Our Bike Policy
Folding bicycles and electric folding bicycles are permitted on Chiltern services at all times provided they are fully folded and stored without hindering other passengers
Regular bicycles are carried (except tandems) on any Chiltern Railways train on Saturdays, Sundays or Public Holidays subject to space being available, and at the discretion of our staff.
On Mondays to Fridays you can also use most of our trains. The only exceptions are our busiest peak hour services.
For the safety and comfort of all our passengers, bikes are not allowed at any point during the journey on any train:
- Arriving London Marylebone, Oxford or Birmingham Moor Street from 0745 to 1000.
- Leaving London Marylebone, Oxford or Birmingham Moor Street from 1630 to 1930
For further clarity please download our timetable.
Within our timetable trains shown with a 'X' symbol means that bikes are not permitted on board at any point during this service.
We are sorry that bikes can not be taken on rail replacement buses at any time. There are no restrictions on folding bikes at any time, provided they are fully folded.
Cycles can be hired from just outside London Marylebone Station. For information visit www.tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/santander-cycles.
Storing Your Bike At Our Stations
For information about cycle storage facilities at our stations see the Station Information section.
Our e-scooter policy from June 12th 2023
From June 12th 2023, e-scooters, and the charging of e-scooters are not permitted on Chiltern Railways trains or within Chiltern Railways stations. This is due to the fire safety risk scooters powered by lithium-ion batteries pose.
What scooters or powered transport is allowed on board?
- Non-electric scooters
- Mobility scooters/aids - These must comply with our mobility scooter guidance outlined in our Accessible Travel Policy.
- Electric bikes - However they must not be charged on board our trains or at our stations.
Please note that petrol scooters and mopeds are NOT permitted on board our trains. This is due to the safety risk that the fuel poses on board trains.
Other Personal Mobility Transport (PMT) such as hoverboards and e-skateboards are also not permitted on Chiltern Railways trains.
Why are you doing this?
Most UK train operators have chosen to ban e-scooters in response to concerns regarding the fire risk posed by lithium battery powered personal mobility transport devices and fire incidents on board trains. Severe overheating associated with faulty or unregulated lithium batteries increases the risk of the batteries catching fire and expelling toxic fumes.
Under what condition is this enforceable?
Paragraph 23.5 of the National Rail Conditions of Travel stipulates e-scooters as an item only permitted by the discretion of individual railway companies and as such gives Chiltern Railways the right to refuse to carry them.
The Railway Byelaws contain several provisions which may be used to enforce this requirement if necessary.
Does this apply to mobility scooters?
No. Mobility scooters are still welcome on board all our trains, please see our Accessible Travel Policy for details.
Can I take an e-bike on board?
Yes, you can bring an e-bike (EPAC standard) on board the train as long as it is not charging.
This is because EPAC standard e-bikes are legal to use in the UK and have to meet a minimum legal standard compared to e-scooters. Details about what qualifies as an EPAC can be found on the government website.
Can you stop me from travelling if I insist on carrying my e-scooter on board?
You may not enter a Chiltern Railways station or travel on a Chiltern Railways service with an e-scooter. If you arrive at a station with one, we will ask you to return without your e-scooter and we will work to get you on an alternative service.
We are committed to supporting customers who do not wish to drive to our stations but safety of our customers and colleagues must come first.
My scooter is CE / UKCA approved – why can’t I bring it on board?
From a safety point of view, we are unable to check all e-scooters or PMT so for consistency a blanket ban will be in place.
The current industry information is that most privately owned e-scooters are not approved for use in the UK as they are not legal for use anywhere other than private property.
We will continue to review this policy as and when we obtain further information from the industry.
Can I leave my e-scooter at a station?
No, e-scooters may not be stored on Chiltern Railways station premises and will not be accepted as lost property at a Chiltern Railways location.