December 15, 2025 - From 14 December 2025, all European rail operators will apply one common standard definition for what constitutes a “regular, assembled bicycle” on international train services. This has been agreed by CER/UIC members in the so-called “CER Ticketing Roadmap”.
The common definition for bicycles will be as follows: “A regular, assembled bicycle is a two-wheeled vehicle, consisting of a frame, a pair of pedals and a saddle, can also be an electric bicycle (up to 25km/h).”
This means that any restrictions that national operators may have in place on the size or weight of carrying standard bicycles will not apply for cross-border services, including for carrying pedelec-25 type of electric bicycles. Charging these bicycles on board of trains will be forbidden though, unless pictograms on the sockets clearly indicate that charging is permitted.
Tandems and cargo-bikes do not fall within the scope of a “regular, assembled bicycle“ and are therefore excluded from international rail services. As are speed-pedelecs and other throttled electric bikes. Rail operators may continue to apply size and weight restrictions for purely national train journeys.
What about folding bicycles and tricycles?
For folding bicycles, the same rules as for hand luggage will apply, and these rules will also be harmonised. Again, there will be no restrictions based on size or weight. The agreements adds ”Passengers may bring as many items as they can carry onto the train in a single movement.” This means that passengers may take as much luggage and/or folding bicycles with them as they can carry at one time when boarding and disembarking.
The carriage of hand luggage, and hence folding bicycles, is free of charge.
For tricycles used by persons with physical and/or mental impairments, PRM (Person with Reduced Mobility) rules will apply.
Where can I find the rules?
The rules agreed by CER and UIC will apply to all European rail operators that are members of these organisations. CER is the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies, and UIC is the International Union of Railways. Each member organisation is set to announce the new CER Ticketing Roadmap individually through its communication channels. The rules can also be viewed here.
