Liverpool's Green Party group is calling on Merseyrail to reverse its decision to ban non-foldable e-bikes on the network, with a motion set to be debated at Liverpool Town Hall next week.
The rail operator announced it will not permit non-foldable bikes on the railways from New Year's Day 2027. The ban will apply across all Merseyrail stations, including station buildings, car parks and cycle storage facilities, as well as onboard trains. Passengers will still be able to travel with standard pedal bicycles, folding e-bikes, approved mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs that meet national requirements.
Campaign against the ban
Dozens of cyclists gathered outside Mann Island earlier this month in an event organised by Cycling UK to show opposition to the plans. Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has also urged Merseyrail to think again, saying there were "inconsistencies" in the policy.
The motion, laid down by Cllr Tom Crone, condemns the move and calls for the blanket ban to be reversed. It says the announcement was made "without consulting stakeholders such as local active travel groups or disability groups" and notes that there are important safety issues around e-bikes.
"However, this risk comes in the vast majority of cases from unregulated products and after sale conversion kits," the motion says. "The risk from regulated bikes, bought from bike shops is extremely low."
Safety concerns and next steps
The decision is thought to revolve around the number of tunnels on the Merseyrail network and the lack of windows on the class 777 trains. The Green motion asks members to endorse the position that any policy to "restrict train use should be proportionate, target the real problem, and not discriminate against people who depend on the service."
It calls on the chief executive to write to Mr Rotheram asking for the decision to be reconsidered, although the Metro Mayor cannot change the policy. The Greens also want Suzanne Grant, Merseyrail acting managing director, to develop training for staff to identify regulated e-bikes to enable them to continue to go on trains. The motion also calls on Merseyside Police to "do more to remove unsafe and illegal e-bikes from our city's streets."
In a statement, a Merseyrail spokesperson said the decision to prohibit e-bikes was "not taken lightly" and that the operator has "always been a strong supporter of active and sustainable travel."
"We recognise the important role that cycling and e-bikes play in helping people access employment, education, healthcare and leisure opportunities across our region," the spokesperson said. "We also understand that many people rely on e-bikes as an essential part of their daily journeys."
The spokesperson added that Merseyrail acknowledged the decision would be disappointing for some but "our overriding responsibility is to provide a safe environment for our staff and our passengers." The statement said: "Safety must always come first.
"The introduction of this ban follows careful consideration of the wider risks associated with lithium-ion battery-powered e-bikes on a busy rail network. Although incidents are rare, lithium-ion battery fires can develop quickly, are difficult to extinguish, and can produce intense heat, dense smoke and toxic gases."
Merseyrail said it will be reaching out to representatives of the cycling community to continue conversations, answer questions and discuss the factors that led to this decision.
