New rules for electric bikes on trains

Starting December 13, 2026, SNCF Voyageurs, the company that operates TGV Inoui and Intercités trains, will introduce new rules for transporting electric bikes and similar devices. These rules aim to manage space and safety concerns on trains.

Restricted devices and their definitions

Under the new policy, several devices will not be allowed on board. These include fatbikes, bikes with more than two wheels, gyropodes, hoverboards, and electric scooters with a seat that cannot be folded or have tire widths wider than 6 cm. The rules define a standard bike as having a maximum length of 185 cm and a tire width of 6 cm.

Existing restrictions and unchanged rules

The new restrictions add to an existing list of prohibited items, which already includes recumbent bikes, tricycles, tandems, cargo bikes, longtails, and trailers. For standard bikes, the rules remain the same: a non-disassembled bike requires a reservation and a fee of €10 per bike and trip, as long as it fits within space limits.

Tire width and practical implications

The 6 cm tire width is significant, as it equates to about 2.36 inches. Mountain bikes, whether electric or not, with tires wider than 2.4 inches already exceed this limit without being classified as fatbikes. SNCF Voyageurs did not clarify if a disassembled fatbike packed in a standard-sized bag would be accepted as luggage.

Prohibited items and safety concerns

Charging batteries, even when separated from any electric motorized device, is not allowed on board for safety reasons. The company cited concerns over space and safety, noting that certain bikes and devices can disrupt passenger movement and affect train punctuality during boarding and alighting.

Enforcement and penalties

SNCF Voyageurs has emphasized that the rules are already available on their SNCF Connect baggage page. Travelers who do not comply with the baggage policy may face penalties, ranging from a minimum of €50 per non-compliant or excess baggage to a maximum of €150.