Bicycles, Scooters & Personal Micromobility

SEPTA is proud to be a bicycle and micromobility-friendly transit system and encourages all micromobility users to use their device in connection with our services. Bicycles, scooters, and other micromobility are a critical part of the SEPTA lifestyle network, serving as a first/last mile solution for journeys across the region. Gasoline powered vehicles, mopeds and motorcycles are not allowed on SEPTA vehicles.

Micromobility is always welcome on board the Broad Street Line and Norristown High Speed Line trains, and on racks fronting all SEPTA buses and trackless trolleys. The Market-Frankford Line and Regional Rail trains have peak time restrictions, and trolleys cannot accommodate micromobility.

For more details on how to use your personal micromobility in connection with SEPTA services, please use the drop-down menu below in the Guidelines by Service section.

SEPTA defines “micromobility” as any lightweight, low-speed, human or electric-powered wheeled transportation devices. This includes bicycles, scooters, electric bicycles, electric scooters, hoverboards, monowheels and other devices that are similar in size, shape, and use, and excludes gasoline powered vehicles, mopeds, and motorcycles.

Using Micromobility + SEPTA

SEPTA Bike and Ride Micromobility Policy

Remember the following systemwide guidelines when planning your trip.

  • Gasoline powered vehicles, mopeds and motorcycles are not allowed on SEPTA vehicles.
  • Fully collapsed micromobility and folding bicycles are permitted on all vehicles as luggage.
  • Doorways and aisles should be kept clear of micromobility.
  • Electric micromobility (e-bikes, e-scooters, personal e-devices) must be turned off before boarding, and are not permitted to charge on SEPTA vehicles or property.
  • In case of emergency evacuation, all micromobility must remain on the vehicle. For this reason, we encourage you to have owner identification information attached.

Vehicle operators and train crews are responsible for assessing conditions and implementing these guidelines based on their best judgement.

Guidelines by Service

  • Persons with bicycles or other micromobility on trains should use spaces with designated signage.
  • If the train does not offer special accommodations, micromobility users should use the same space provided to accommodate persons who use wheelchairs or have other mobility limitations.
  • When possible, board at doors with bicycle signage.  
  • Walk alongside your bicycle or personal micromobility in our facilities.
  • Use stairways or elevators to enter or exit facilities with micromobility. Please do not use escalators.
  • When exiting with your bicycle, please wait until other passengers have exited the train.
  • Many SEPTA stations also have bicycle racks for customer convenience. See a list of locations with bicycle racks.
  • The front of every SEPTA bus and trackless trolley is equipped with a bicycle rack. Each rack can hold two bicycles.
  • Bicycles are always permitted on bus and trackless trolley racks without peak hour restrictions.
  • Please remove all items affixed to your bicycle before loading it onto the rack.
  • Single-rider, non-motorized bikes are permitted on the bike racks.

How to Use the On-Vehicle Bicycle Racks

Loading a Bicycle

  • Before the vehicle arrives, remove all unsecured items from your bicycle, such as water bottles and air pumps that can fall off.
  • When the vehicle arrives, tell the operator that you will be stowing your bicycle.
  • Load your bicycle from the curbside, front of the bus to avoid traffic in the adjacent lanes.
  • Squeeze the handle at the top of the rack to release the latch and allow the rack to open.
  • Place your bicycle onto the rack and fit the wheels into the labeled slots.
  • Raise the support arm over the front tire so that the hook rests at the highest point of the front wheel.

Unloading a Bicycle

  • As you exit the vehicle, tell the operator that you will be unloading your bicycle.
  • Unload your bicycle from the curbside, front of the bus to avoid traffic in the adjacent lanes.
  • Raise the support arm from the front tire. The support arm will automatically fold down into a secure position.
  • Lift your bicycle out the rack.
  • If there are no other bicycles on the rack being unloaded, squeeze the handle and close the rack.
  • To ensure your safety, immediately step to the curb. Wait for the vehicle to pull away and check for traffic before crossing or riding onto the street.

Bicycles should be stored in areas designated as priority seating.

Bicycles are allowed:

  • Weekdays except 6 am to 9 am; and 3 pm to 6 pm.
  • On all trains on Saturday, Sunday, and major holidays. Major holidays are New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Be prepared to yield the space to a person with mobility limitations, even if that requires leaving the train. In the event of an emergency evacuation, bicycles left on trains may be claimed at 69th Street Transportation Center.

Broad Street Line trains can accommodate up to two personal micromobility vehicles in each car. Bicycles should be stored in areas designated as priority seating.

Bicycles are allowed:

  • During all hours of operations.

In the event of an emergency evacuation, bicycles left on B line trains may be claimed at 69th Street Fern Rock Transportation Center.

Norristown High Speed Line trains can accommodate up to two personal micromobility vehicles in each car and should be stored in the rear vestibule area. Be prepared to yield the space to a person with mobility limitations, even if that requires leaving the train.

Bicycles are allowed:

  • During all hours of operations.

In the event of an emergency evacuation, bicycles left on M line trains may be claimed at 69th Street Transportation Center.

Trolleys cannot accommodate unfolded bicycles or micromobility on any trolley lines (Routes 10, 11, 13, 15, 34, 36, 101 or 102). Folding bicycles are permitted, but only in the fully collapsed position.

Two bicycles are permitted on each car in passenger service. Bicycles must be stored in areas designated as priority seating.

Micromobility users will be directed to an unoccupied area or asked to leave the train and accept a “continuation of trip” voucher to finish the trip on another vehicle if:

  • A designated area is occupied by a priority seating passenger.
  • A priority seating passenger boards after a bicycle is already on board.
  • There is insufficient space without blocking the aisle or doorways of the train.

Bicycles are allowed:

  • On weekday trains except: morning inbound trains arriving at any Center City station between 6 am and 9:30 am; and, afternoon outbound trains departing from any Center City station between 4 pm and 6:30 pm. Center City stations include Penn Medicine Station, William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, Suburban Station, Market East, and Temple University Station.
  • On all trains on Saturday, Sunday, and major holidays. Major holidays are New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

In the event of an emergency evacuation, bicycles left on Regional Rail trains may be claimed at Suburban Station.

Group Travel

Bicyclists interested in group travel on Regional Rail should contact Rail Transportation at 215-580-8403 at least five days in advance of the date they wish to coordinate the activity.

Micromobility Playbook

SEPTA created a Micromobility Playbook (PDF) with actions to make using micromobility with transit seamless and convenient for people in our region. The plan includes recommendations for improving systemwide access to transit stops, expanding station amenities, vehicle accommodations and connections to the transportation network.

Bus and Train Open Stroller Policy

SEPTA supports families, caregivers and our youngest riders by allowing open strollers onboard buses and trains. Strollers may be in the open position while riding, boarding and exiting SEPTA vehicles. See SEPTA’s stroller guidelines and helpful tips when traveling with children.