electric bikes on ferries

[reubenslater]

Hi, I am thinking about taking the ferry to Roscoff from Plymouth and returning from Santander but, can I take an ebike on the ferry?

[Jdsk]

There's some general discussion in the archives.

I'd ask the company directly as soon as possible, including what you should and shouldn't do with the battery.

Jonathan

[chris_suffolk]

Whilst I agree with the above, what's the difference between an electic bike and an electric car? I'm guessing there's no issue with cars?

[rmurphy195]

Whilst I agree with the above, what's the difference between an electic bike and an electric car? I'm guessing there's no issue with cars?

What's more to the point, from the ferry companies viwpoint, might be whats the difference between a bicycle and a motorbike? (Carrying, storage, charging etc.)

As has been said, the best place to ask is the ferry company, both now and closer to departure time in case of change/implementation of policy. Might even be something on theier web site.

[Cowsham]

Whilst I agree with the above, what's the difference between an electic bike and an electric car? I'm guessing there's no issue with cars?

What's more to the point, from the ferry companies viwpoint, might be whats the difference between a bicycle and a motorbike? (Carrying, storage, charging etc.)

As has been said, the best place to ask is the ferry company, both now and closer to departure time in case of change/implementation of policy. Might even be something on theier web site.

Yes a motorbike has a battery too so can't see why not -- is there any extra fee for cycles ?

[Cowsham]

Hi, I am thinking about taking the ferry to Roscoff from Plymouth and returning from Santander but, can I take an ebike on the ferry?

Do they take a fee for cycles?

[simonhill]

It's the nature of the battery, not the battery itself.

I think they will allow e-bikes, but may well ban e-scooters, hoverboards, etc as per Eurostar.

I agree, check website and also the hazardous items that are banned.

[bikes4two]

I'm off to France via DFDS Ferries Newhaven/Dieppe (half the price of Portsmouth (where I live)/Caen) in a few weeks time andI've looked at their website for anything on ebikes and lithium batteries and have drawn a complete blank.

There's plenty of info if I want to take a 1,000 rounds of ammunition though but I'm not going to Ukraine!

The nearest to anything at all was some mention of IMO Dangerous Goods - it seems that the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) define 'classes' of goods and Lithium Batteries are under Class 9 - what the heck that might mean in respect of travelling on a ferry, I've no idea what so ever!

[Jdsk]

I'm off to France via DFDS Ferries Newhaven/Dieppe (half the price of Portsmouth (where I live)/Caen) in a few weeks time andI've looked at their website for anything on ebikes and lithium batteries and have drawn a complete blank.

"E-bicycle
"Electronic bicycles belong to the same category as motorcycles."
https://www.dfds.com/en-gb/passenger-fe ... n/vehicles

I'd ask them directly, especially if I was considering charging on board

Jonathan

[pete75]

If the battery on an electric bike is considered a risk what about the battery on a Tesla?

[reubenslater]

Thanks everyone. Indeed there seems no info on it online. I'll call them and find out. As far as I'm aware if the battery is on the bike its ok, if its in luggage it might not be....

[simonhill]

Now you have (as good as it gets) an answer, I'll digress a bit.

When searching about this a while ago (electric vehicles on ferries) I found stuff about how the crew were having to be retrained in fire fighting because of the use of electric cars.

Obviously the the electric vehicle thing is something they are aware of and are taking action to accommodate them.

[pete75]

I'm off to France via DFDS Ferries Newhaven/Dieppe (half the price of Portsmouth (where I live)/Caen) in a few weeks time andI've looked at their website for anything on ebikes and lithium batteries and have drawn a complete blank.

"E-bicycle
"Electronic bicycles belong to the same category as motorcycles."
https://www.dfds.com/en-gb/passenger-fe ... n/vehicles

I'd ask them directly, especially if I was considering charging on board

Jonathan

Does that mean they charge the motorcycle fare rather than the one for bicycles.

[Cowsham]

Thanks everyone. Indeed there seems no info on it online. I'll call them and find out. As far as I'm aware if the battery is on the bike its ok, if its in luggage it might not be....

Keep the battery on the bike but don't call them you'll only get some young duffer all flustered on the other end of the phone.

[De Sisti]

This reminds me of the strict airport security I recently endured (body searches, confiscation of
any liquids over 100ml in a bottle), as opposed to security at Eurotunnel or ferry terminals, where I've only ever experienced a cursory look at my passport and travel confirmation.