E-scooters

What powered transport is allowed on board?

• e-bikes that meet the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) criteria

What powered transport is not allowed on board?

Any device that is not explicitly permitted above. This includes the following (non-exhaustive):

• Petrol scooters and mopeds
• Hoverboards
• e-skateboards
• e-unicycles
• e-bikes that do not meet the EAPC criteria 
• pedal cycles that have been modified to convert them into e-bikes
  
   

Can I bring an e-bike on board?

Yes, you can bring an e-bike that is compliant with the EAPC criteria on board the train, but it must not be charged on board.

EAPC-compliant e-bikes are legal to use in the UK and must meet a minimum legal standard compared to e-scooters or other powered transport.

EAPC e-bikes must:

• have pedals that can be used to propel them
• have a maximum power output of 250 watts
• not be able to electrically propel the bike over 15.5mph
• have a label which shows the power output

Why are you doing this?

Over the last few years, there have been many fires caused by these devices, some of which have resulted in deaths. The number of fires caused by these devices is significantly increasing yearly.

In March 2024 an e-bike violently spontaneously combusted at a station whilst the rider was waiting for a train. Had this occurred on a train the consequences would have been far more severe.

These devices pose a fire risk due to potential ‘thermal runaway’ of the battery associated with faulty, unapproved, damaged or modified lithium batteries.

Once the thermal runaway reaction has started there is no way of stopping it or extinguishing the fire until the reaction has finished. A large amount of potentially toxic smoke is emitted and jets of flame are often produced.

The result of such a fire on board a train could cause serious harm to passengers and staff.

Most of these devices are not approved and we have seen an increase in modified bicycles, which carry an even greater risk of fire.

Under what condition is this enforceable?

Paragraph 23.5 of the National Rail Conditions of Travel stipulates e-scooters as an item only permitted by the discretion of individual railway companies and as such gives Northern the right to refuse to carry them.

Paragraph 23.6 of the National Rail Conditions of Travel stipulates motorcycles, mopeds and motor scooters as items that are not permitted to be carried. Any non-EAPC compliant e-bike (regardless of number of wheels) is considered by law as a motor vehicle and therefore this provision applies and they are not permitted to be carried.

The Railway Byelaws contain several provisions which may be used to enforce this requirement if necessary.

Can you stop me from travelling if I insist on carrying my banned powered transport on board?

Yes, you will not be able to travel on our services and you will be asked to leave the train and station.
 

My powered transport is CE / UKCA approved – why can’t I bring it on board?

Regardless of approval, the current legal situation is that only e-bikes which meet the EAPC criteria are legal to use on public roads. Therefore, these are the only forms of powered transport that will be accepted on board Northern services.

This policy will be reviewed as and when the legal situation changes.

Can I leave my powered transport at a station?

No, powered transport may not be stored on Northern station premises and will not be accepted as lost property at a Northern location.