Can you take an electric skateboard on the subway, bus or train?
Usually yes — carried, switched off, never ridden — but only one of the 32 transit agencies we read names the electric skateboard: VIA Rail, which takes it as carry-on with the battery unplugged. Montreal's STM bans any battery-powered device with a wheel, PATH bans electric vehicles, and Toronto's TTC bans lithium-ion micromobility devices every November 15 to April 15. 10 others allow it under a broader category, such as New York's “PEV”; 17 say nothing about it.
Named: allowed as carry-on, with conditions (1)
| Agency | What it means for an electric skateboard | What the agency says |
|---|---|---|
| VIA Rail National · train |
Named: allowed as carry-on, with conditions | “Small vehicles powered by lithium batteries are allowed as carry-on.” “These vehicles and devices include hoverboards, AirBoards, electric skateboards, airwheels, mini-Segways, drones and electric scooters.” “Battery Disconnection Required: The battery must be unplugged immediately upon entry.” “Storage Requirement: Lithium-ion batteries must be stored in the baggage tower.” viarail.ca · viarail.ca, read 2026-09-24 |
Banned by a rule that covers it (2)
| Agency | What it means for an electric skateboard | What the agency says |
|---|---|---|
| PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) New York / New Jersey · subway |
Banned by a rule that covers it | “Use of skateboards, skates, bicycles, scooters, or any other vehicles or devices, except a wheelchair or other ambulatory device assisting a disabled person, are prohibited in the system.” “Use of gas-powered & electric vehicles are prohibited.” “No person shall use a skateboard or rollerskates or use shoes equipped with skate wheels as skates, or ride a bicycle, scooter or any other self propelled vehicle or device, except a wheelchair or other ambulatory device assisting a disabled person, on or through any building, area, car or other rolling stock of PATH.” “The possession of hazardous or flammable materials in the PATH system, such as the lithium-ion batteries used to power hover boards and e-scooters, is also prohibited.” panynj.gov · panynj.gov · panynj.gov, read 2026-09-24 |
| STM Montréal · subway, bus |
Banned by a rule that covers it Onewheel: Covered: the by-law’s device is any battery-powered vehicle with at least one wheel. |
“Appareil de transport personnel motorisé »: tout véhicule muni au moins d'une roue, lequel est équipé d'un moteur électrique alimenté par une batterie et exempt d’habitacle fermé par une matière rigide, molle ou transparente, y incluant une trottinette électrique, un véhicule gyroscopique ou autre petit appareil électrique conçu pour le déplacement d'une personne” “il est interdit de transporter un appareil de transport personnel motorisé, une bicyclette, un monocycle, un tricycle ou autre objet similaire à moins d’autorisation de la personne occupant la fonction de directeur général de la Société.” “p) de faire usage d’une planche à roulettes, d’une trottinette, d'un appareil de transport personnel motorisé ou autre objet similaire;” “For safety reasons, motorized scooters and electric personal transport devices, such as electric bikes, are no longer allowed inside métro infrastructure and buses. Exceptions apply for mobility aid devices.” stm.info · stm.info, read 2026-09-24 |
Banned every winter (1)
| Agency | What it means for an electric skateboard | What the agency says |
|---|---|---|
| TTC Toronto · subway, bus, streetcar |
Banned every winter | “E-bikes and e-scooters are not permitted on TTC vehicles and property from November 15 to April 15 each year.” “The TTC is reminding customers that lithium-ion battery powered micromobility devices, including e-bikes and e-scooters, are banned on the TTC until April 15, 2025.” “Approve the prohibition of lithium-ion-powered micromobility devices, including e-bikes and e-scooters, onboard TTC vehicles and inside TTC stations and facilities from November 15 to April 15 each year.” “Customers are allowed to carry their e-scooters on the TTC outside the winter ban period (November 15 to April 15 each year).” ttc.ca · ttc.ca · ttc.ca, read 2026-09-24 |
Banned by definition (two texts read together) (1)
| Agency | What it means for an electric skateboard | What the agency says |
|---|---|---|
| Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) Edmonton · light rail, bus |
Banned by definition (two texts read together) | “26 A person shall not ride a Bicycle, E-Bike, E-Scooter, skateboard, rollerblade or similar item on Transit Property, in a Transit Station, or aboard a Transit Vehicle.” “25 (1) A person shall not bring a Vehicle into a Transit Station or aboard a Transit Vehicle.” “(m) “Vehicle” has the same meaning as in the Traffic Safety Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. T-6; and” “E-scooters are allowed on the LRT at all times of the day.” Read with Alberta's own guidance, which says these devices “are motor vehicles, as defined in the Traffic Safety Act” — see Alberta. edmonton.ca · edmonton.ca · edmonton.ca, read 2026-09-24 |
