Merseyrail bans e-bikes across its network over fire safety concerns

Merseyrail 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. We also understand that many people rely on e-bikes as an essential part of their daily journeys.

For that reason, the decision to prohibit e-bikes from the Merseyrail network was not taken lightly.

We appreciate that this decision will be disappointing for some customers and cycling groups. However, our overriding responsibility is to provide a safe environment for our staff and our passengers. 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.

This is a particular safety concern in enclosed parts of the network, such as trains, tunnels and busy underground stations. If a lithium-ion battery fire happened in one of these spaces, smoke and toxic gases could build up quickly and would be harder to clear through ventilation. The unique operating environment of the Merseyrail network means that the consequences of such an incident could be particularly serious.

Taking these factors into account, we concluded that an e-bike ban was the most appropriate way to reduce the risk to passengers, colleagues and emergency responders.

This decision is not intended to discourage active travel. Merseyrail remains committed to supporting sustainable transport choices and encouraging people to travel in ways that reduce congestion, improve health and help protect our environment. We fully recognise the benefits that e-bikes bring to many people and communities across our region.

Over the coming weeks, we will be reaching out to representatives of the cycling community to continue conversations, answer questions and discuss the factors that led to this decision. Additional information is also available on the Merseyrail websitehere.

While we understand that there will be differing views on this issue, we hope people will appreciate that our priority throughout this process has been the safety of our staff and passengers. We remain committed to engaging openly with our communities as these conversations continue.