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.

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."

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 has previously said the decision had not been taken lightly.

It said: "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."

It added: "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."

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