Allowed under a broader category — carried, never ridden (10)
| Agency | What it means for an electric skateboard | What the agency says |
|---|---|---|
| MTA New York City Transit (subway & bus) New York · subway, bus |
Allowed under a broader category — carried, never ridden | “Operating, riding, sitting, or standing on or astride a PEV or placing a PEV under power (i.e., turning it on) for any reason in any MTA facility, or on any MTA conveyance is prohibited.” “If the Permissible PEV has the ability to be folded, it must be folded or compacted and carried as designed.” “Only Foldable Permissible PEVs are permitted in other MTA buses as long as the Permissible PEV does not impede the movement of individuals” “Any form of PEVs, including Foldable Permissible PEVs, are prohibited inside MTA Express Buses.” mta.info · mta.info · mta.info, read 2026-09-24 |
| Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) New York · train |
Allowed under a broader category — carried, never ridden | “If you have a Personal Electronic Vehicle (PEV), the MTA's PEV policy applies.” “Operating, riding, sitting, or standing on or astride a PEV or placing a PEV under power (i.e., turning it on) for any reason in any MTA facility, or on any MTA conveyance is prohibited.” “PEVs are treated the same as a bicycle and the MTA agency’s specific procedures and policies concerning transport of bicycles apply.” “Overhead racks can only be used when transporting a Foldable Permissible PEV; if the PEV weighs no greater than 30 pounds; and can securely fit in the overhead rack.” mta.info · mta.info · mta.info, read 2026-09-24 |
| Metro-North Railroad New York · train |
Allowed under a broader category — carried, never ridden | “If you have a Personal Electronic Vehicle (PEV), the MTA's PEV policy applies.” “Operating, riding, sitting, or standing on or astride a PEV or placing a PEV under power (i.e., turning it on) for any reason in any MTA facility, or on any MTA conveyance is prohibited.” “PEVs are treated the same as a bicycle and the MTA agency’s specific procedures and policies concerning transport of bicycles apply.” “Overhead racks can only be used when transporting a Foldable Permissible PEV; if the PEV weighs no greater than 30 pounds; and can securely fit in the overhead rack.” mta.info · mta.info · mta.info, read 2026-09-24 |
| NJ Transit New Jersey (statewide) · train, bus, light rail |
Allowed under a broader category — carried, never ridden | “See below for details about how NJ TRANSIT supports bikes, personal electric vehicles (such as e-bikes, electric scooters, and segways) & personal vehicles (such as scooters & skateboards).” “Note that for passengers’ safety, riding or charging personal vehicles inside NJ TRANSIT facilities or on-board NJ TRANSIT vehicles is strictly prohibited.” “Hoverboards, tandem bicycles, and gasoline-powered personal vehicles (such as mopeds) are prohibited on all NJ TRANSIT vehicles.” “Hoverboards are not allowed on any NJ TRANSIT train, platform, station, facility, or terminal.” njtransit.com · content.njtransit.com, read 2026-09-24 |
| SEPTA Philadelphia · subway, bus, train, trolley |
Allowed under a broader category — carried, never ridden Onewheel: Covered: SEPTA’s micromobility definition names “monowheels”. |
“Micromobility – or personal vehicles – are defined 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.” “Always allowed: Folding personal vehicles when fully collapsed.” “Allowed with restrictions: Bicycles, scooters, electric personal vehicles (e-bikes, e-scooters, etc.)” “Turn off personal vehicles before boarding, except as needed for accessibility” septa.org · septa.org, read 2026-09-24 |
| MBTA Boston · subway, bus, train, ferry |
Allowed under a broader category — carried, never ridden | “A micromobility device is a small, lightweight vehicle for one person.” “Skateboards” “You can bring folding bikes and folding micromobility devices on all services at all times if they're completely folded.” “Standard bikes and non-folding micromobility devices that cannot be carried in one hand are not allowed in these situations:” mbta.com · mbta.com · mbta.com, read 2026-09-24 |
| WMATA (Metro) Washington, DC · subway, bus |
Allowed under a broader category — carried, never ridden | “Recreational devices such as bicycles, scooters, and skateboards are allowed on Metro if they are under the control of the operator (this includes electric scooters if they are folded).” “For the safety of the operator and Metro customers, these devices should never be operated in the station or on Metro.” “Bicycles, scooters, and skateboards are welcome on Metro Rail during all hours” “None of these devices are allowed on crowded rail cars.” wmata.com · wmata.com · wmata.com, read 2026-09-24 |
