remotely lock. With a connection to a mobile phone, over-the-air updates to the software that can further enhance performance without you lifting a finger have become a reality. What’s more, that connectivity means you can fine-tune your assistance preferences and even pre-set new modes.

Charged up! Battery tech never stops evolving
First a stunning fact about the electric bike; around 200 times fewer rare earth metals are used in a modern electric bike battery than that of a typical EV car (and very often they carry the same single-person load). From a resource point of view, the e-bike delivers a massive return for the rider.


Lithium-ion batteries make up most of what’s sold in the marketplace, although there is a rush by some companies addressing the fleet market to create cells without the elements that can be flammable if damaged, modified or poorly cared for.


As such, you may find some bikes now have lithium iron phosphate cells that contain no toxic materials such as Cobalt and these can offer an impressive range. The same can be said for the emergence of Sodium-ion batteries that may prove an avenue to a sharp reduction in future costs because of the abundant nature of the raw materials. Ultimately, the electric vehicle market may move in this direction as the race for rare earth metals faces the familiar issue of a finite resource.


As with motor technology, battery technology has been the subject of a multi-billion dollar investment by the world’s key players. The bike industry has joined a queue for such cells, but now, thanks increasingly to collaboration, has been able to leverage its position to access better supply and thus pricing. Batteries do however remain the electric bike’s most expensive component in most cases, many thanks to the demand for lithium-ion cells.


Key technological developments have delivered some notable improvements in user experience, from faster charging to boosted capacity. In the future we may come to a point where solid-state batteries come into wide usage; the difference being that at present liquid electrolytes currently ship charge around a battery, while in future that is expected to be replaced by ceramics and other solid materials, thus making a more stable and reliable cell. The net result should be yet shorter charge times and improvements in safety.


A final trend that may or may not develop in the battery world is the concept of swapping. Made popular by some far eastern EV car makers, the idea of renting a battery and swapping is not so dissimilar to visiting a petrol garage to top up, except you would simply swap a battery and be on your way. This may be less viable in the electric bike world, but what is increasingly common is the use either of range extenders or the carriage of a spare battery. Brands like Camelbak even now do electric bike packs with a special sleeve for carrying a battery.


For the uninitiated, range extenders very often sit in a bottle cage, or bolt where you’d find one, offering a secondary battery that is accessed once the main source of power runs dry. These are not typically cheap upgrades, but if you hope to be out all weekend without a care in the world about power loss on full turbo, then they may be your new best friend.


Power to the people: Bikes may ride smarter than you can…
Where there’s a power source there’s scope for a whole lot of intelligent features. We are now in the era of the ‘smart bike’ and while at one time that simply meant integrating lighting and having each feed off the battery so you didn’t have to remember to charge those too, nowadays it can mean artificial intelligence setting up your suspension based on real-time trail feedback. Suspension systems exist that can detect when you are airborne, softening the suspension ready for landing and stiffening if you are approaching a climb.


As technology in other vehicles has evolved, the bike industry has mimicked and innovated its own useful features. One that is particularly useful is the integration of GPS, which opens up a whole host of benefits ranging from ride planning and tracking, right through to automatic locking systems that know when you are away from your electric bike and thus the security system activates. On some systems, you could remotely unlock a bike in order to let a friend or colleague use your bike. We are now promised by one Spanish business working under the Niche Mobility banner a ‘digital’ motor and transmission system. We are led to believe this will come to market as a fully automatic system, meshing gearing and pedal assistance.


Not all are related to electronics, for example, anti-lock braking systems (ABS) now feature on some electric bikes, which should prevent you from ever going over the bars or skidding on the gravel. At the present time, these come clad to specific high-end models, but you can expect this safety feature to trickle down to mid-price points in the future.

What can we expect in the future?
An interesting development for the electric bike world is the interest the automotive world has shown in two-wheeled products. Porsche’s investment arm has bought and is now rebranding a well-known electric bike motor company and has likewise bought its own electric bike brand too.


They are far from alone and while the automotive world has almost always partnered with bike industry manufacturers to put its logo on novelty products for car showrooms, nowadays they are actively investing and producing products too. There remains some scepticism around how far the trend can go. Traditionally bikes made by automotive businesses have had some wacky ideas and unusual geometries, but that was before substantial investments were made directly into traditional cycling industry brands.


The future, then, could look very familiar in the sense that we see household brand names and very recognisable automotive technologies start to adorn our bikes. It has to be said though, nobody makes a bike like the cycling industry and that’s why when buying a Corratec you can be certain of a bike designed by riders for bike riders.