Can You Bring an E-Bike on Metrolink? Rules and Tips

Metrolink allows electric bikes with pedals and a sealed battery fitted by the manufacturer. Most of the rules are about the battery, as Metrolink won’t let these on board:

• Modified batteries: any battery system that’s been modified or altered.
• Lead-acid batteries: liquid lead-acid batteries aren’t allowed.
• Damaged batteries: anything damaged, swollen, leaking, exposed, or held together with tape.
• Uncertified e-Bikes: bikes missing their manufacturer certification.

Your e-Bike must be switched off on board, and you can’t charge it on the train. Conductors can refuse boarding if they think an e-Bike is unsafe, so I’d make sure yours is in good shape.

Size is where many e-Bikes get caught out because Metrolink has strict limits. Bikes can be up to 32 inches wide and 58 inches long. That rules out many longtail cargo e-Bikes, so measure yours before you travel.

Tire width is just as important, as Metrolink only allows tires up to 2.6 inches wide. That means fat tire e-Bikes, which usually have tires around 4 inches wide, won’t be allowed on board. Arrow trains between San Bernardino and Redlands are stricter still. Their top hooks take tires up to 2.6 inches, but the lower rails only fit 2-inch tires.

A regular city e-Bike or commuter usually fits these limits without any problems. If you want something even easier to handle, you can store a folding e-Bike in the bike areas, too.

When you get on the train, keep your e-Bike on the lower level, as bikes can’t go up the stairs. Find a spot outside the ADA areas and stay with your bike for the whole journey.

Wheelchair users and anyone with a mobility device always get priority, which is fair enough. So if they need the space, you’ll be asked to move your bike straight away. The conductor has the final say on where bikes go, and they might ask you to try another car.

Leave your bike lock in your bag, as you can’t lock your bike up on board. And obviously, you can’t ride your e-Bike along the platform or through the train.

If you’d rather leave your e-Bike at home, Metro Bike Share is great for the last mile in LA. Its Electric Metro Bikes assist you up to 17 mph, and you can grab one any time, day or night.

Without a pass, it costs $1 to unlock and then $1.75 for every 30 minutes. With a pass, there’s no unlock fee, and you can use the app or your TAP card.

A little preparation goes a long way when you take an e-Bike on Metrolink. Here are a few things I’d check before you travel:

• Measure your bike: check its width, length, and tire width against Metrolink’s limits.
• Check your battery: make sure it’s the original sealed battery and isn’t damaged.
• Charge before you go: you can’t charge on board, so start with a full battery.
• Arrive early: bike space is limited, so getting to the platform early improves your chances.
• Have a backup plan: know your options if the bike spaces are full.

At Upway, we sell certified pre-owned e-bikes for less than new, and we inspect every one before it ships. Each one comes with a one-year warranty, and we ship across the US. You can also visit LA UpCenter in Redondo Beach to see a huge collection of e-Bikes for yourself.