| Sound Transit Seattle · light rail, train, bus |
Allowed under a broader category — carried, never ridden | “Scooters and other devices can be accommodated if they adhere to the same size restrictions as bicycles, remain with their owner, do not create an obstruction hazard, and remain folded and stored completely under passenger seats with no protrusions.” “Personal bicycles and similarly sized devices may not be operated near station entrances, in fare paid zones, on station platforms, along/within rail alignments, or within transit vehicles.” “Electric vehicles must always be powered off while onboard.” “If electric mobility devices cannot be properly stored, then they must be stored like bicycles and count towards the bicycle limits per vehicle.” soundtransit.org, read 2026-09-24 |
| OC Transpo Ottawa · light rail, bus |
Allowed under a broader category — carried, never ridden | “Don’t cycle, skateboard or rollerblade in stations — walk your bike and carry your board or skates.” “You can bring your e-scooter on board O-Train lines.” “Be sure to walk your e-scooter when inside the station and never ride it.” “E-scooters may be brought on board buses if:” octranspo.com · octranspo.com, read 2026-09-24 |
| TransLink (incl. SkyTrain) Vancouver · bus, subway, ferry, train |
Allowed under a broader category — carried, never ridden | “Some larger items, such as folded bicycles, folded e-scooters, skateboards, and similar personal mobility devices, may be permitted on board at the Transit Operator's discretion, depending on available space and customer volumes. These items must not be used while on transit.” “5. No riding bicycles, skateboards or similar devices on transit property, except on bike paths.” “Electric foldable scooters are permitted on board all transit vehicles at the discretion of transit operators based on customers safety.” “Two-wheeled electric and gas-powered scooters are not permitted.” translink.ca · translink.ca · translink.ca, read 2026-09-24 |
Not addressed (17)
| Agency | What it means for an electric skateboard | What the agency says |
|---|---|---|
| CTA Chicago · subway, bus |
Not addressed | “Skateboarding, roller skating, using a hover or hubber board, bicycle riding or rollerblading or use of another recreational transportation device” “Folding scooters and bikes, including e-bikes, are always allowed on the ‘L’ and buses, if folded.” “Personal e-scooters must be folded during rush periods or when buses or trains are crowded.” “Never, ever ride your bike or other micromobility device in an ‘L’ station.” transitchicago.com · transitchicago.com, read 2026-09-24 |
| Metra Chicago · train |
Not addressed | “Roller-skating, rollerblading, skateboarding, using hoverboards, or using other recreational transportation devices on railcars or in transit stations.” “E-bikes and e-scooters are allowed.” “Customers must be able to carry their bicycle or scooter on and off the train by themselves and must not use their e-bike, e-scooter, or other micromobility device’s power to propel the device onto the train.” “Onboard power outlets may not be used to charge e-Bikes, e-Scooters, or other micromobility devices.” metra.com · assets.metra.com · metra.com, read 2026-09-24 |
| BART San Francisco Bay Area · subway, train |
Not addressed | “Roller skating, roller blading, bicycle riding and skateboarding are not allowed in stations or on trains.” “Permits are required for (electric only) motorized scooters/two-wheeled vehicles.” “Motorized scooters, including electric-assist scooters, are also considered vehicles and are prohibited inside BART stations and onboard BART trains unless they can be folded and carried.” “No special permit is required from BART for folding electric scooters, but they must remain folded and may not be ridden when inside BART stations and trains.” bart.gov · bart.gov, read 2026-09-24 |
| SF Muni (SFMTA) San Francisco · bus, light rail, subway |
Not addressed | “Rules for Folding Bicycles and Scooters (Powered and Non-Powered):” “Must be folded and kept with their owner.” “Must be carried in folded position on board vehicles, around stations and on platforms.” “PLAY IN THE PARK, NOT THE METRO. Playing on escalators, running in stations or on trains and platforms, roller skating, blading, cycling, scootering and skateboarding increase the risk of injuries to you and others.” sfmta.com · sfmta.com, read 2026-09-24 |
| Caltrain San Francisco – San Jose · train |
