Are Electric Bikes Allowed On Buses?

Moving about in a major metropolitan city without a car can be pretty straightforward. Just steps from most buildings, you’ll find extensive subway lines, trains, and bus routes to get you where you need to go. For a few more bucks, you can grab a cab, Uber, or Lyft ride. All conveniently accessed through apps on your phone.

But in smaller cities with no subways and fewer train options, the duty of public transportation falls on buses. If you wish to bring your bicycle along, cities have added bike racks to the front of many buses to allow riders to widen their reach by bike. Stow the bike in the rack, hop aboard, and across town you go!

Enter the e-bike. E-bikes are propelled by two power sources, batteries and muscle. Since legs get tired and batteries get low, buses and e-bikes can work well together. Here’s where tapping into your city’s extensive system of bus routes can expand the distance you can cover with a single charge to your e-bike.

Now the question is whether an e-biker can take a breather while their bike takes a ride on the front of a city bus. Those 2 – 3 spots on the bus rack can fill up fast, but are electric bikes allowed on buses?

Some Say No

Unfortunately, many cities prohibit e-bikes or small motorized bikes from using the racks. They cite size and potential hazards as reasons to put the kibosh on e-bikes as passengers. Since electric bikes average 23+ onboard components, the weight adds up. Fat tires, bulky batteries, and other parts contribute to the less than warm acceptance of e-bikes.

For example, the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority serves 70 miles in and around Aspen, CO, and does not allow any e-bike or fat bike class because they are “too heavy and bulky for the racks.”

In Los Angeles, the Metro buses do not permit motorized bicycles or any bicycles over 55 lbs. However, folding bikes with wheels 20 inches or less are allowed onboard.

In Denver, CO, the Regional Transportation District policies do not allow for e-bikes aboard their buses or bicycles over 80×40 inches.

In NYC, there are some Metropolitan Transportation Authority buses with bike racks, but they are few and far between, so don’t plan on even trying to bring your e-bike along. You’re best bet is to keep your battery charged throughout the day.

Thank You Technology

Fortunately, the electric bicycle industry boom has pushed technology in all the right directions, making the modern e-bike lighter and more in line with conventional bikes. In many cases, it’s hard to distinguish e-bikes from traditional bikes depending on the style and how it’s outfitted.

Batteries and motors alone have continued to get smaller and lighter. Aluminum-alloy frames and high-end lightweight brakes other components keep the overall weight and size palpable. It’s unlikely you’ll be hassled about your e-bike coming along for the ride unless the transit authority explicitly spells it out.

In Riverside, CA, the Transit Agency has opened its arms to e-bikes, encouraging riders to bring them along as they use the city’s bus system. They limit the use of the racks to bicycles with sealed gel, lithium Ion, or NiCad batteries and have standard tires.

Portland’s TriMet busing system allows e-bikes onboard as long as they meet the safety requirements of having a sealed battery compartment which isn’t likely to be a problem.

E-bikes that fit on the bike racks are permitted in Seattle, providing the battery is removed and kept with the bike owner inside the bus.

Early last year, Vancouver’s TransLink’s bus bike racks began allowing e-bikes onboard. No additional costs, but with these restrictions: the bike must weigh less than 25 kg (55 lbs), wheels must not be too wide to fit properly in the bike rack, and the sealed lithium battery must be removed and brought onto the bike rack bus.

Check with your city before you head out to avoid any issues.

What Can You Do If Your Transit Authority Won’t Allow Your Electric Bike?

Because e-bikes are still new and “different,” some cities are still very resistant to allowing them on buses. You have a few options:

1. Purchase a folding bike. They take up less space and tend to fly under the radar.

2. If a folding bike isn’t in your future, make sure any electric bike you purchase is ultra-stealthy and looks like a traditional bike. Get a smaller geared rear hub motor.

3. If you ride the same bus every day, get to know the bus driver and assure them that you will quickly mount and unmount the e-bike. A little friendliness goes a long way.

4. Suppose you can’t find a way to get on a bus in your city, buy a bike with a removable battery so you can recharge it at work (or wherever your destination is). And make sure it’s always charged.

5. Make sure the bike you purchase has an extended range. Some e-bikes have very long ranges.

6. Petition your city council. Show your city council members how they can benefit from more people riding e-bikes.

Riding the bus with your e-bike can extend the distance you can cover on one battery charge. But localities differ with what is permissible. Contact your local transportation authority to see what they will allow is always your best bet.

Let us know if we can help you choose the right e-bike for you and your riding style.