E-bikes which cannot be folded are to be banned by Merseyrail from the start of 2027.

The operator says the ban is being imposed because of the risk of fire from lithium-iron batteries. Although it concedes that such fires are rare, it says they can break out without warning, and would be particularly dangerous on a network which has a large proportion of tunnels.

The ban will cover non-folding e-bikes, modified or adapted e-bikes, e-bike conversion kits and also detached lithium-ion e-bike batteries being carried separately. E-scooters have already been forbidden since 2023.

Passengers will still be able to travel with ordinary pedal bicycles, folding e-bikes, approved mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs that meet national requirements.

Merseyrail managing director Neil Grabham said: ‘Keeping our passengers and colleagues safe is our number one priority.

‘Like many transport operators across the country, we’ve been looking closely at the growing number of incidents involving lithium-ion batteries. While these incidents remain rare, the risk they pose in a railway environment, particularly one running underground trains, means we can’t ignore them.

’We’ve taken this decision following a detailed safety review and because we believe it is the right thing to do to help prevent a serious incident before it happens.’

Merseyrail says it will spend the rest of this year working with passengers, schools and colleges to make sure everyone understands the changes and has time to plan ahead. 

What do you think? Click here to let us know.