Not addressed | “The use of bicycles, skateboards, and scooters on platforms and ramps is prohibited.” “Electric or manually operated non-folding scooters are permitted on Caltrain.” “Folding scooters must be in the folded position prior to boarding and must remain under the control of the owner while on board.” “For safety reasons, bicycles/scooters cannot be taken on escalators and must not be ridden in train stations, on station platforms or ramps.” caltrain.com · caltrain.com · caltrain.com, read 2026-09-24 |
| LA Metro Los Angeles · subway, light rail, bus |
Not addressed | “Wheeled riding devices including bicycles, skates, skateboards, kick scooters, and other wheeled riding devices except wheelchairs and mobility aid devices, may not be ridden in Metro facilities or vehicles.” “Wheeled riding devices over six (6) feet long are prohibited.” “L. No bike riding, roller blading, or skate boarding.” “Walk bicycles and scooters through stations, and store them properly.” media.metro.net · metro.net, read 2026-09-24 |
| Metrolink Southern California · train |
Not addressed | “Items that do not fit between seats or in the storage/bike area are not allowed on board” “Segways: Please note that we will accommodate passengers with disabilities who use segways” “Bikes, scooters, segways, etc., are not allowed up the stairs on either the mid or upper levels.” “Charging electric bicycles or their batteries on board Metrolink trains” metrolinktrains.com · metrolinktrains.com, read 2026-09-24 |
| King County Metro Seattle · bus, streetcar |
Not addressed | “Roller-skating, roller-blading or skate-boarding.” “The policy for scooters inside the bus is the same as the policy for bikes: only those that can be folded are permitted.” “Folding bicycles and folding scooters are allowed on the bus, provided they can be safely stowed out of the aisle.” kingcounty.gov · kingcounty.gov, read 2026-09-24 |
| TriMet Portland · light rail, bus, train |
Not addressed | “No person shall ride a skateboard, in-line skates or roller-skates upon a District Vehicle, District Station or District Parking Facility.” “A motorized human transporter or other wheeled transportation device that is powered by electricity may be operated or ridden upon a District Vehicle, District Station, Tilikum Crossing Bridge or Lafayette Pedestrian Bridge only in accordance with administrative rules as may be promulgated by the General Manager or as otherwise permitted by law.” “Electric bikes with a sealed battery compartment are OK to bring on board.” trimet.org · trimet.org, read 2026-09-24 |
| RTD Denver Denver · light rail, train, bus |
Not addressed | “Riding a skateboard, inline or roller skates, bicycle, scooter, Segway, hoverboard, or other wheeled personal transportation device (unless used as a mobility aid for an individual with a disability) in or on any RTD vehicle, facility, or property.” “Strollers, non-ridden and non-straddled bicycles, and wheeled luggage are permitted.” “Customers may transport non‐motorized and motorized bicycles and stand‐up scooters on RTD revenue vehicles (buses, light rail vehicles, and commuter rail vehicles) at any time without a permit” “Motorized bicycles and stand‐up scooters must be electric with a sealed battery compartment and without damage” rtd-denver.com · rtd-denver.com, read 2026-09-24 |
| MARTA Atlanta · subway, bus |
Not addressed | “No skateboarding, rollerblading, skating, or riding scooters.” “Roller-skating, roller-blading, or skateboarding on buses or rail cars or in transit stations.” itsmarta.com · itsmarta.com, read 2026-09-24 |
| DART Dallas · light rail, bus |
Not addressed | “Bikes and scooters share the space inside DART and TRE cars with persons using wheelchairs and strollers.” “Possess or transport any flammable liquid, combustible material or other dangerous substance such as gasoline, kerosene or propane;” dart.org · dart.org, read 2026-09-24 |
| Miami-Dade Transit (DTPW) Miami · subway, bus, people mover |
Not addressed | “A motorized scooter is defined by Florida Statute 316.003(82) as: “Any vehicle not having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, designed to travel on not more than three wheels, and not capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on level ground.”” “Motorized scooters may be carried/walked onto DTPW property and DTPW vehicles including Metrorail, Metromover and Metrobus, provided that the following parameters are met:” “Motorized scooters may only be battery-powered.” “Motorized scooters must be switched “off” while on-board transit vehicles, within stations or bus terminals, and must be covered if wet or dirty.” miamidade.gov · miamidade.gov · miamidade.gov, read 2026-09-24 |
| Amtrak National · train |
Not addressed Onewheel: Banned by name: “Hoverboards, OneWheel, Unicycle and self-balancing scooters are prohibited on Amtrak property.” |
