Electric bikes are a great source of transportation, especially for people who live in cities like Chicago or New York. Electric bicycles’ popularity is growing rapidly as they eliminate the need to worry about traffic jams and other nuisances that make cycling difficult.
Electric bicycles are also environmentally friendly because they don’t emit harmful emissions. One of the great things about electric bikes is that you can also use them in conjunction with other types of transportation.
For example, if you are not close to work but live near a train station, you can take your electric bike on the train with you.
Can You Take an Electric Bike on a Train?
You can take your electric bicycle on a train, but before doing so, you should check with the train company to make sure that it fits within their size guidelines.
Electric bicycles are usually designed with compact frames, which means they are no larger than traditional bikes.
Also, when taking an electric bike on a train, you must be aware of where you will keep it when not in use because trains do not offer designated spaces to store personal items.
However, as long as you verify that your battery is fully charged and know how to place your bicycle without inconveniencing other passengers or interfering with general movement around the train car, there shouldn’t be any problems related to taking your electric bike onboard.
Read Can You Ride an Electric Bike After Drinking?
Tips for Taking an Electric Bike Onboard a Train
If you plan on taking your electric bike on board a train, check the company’s website to confirm whether or not its size and battery will allow it to fit in the designated car.
If it won’t, ask the conductor if you can store your bike elsewhere during your trip. Some people have used luggage storage areas, but if they are full of bags, this might not be an option either.
Try finding out where passengers who use wheelchairs get on and off so that you can place your bike nearby once all of the luggage has been stowed away.
Ensure that your battery is fully charged before boarding, especially because trains tend to have fewer outlets than buses or airplanes.
Suppose your bike is in good working order and you do not have any problems with its size or battery limitations.
In that case, taking it on a train should be reasonably straightforward. Be courteous to other passengers, especially if you are boarding in a crowded location where limited space is available.
Also, try leaving extra time for delays or unexpected issues that might come up during the trip. Taking an electric bike aboard a train can be convenient if your commute involves one of these modes of transportation; make sure to follow safety guidelines and pay attention to all rules specific to each company’s policies.
Read Are Electric Bikes Allowed on Bike Paths?
Steps for Preparing Your Bike For Travel
There are several steps you should take before you attempt to take your electric bike on a train.
Check the Battery
Check to ensure that the battery is fully charged before attempting to take your bike on a train. If it is running low during the trip, ask the conductor if you can charge it from one of their outlets.
Onboard announcements are typically made at least five minutes in advance for local trains, which could give you enough time to do this.
Ensure compliance with Company Policy
Before traveling with your electric bicycle, make sure to verify whether or not the company’s size and battery limitations allow for it. In addition, some companies may have restrictions on electric bikes because they cannot accommodate them in storage areas.
If you think there might be a problem, call customer service and inquire about how other passengers typically handle these issues so that you can plan as necessary.
Don’t Forget Your Safety Gear
When taking your electric bike on a train, you must follow all of the same safety guidelines that would apply if you were traveling by any other method.
It includes wearing a helmet and keeping yourself visible before boarding to avoid accidents while using crowds for cover. Also, try leaving extra time if anything goes wrong or there are delays along the route.
The companies who make electric bicycles usually design them with compact frames, larger than traditional bikes.
Also, most battery systems are carefully implemented without adding too much additional weight, which means they should comply with size limitations even when fully charged during travel.
However, some trains do not have designated spaces where passengers can store personal items while riding, so it is important to check ahead of time if this is an issue.
Read Can I Overcharge An E-Bike Battery?
Pack Lightly and Efficiently
Even if your bike will fit in the designated storage area, try to pack it as efficiently as possible. Cut down on any excess baggage that could weigh the vehicle down or make it difficult for other passengers to get around you.
Also, leave plenty of room for yourself and others who might be standing nearby while waiting to board. Finally, try leaving extra time in case there are delays or unexpected issues along the route, impacting how long your trip will take overall.
Read How to Convert a Mountain Bike to Electric Bike
Can You Leave Your Electric Bike Unattended on a Train?
Most electric bikes must be locked down to a stationary object while riding on a train. However, this isn’t usually an issue as most electric bikes have a motor that shuts off when the brakes are used.
Therefore, you can safely run your battery dead by using the brakes constantly without ever touching the throttle. If you’ve ever taken a long bicycle ride with no breaks, you know this well.
When you’re ready to leave the train and take your bike with you, unlock it from its secure location and hit the throttle to start moving again.
For heavier bikes that do not have this capability, you would need to find a way to lock it down in an area where the battery is inaccessible if you wanted to conserve power in this manner.
Read What to Look For When Buying Electric Bike
Is There Anything Else I Need To Know?
When taking your electric bike on board, make sure to follow all company rules about when and how items may be stored while traveling.
If you carry any baggage beyond what can be contained within the vehicle’s main body, pay attention to how much weight it adds so you don’t overload yourself or run afoul of weight restrictions.
Also, keep your valuables with you at all times during transit so they will not become separated from your bicycle or lost overboard.
Related electric bike articles:
- Can You Ride an Electric Bike on the Sidewalk?
- How Easy Is It to Ride an Electric Bike
- Can You Ride an Electric Bike on Beach?
- Can You Use An Electric Bike Without A Battery?
- How to Clean an Electric Bike
- Are Electric Bikes Safe?
Conclusion
As long as you know the company’s specific rules and how long it takes to charge your battery, you should have no trouble riding your electric bicycle on a train.
Likewise, as long as you keep an eye on things while transporting your bike, you can continue to enjoy traveling with one of these cycles without any worries or problems along the way.
My name is Matthew, staying in Seattle, Washington. Electric Vehicles (Electric Cars & Electric bikes) caught my attention for the last few years and my love for electric cars and bikes is everlasting. I spend many of my weekends traveling to various places all over various cities with my electric vehicle (e-bike and electric car). Here I am sharing my expertise, experience, and invaluable information about electric cars and electric bikes. Check out more.