Merseyrail's ban on non-folding e-bikes across its network could have a “devastating impact” on people’s lives, according to Cycling UK, which is challenging the operator’s decision. The charity’s Cyclists’ Defence Fund (CDF) supports the challenge, and Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has suggested the operator may need to think again.
Ban details and scope
Following a detailed safety review, Merseyrail announced last month that a ban on non-folding e-bikes will be enforced from January 1 next year. The ban applies across all Merseyrail stations, including station buildings, car parks and cycle storage facilities, as well as onboard trains.
E-scooters have been banned on the network since 2023. Non-folding e-bikes, modified or adapted bikes, conversion kits and detached lithium ion batteries will not be permitted on Merseyrail services.
Impact on riders with mobility issues
Cycling UK said the ban will worsen isolation, wellbeing and household finances, as it limits people’s independence, ability to stay active, get to work, visit friends and family and spend time outdoors. For people with difficulties walking, e-bikes can be the only way to get around independently in combination with train travel, allowing a return trip by train in case of a mechanical problem or feeling unwell.
Janet Farrell, from Formby, said: “I would be unable to go to medical appointments and I would be trapped. I’m sick on buses and I no longer have a car because of health and cost.” Christine Smith, 72, from Crosby, who uses her e-bike to reach a cycle group meeting at a station, said: “My health prevents me from using an ordinary bike, and if I’m forced to give up this activity, both my physical and mental health will be badly affected. I rely on the contacts I’ve built up for company and support, as many of my fellow cyclists do. Living alone can be isolating and lonely.”
Questions over safety review and next steps
In its letter to Merseyrail, Cycling UK asked for a meeting to discuss the wider implications of the ban, to see the safety review Merseyrail referred to but has not published, and to clarify whether there had been a consultation with the public or stakeholders. Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram told BBC Radio Merseyside he sympathised with Cycling UK’s position, having not been consulted on the changes initially. He added: “I don’t know the full rationale because I haven’t had a response yet from Merseyrail but I probably think they will need to reconsider, whether it is a blanket ban or whether it’s for those bikes that have been modified.”
Duncan Dollimore, associate director at Cycling UK, said: “This is a huge backward step for accessible, sustainable transport in the region and one that will have a major impact on people's wellbeing. Merseyrail's response was deeply disappointing and showed they have failed to either adequately consider or understand the issue. People using e-bikes as their mobility aid are by definition not using other mobility aids, so offering reassurances about mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs is a fundamental misunderstanding of the problem. There is still time for Merseyrail to reverse its decision, and we urge them to reconsider in light of the devastating impact it will have on people’s lives.”
Dr Kay Inckle, campaigns and policy manager at Wheels for Wellbeing, added: “As a Merseyside resident I know how devastating Merseyrail’s ban on non-folding e-cycles will be for Disabled people across the region. Cycles with e-assist are essential for Disabled people to navigate the hills and distances and to make essential journeys. This ban flies in the face of the ambition to make Merseyside the most accessible city region and undoes the good work Merseyrail have undertaken with level boarding and improving station accessibility. A blanket ban does not address the safety issues caused by illegal and unsafe devices, but it does deter cycling, which is essential for sustainability and public health across the region, especially for disabled people.”
Merseyrail says it will spend the remainder of 2026 focusing on education and awareness enforcement, working with passengers, schools and colleges to ensure everyone understands the changes and has time to plan ahead. From January 1, passengers travelling with a banned item may be refused entry to the network, asked to leave a train or station, or face enforcement under the railway byelaws. The decision follows similar action taken by several transport operators, including Transport for London, which became the first to introduce the ban in March last year.
