Can you bring an eBike on a train?
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 Operator | Reservation Details |
| Avanti West Coast | Required |
| Caledonian Sleeper | Optional |
| CrossCountry | Optional |
| Great Western Railway – Intercity Express Service | Required |
| Great Western Railway – London and Thames Valley Services | Not available |
| Great Western Railway – West Country Services | Optional |
| LNER | Required |
| ScotRail – Glasglow/Edinburgh and Aberdeen Services | Required |
| ScotRail – Glasgow/Edinburgh and Inverness Services | Required |
| ScotRail – Glasgow/Oban/Fort William and Mallaig Services | Required |
| ScotRail – Aberdeen and Inverness Services | Required |
| ScotRail – Inverness/Wick/Thurso and Kyle of Lochalsh Services | Required |
| ScotRail – Glasgow and Stranraer Services | Optional |
| Transport for Wales | Optional on some services |
| East Midlands Railway | Required on mainline services |
| Greater Anglia and Stansted Express | Required on inter city services |
| Hull Trains | Optional |
| South Western Railway – London Waterloo and Sailsbury Services | Required |
| South Western Railway – Exeter and Bristol Services | Required |
| TransPennine Express | Required |
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.
