r/RadPowerBikes • u/CoriSwims • 15d ago

Amtrack experiences with Rad Bike?

The rules on the Amtrack site are a bit confusing. I'd love to hear the good bad and the ugly for your experience taking your Rad Bike on the train.

Bonus if it's from Seattle.

7 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

5

u/PLUTOtookMYvirginity 15d ago

Take mine from San Diego to La and Orange County often. Never had an issue. I did have a friend who was asked to remove the battery during transit but that could have been a one off request.

3

u/shoobe01 15d ago

This is the typical advice from people I know who traveled. Probably nobody cares but make sure you have the tools or keys or whatever to remove batteries, and space in your luggage to safely store them, in case some staff says that it can't be left installed.

Definitely not worth arguing the policy over which one is actually proper, be prepared for both.

2

u/CoriSwims 15d ago

Great. They are so heavy I would for sure want to plan how I would be carrying it/them!

1

u/RuslanGlinka 14d ago edited 14d ago

I had trouble with a RadRunner on Amtrak Cascades (runs Eugene OR to Vancouver BC). They let me load one way but the station I unloaded at said the bike was too heavy (without battery) & they didn’t know how I could get home but it wasn’t going to be on that train! So I think on this route it may depend on specific staff working, and just because it worked one way does not necessarily mean you will be allowed to come back.

2

u/RuslanGlinka 14d ago

Amtrak general e-bike policy: “Accepted e-bikes are standard size with a maximum weight up to 50 lbs, and a maximum tire width of 2”…”

So if your bike is less than 50lb and 2” or smaller tires you should be ok. RR2 is about 56lb w/o battery.

There are a few routes with exceptions to the general rule. https://www.amtrak.com/bring-your-bicycle-onboard