“Hoverboards, OneWheel, Unicycle and self-balancing scooters are prohibited on Amtrak property.” “Amtrak accepts portable recreational vehicles such as electric bikes and scooters with certain requirements.” “Vehicles cannot be charged onboard or on Amtrak property and must be powered off during transport.” “All vehicles and their battery must be certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as the National Science Foundation, CSA Group or UL.” amtrak.com · amtrak.com · amtrak.com, read 2026-09-24 |
| GO Transit / Metrolinx Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area · train, bus |
Not addressed | “This policy does not govern the use or transportation of other electric vehicles such as scooters, wheelchairs, and other mobility devices not otherwise explicitly defined herein.” “3.11 No person shall roller-skate, in-line skate or skate-board on any Corporation property.” “The agency is also allowing e-scooters on its services but also reminding customers to follow all provincial and local laws surrounding electric mobility devices” “All e-bike batteries must meet standard UL or CE requirements.” gotransit.com · gotransit.com · assets.metrolinx.com, read 2026-09-24 |
| exo Montréal region · train, bus |
Not addressed | “p) de faire usage d’une planche à roulette, d’une trottinette ou autre objet similaire ; ou” “Les vélos électriques et les appareils de transport motorisés (ATM) sont autorisés dans les vélostations ainsi que sur les supports à vélo du réseau exo.” “Pour éviter les risques de feu, assurez-vous que votre batterie est certifiée UL ou ETL ou CSA et n’est pas abîmée ou corrodée.” “Seuls les vélos standards sont permis. Les vélos pour enfants, les tandems, les fatbikes et les vélos électriques sont interdits.” exo.quebec · exo.quebec, read 2026-09-24 |
| Calgary Transit Calgary · light rail, bus |
Not addressed | “Folding bikes are permitted inside the bus or shuttle, provided they are folded and are not obstructing other passengers.” “Electric bikes are allowed on bike racks provided they do not exceed the weight limit (75lbs), both tires drop fully into pockets and the support arm can be positioned properly.” “Gas or diesel operated vehicles are not permitted.” calgarytransit.com · calgarytransit.com, read 2026-09-24 |
How to read this
Every quote is copied from the agency's own page, bylaw or tariff, read on the date shown. Only VIA Rail uses the words “electric skateboard”. Where an agency writes a broader category — “personal electric vehicle”, “micromobility device”, “skateboards” without saying electric or not — the second column says so, and the quote shows the exact words. “Not addressed” means the pages we read say nothing that reaches an electric skateboard; many of them still forbid riding any skateboard in stations.
Rules change, and drivers and station staff apply them. The whole survey is available as data: transit-rules.json (CC BY 4.0).
Questions this raises
Can you bring an electric skateboard on the subway?
In most systems, carried and switched off, yes; ridden, never. New York's MTA allows a powered-off personal electric vehicle on the subway and local buses but never on express buses. Montreal's STM does not allow any battery-powered device with at least one wheel in the métro. PATH prohibits electric vehicles. Toronto's TTC bans lithium-ion micromobility devices from November 15 to April 15.
Can I take an electric skateboard on Amtrak or VIA Rail?
VIA Rail names electric skateboards among the small lithium-battery vehicles allowed as carry-on: battery unplugged, stored in the baggage tower, no charging, visual inspection. Amtrak does not name the electric skateboard, but it prohibits “Hoverboards, OneWheel, Unicycle and self-balancing scooters” on its property and requires any vehicle and its battery to be certified by a recognized laboratory.
Can I bring a Onewheel on the train?
Not on Amtrak, which names it: “Hoverboards, OneWheel, Unicycle and self-balancing scooters are prohibited on Amtrak property.” Not in Montreal's métro either, where the rule covers any battery-powered vehicle with at least one wheel. SEPTA's micromobility rules name “monowheels” among the devices it allows with restrictions.
Can I ride my electric skateboard in the station?
No, anywhere we read. Every agency that addresses it forbids riding skateboards or powered devices in stations and vehicles; New York's MTA prohibits even turning one on.
Can I charge it on the train?
No. Every agency that mentions charging prohibits it on board and in stations.
What if my city is not in the table?
Look for your agency's code of conduct or its bikes page, and search it for “personal electric vehicle”, “micromobility” or “lithium”. Those are the categories an electric skateboard falls into when it is not named, which is almost always.