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Taking bikes on the trainEnvironmentally conscious travelling with an E-MTB

EMTB

 · 24.07.2022

Taking bikes on the train: environmentally conscious travelling with an E-MTBPhoto: Robert Niedring
The railway is unbeaten when it comes to environmental performance. But is it possible to take a bike on the train with an e-MTB everywhere, and what does it cost? A comparison of car and train on long-distance journeys and short trips.

According to the manufacturer, around 190 kilograms of carbon dioxide are produced by Trek's E-MTB Rail per bike, 150 kilograms of CO2 are emitted per person on a journey from Munich to Lake Garda in a car with two passengers. The alternative: travelling by train. The long-distance train only emits 25 to 30 kilograms of greenhouse gas on the route. The disadvantages of travelling by train are the greater organisational effort and less flexibility. In Germany, international bike tickets are only available at the ticket counter, and in the season, bike spaces in Italy are often overbooked and there is a risk of waiting times. Taking bikes on the train is more for the hardy.

The situation is different for day trips with an e-MTB on regional transport. You don't need to book in advance and tickets are easily available from any ticket machine. The price¹ and carbon footprint for an example day trip by train from Munich to Mittenwald are only half as high as by car. A clear recommendation for travelling by bike.

Fact check²

Munich-Mittenwald. Bicycle transport by train: 23 euros, 14 kilograms CO2 - by car: approx. 42 euros, 30 kilograms CO2Photo: Robert NiedringMunich-Mittenwald. Bicycle transport by train: 23 euros, 14 kilograms CO2 - by car: approx. 42 euros, 30 kilograms CO2Munich-Lake Garda. Bike by train: 101 euros, 25-30 kilograms of CO2 - by car: approx. 160 euros, 150 kilograms of CO2Photo: Wolfgang WatzkeMunich-Lake Garda. Bike by train: 101 euros, 25-30 kilograms of CO2 - by car: approx. 160 euros, 150 kilograms of CO2

¹) Calculation basis: 40 cents per kilometre. Car occupied by two people. Realistic value for a young used car, taking into account maintenance costs, wear and tear and depreciation. If you drive a new car, you will pay 50 cents per kilometre.

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²) Prices and CO2 values calculated per person for outward and return journey. The long-distance journey was calculated with early booking. A taxi to take the luggage from Rovereto to Lake Garda is already included.

Country comparison for e-MTB transport by train

Germany : On local transport, taking a bike with an E-MTB is uncomplicated. In long-distance transport you need a reservation, the weight can be a problem on the hooks. Deflate wide tyres. Tickets abroad are only available at the ticket counter or in the ÖBB app.Photo: BIKE MagazinGermany : On local transport, taking a bike with an E-MTB is uncomplicated. In long-distance transport you need a reservation, the weight can be a problem on the hooks. Deflate wide tyres. Tickets abroad are only available at the ticket counter or in the ÖBB app.Austria: You can even buy tickets to Germany and Italy via the ÖBB app. However, (e-)MTBs are officially considered special models for which tickets are only available at the ticket counter. However, many conductors are accommodating when it comes to taking bikes on board, as long as the bike is well stowed.Photo: BIKE MagazinAustria: You can even buy tickets to Germany and Italy via the ÖBB app. However, (e-)MTBs are officially considered special models for which tickets are only available at the ticket counter. However, many conductors are accommodating when it comes to taking bikes on board, as long as the bike is well stowed.Switzerland : Taking your bike on the train is easier in Switzerland than in any other country. You only need a ticket and must be able to load and hang up the bike yourself. Attention: Lights are compulsory for e-bikes, even during the day and off-road.Photo: BIKE MagazinSwitzerland : Taking your bike on the train is easier in Switzerland than in any other country. You only need a ticket and must be able to load and hang up the bike yourself. Attention: Lights are compulsory for e-bikes, even during the day and off-road.Italy : Bicycles can only be taken on trains in Italy on local services or on Eurocity routes in northern Italy, but cannot be reserved. There is a risk of waiting times in high season. Some night trains will also allow bikes to be taken on board again from around summer 2022.Photo: BIKE MagazinItaly : Bicycles can only be taken on trains in Italy on local services or on Eurocity routes in northern Italy, but cannot be reserved. There is a risk of waiting times in high season. Some night trains will also allow bikes to be taken on board again from around summer 2022.

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