Foldable Bike or E-Scooter on Irish Rail

spupazza · 27-09-2025 08:21PM #1

Hi everyone, I'm planning to travel regularly from Waterford to Dublin by train and am considering buying a foldable e-bike or e-scooter to help me get from the train station to my office once I arrive in Dublin.

Before I make the purchase, I’d really appreciate some advice from those who’ve done something similar. I have noticed when booking the train ticket, that some trains do not have the space for bikes.

I understand that for a foldable e-scooter or foldable e-bike, I do not need a designed space, where do passengers typically store these items on board? Beside their seat, in the luggage rack, or elsewhere?

Is there a maximum size or footprint I should be mindful of when choosing a model?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

CramCycle · 27-09-2025 08:35PM

What distance do you have to cover?

spupazza · 27-09-2025 08:46PM

I need to cover a total of 10 km.

headtheball14 · 27-09-2025 08:55PM

e scooters are banned on Irish rail services

https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/faqs/can-i-bring-an-e-scooter-onboard-a-train

Dublinandy3 · 27-09-2025 09:07PM

E scooters are banned and bikes are prohibited on Dart at certain peak times (7am -10am) and 4pm to 7pm.

I believe in Intercity you need to book a bike space.

I have seen someone kicked off a dart with a bike during peak hours but I've also seen countless others ignore that and have no bother.

https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/travel-information/bicycle-information-for-rail-travel

CramCycle · 27-09-2025 09:33PM

If the commute is Dublin side, would Dublin Bikes be an easier solution?

Does it have to be electric? Would a Brompton be a good solution if you have the spare money or an Apollo/Carrera if you don't? You could always upgrade the later with a Switch wheel to make it electric.

goingnowhere · 28-09-2025 04:56AM

if it’s a foldable e-bike it’s fine, store between the seats or luggage rack. No restrictions

e scooters are banned on all public transport operators

Full size bikes require reservations on intercity services and are banned at peak hour on commuter and DART services

bk · 30-09-2025 05:33PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058425624/foldable-bike-or-e-scooter-on-irish-rail

One other option is to get a really cheap, crappy looking, but mechanically sound second hand bike, say worth no more then €100 or so and leave that at the stations in Dublin. Use a good quality high end lock with that cheap bike.

Just make sure it is mechanically sound, brakes working well, etc.

Bike thieves tend not to bother with very cheap, beater bikes, specially if they are using a good lock, not worth the effort.

And if they do, well it is only €100 or so you lose.

Also a full wheel sized beater bike can still be easier to cycle then an expensive folding bike with small wheels.

Might be worth trying for a few months before investing thousands in an electric folding bike.

You can also rent a bike locker at Heuston Station for €130 per year:

https://lockers2rent.apcoa.ie/app/locations/marker/233

Foldable Bike or E-Scooter on Irish Rail

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