Councillors urge rethink of Merseyrail e-bike ban

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.

It has cross-party support, meaning all political groups on the authority oppose the ban. The ban is due to start 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. Merseyrail said while the decision "was not taken lightly," safety "must come first".

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."

Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has said he was not consulted on the ban.

He earlier told BBC Radio Mersyside he was waiting for evidence from Merseyrail that e-bikes pose a potential health and safety risk.

Rotheram said he would support a ban on people charging e-bikes on trains, though.

It comes after dozens of cyclists took part in a protest against the ban outside a meeting of the Liverpool City Region transport committee earlier this month.

Merseysrail said it has always been a "strong supporter of active and sustainable travel and recognise the important role cycling and e-bikes play in helping people access employment, education, healthcare and leisure opportunities across our region".

"However, our overriding responsibility is to provide a safe environment for our staff and our passengers. Safety must always come first."

It said the decision 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.

"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 an e-bike ban was the most appropriate way to reduce the risk to passengers, colleagues and emergency responders."

It said over the coming weeks 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.

It added: "We remain committed to engaging openly with our communities as these conversations continue."

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