01/10/2026
Councillors have backed a motion to call on Merseyrail to reverse its decision to ban non-folding e-bikes on trains and at stations.
Liverpool City Council's Green Party tabled a motion saying the announcement had been made without consulting local active travel or disability groups.
The motion has cross-party support, meaning all political groups on the authority oppose the ban. It is due to come into force in January.
The decision has attracted criticism, including a protest organised by Cycling UK earlier this month. Merseyrail has so far stood by the move, citing concerns about the fire risk posed by e-bike batteries. The BBC has approached Merseyrail for comment.
Green Party leader councillor Tom Crone said he hopes Merseyrail will reconsider its decision.
He said: "I'd really like to see Merseyrail go back to the drawing board.
"Maybe train their staff to identify the right bikes that should be allowed on and bikes that are maybe a health risk.
"I've seen so many examples of why e-bikes are an important part of the transport mix, so things like this have got unintended consequences. We really need to think it through properly and support people who want to use the trains but use [them] safely."
