Can Electric Bikes Be Taken on Trains?

Yes, electric bikes can be taken on trains in the U.S., but it depends on the type of train service you use. Amtrak, one of the most popular passenger rail services in the country, offers bike-friendly services on many of its routes, including for electric bikes. However, the rules vary depending on the type of train, the route, and the specific policies in place. Let's explore how this works, focusing on Amtrak as a prime example.

Amtrak's Policies on Electric Bikes

Amtrak allows electric bikes under certain conditions, but they must meet specific size and weight limitations. For electric bike riders, this is great news, as many train travelers are looking for ways to combine eco-friendly transit with convenient travel options. Whether you’re commuting, touring, or just exploring, being able to take your electric bike on a train expands your mobility.

Amtrak Routes and Exceptionsroutes

Not all  allow electric bikes, so it’s important to check the specific policies of the train you’re planning to take. One notable exception is the Empire Builder route, where passengers traveling between Portland and Spokane are required to box their bikes for transport. This rule exists because the train splits at Spokane, and baggage cars only continue to Seattle.

Amtrak is working to expand bike services on more routes, but for now, restrictions like this exist on certain lines. Riders who plan to use this route may want to consider boxing their electric bike or looking for alternative transportation options for this leg of the journey.

Weight and Size Restrictions

For electric bikes, Amtrak has a general weight limit: the bike must weigh 50 pounds or less. This restriction is important, especially because many electric bikes tend to be heavier than standard bicycles due to the added weight of the motor and battery. If your bike meets the 50-pound limit, you can bring it on board, but anything heavier may not qualify.

The size limitations also matter. Electric bikes need to fit into designated bike racks or storage spaces on the train, which can sometimes be a challenge for larger or non-standard bikes like cargo e-bikes, trikes, or recumbents. Currently, only standard-size bicycles can fit in Amtrak’s racks (70" x 41" x 8.5"). But there are ongoing efforts to accommodate non-standard bikes on more routes.

Carry-On or Trainside Checked Services?

Amtrak offers two primary options for bringing bikes on trains: Carry-On service and Trainside Checked service.

Carry-On Service: This is the most convenient option for electric bike riders. With this service, passengers bring their bikes directly onto the train, and the bike is stored in a dedicated rack in the passenger car. However, you are responsible for securing the bike properly. As long as your electric bike fits within the size and weight limitations, this can be a great option, allowing you to keep an eye on your bike during the journey.

For some Northeast Corridor trains, riders must take an extra step when using the carry-on service. After boarding, you’ll need to remove the front wheel of your bike before hanging it by the back wheel and securing it with the provided strap. Make sure you’re familiar with the process of removing your front wheel and have any necessary tools with you before boarding. This requirement ensures that bikes fit neatly within the designated space on these specific trains.

Trainside Checked Service: This option involves Amtrak crew members handling your bike. Your electric bike is stored in the baggage car, and only the staff can load and unload it. While this service is offered on many routes, it’s not available on all stations, as it requires the station to have baggage service and adequate platform height.

Reservations and Fees

For most Amtrak trains, especially those with bike-friendly policies, reservations are required for both Carry-On and Trainside Checked bike services. This ensures that there’s enough space on the train for your bike. Amtrak has limited capacity for bikes, so it’s important to reserve your spot early. The only exceptions are certain services in California, such as the Capitol Corridor and San Joaquins, which allow walk-on bike service without reservations.

Electric bike riders should also note that there may be additional fees for bringing a bike on the train, which vary by route. These fees will appear during the ticket reservation process, and it’s essential to check the price summary for any extra costs.

Special Considerations for Electric Bikes

When planning to bring your electric bike on an Amtrak train, there are a few extra factors to keep in mind:

• Folding Electric Bikes: If you have a folding electric bike that collapses to smaller dimensions (34" x 15" x 48"), you can bring it aboard as carry-on luggage. Folding bikes generally don’t need a separate bike reservation, and they can be stored in luggage compartments or under the seat, depending on the train’s configuration.

• Bike Trailers and Accessories: If you’re traveling with bike accessories like trailers, Amtrak currently doesn’t accommodate bike trailers in its bike storage areas. You may need to check your trailer separately or leave it behind, depending on the route. If you’re carrying panniers, baskets, or other removable accessories, you’ll also need to remove them from your bike before boarding.

• Fat Tire Electric Bikes: Currently, Amtrak’s bike racks can only accommodate bikes with tire widths of up to 2 inches. This means that if you have a fat-tire electric bike, you may not be able to bring it on board. There are plans to accommodate wider tires in the future, but for now, riders with fat-tire e-bikes may face limitations.

Safety and Security

When traveling with an electric bike on Amtrak, passengers should ensure that their bikes are properly secured. For carry-on bikes, this means using the racks provided in the passenger cars. Bikes should be placed carefully to avoid blocking aisles or exits. If you’re using trainside checked service, you’ll need to check in with a customer service agent and get a claim ticket before loading the bike onto the train.

During your journey, remember that the train may make quick stops, and there may be little time to load or unload bikes. Arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure to give yourself plenty of time to prepare and check in your bike if needed.

Conclusion

Yes, you can take electric bikes on Amtrak trains in the U.S., but it requires some planning. Be sure to check weight and size restrictions, make a reservation, and confirm the specific bike services available on your chosen route. Amtrak’s bike-friendly policies make it easier than ever to combine rail travel with electric biking, opening up new possibilities for eco-friendly travel across the country. Whether you’re headed on a long-distance journey or just commuting locally, taking your electric bike on a train is a great way to travel sustainably and efficiently.