Bikes and 2-Wheeled Scooters

Bikes

We support all forms of eco-friendly transportation and are happy to accommodate riders with bicycles.

  • Bikes ride for free with any paying transit riders!
  • Please remember you are responsible for the loading and unloading of your bicycle
  • NOTE: MTS IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THEFT, LOSS, OR DAMAGE TO BICYCLES.

Visit Sustainable Transportation Services for more information about bicycle transportation in San Diego.

Bikes on Trolleys

  • One bicycle is allowed per Trolley car during peak travel times, and two are allowed at all other times. Please stand with your bicycle for the entire trip.
    • For safety, the following are not permitted on board MTS vehicles:
      • Electric bikes with liquid lead acid batteries.
      • Gas-powered bicycles or any bicycle with a liquid fuel tank.

Bikes on Buses

  • Each MTS bus can accommodate two bicycles in the rack on the front of the bus. Some newer racks can hold up to three bicycles. Wait for the next bus if the bike rack is full.
  • For extra security, lock your wheel to the frame of your bike before the bus arrives. DO NOT lock your bicycle to the bus rack.
  • Remove all loose items not attached to your bike (e.g. bags on handlebars, lights, helmets, etc.)
  • Exit the bus through the front door and let the operator know you will be removing your bicycle from the rack.
  • Rapid Express routes have lower-storage compartments for bikes.

Bus Rack Capacities

YES

  • Traditional bicycles under 55 pounds and with wheel sizes from 20-29 inches in diameter and up to 2 3/8 inches wide.
  • Electric bikes with sealed gel, lithium Ion, or NiCad batteries
  • Electric-assist bikes that are within the size and weight limits.
    • You may carry the battery onto the bus if it cannot be secured to the bicycle or it exceeds the weight limit of the rack (55lbs)

NO

  • Tandem and recumbent bicycles
  • Electric bikes with liquid lead acid batteries are not permitted
  • Gas-powered bicycles or any bicycle with a liquid fuel tank are not permitted.
  • "Fat tire" bicycles with a tire width over 2 ⅜ inches cannot be accommodated.

Inside the Bus

Bicycles are only allowed inside the bus if:

  • It's a non-motorized, folding bicycle with wheels smaller than 20 inches that can be stored under a seat or
  • The bike rack is full and it's the last trip of the evening or the service is less frequent than every 60 minutes and the operator determines it’s safe to do so.
  • Electric bikes (including electric assist) and gas-powered bikes are not allowed inside the bus.

Bike Parking

  • Bicycles should only be parked in designated areas, and never locked to station fencing or handrails, or anywhere that blocks the pedestrian or vehicle right-of-way.
  • Bike Lockers: Many transit centers and trolley stations have bike lockers to securely store your bicycle while you commute and work.
  • Bike Racks: Outside bicycle racks are located at or near most transit stations. In general, bicycle racks offer minimal security against theft or vandalism even with expensive locks, so users should assess their risk accordingly. MTS is not responsible for theft, loss, or damage to bicycles, including any loss at racks owned or maintained by MTS.
  • MTS will remove bikes parked in non-designated areas at its stations, and abandoned bicycles or bicycle parts left locked to racks on its property, in accordance with MTS Lost & Found policy.

2-Wheeled Scooters

2-Wheeled Scooters Inside the Bus

2-wheeled scooters are only allowed inside the bus if it is non-motorized, folding or collapsible, with wheels smaller than 20 inches that can be stored under a seat and out of the aisle when folded.

2-Wheeled Scooters Inside the Trolley

To be allowed inside the trolley, it must remain under the rider’s control at all times, and it must not block any aisles or exits.

  • One 2-wheeled scooter is allowed per Trolley car during peak travel times, and two 2-wheeled scooters are allowed at all other times. Please hold on to your 2-wheeled scooter for the entire trip.

For safety, the following are not permitted on board MTS vehicles:

  • Electric 2-wheeled scooters with liquid lead acid batteries.
  • Gas-powered 2-wheeeled scooters or any 2-wheeled scooter with a liquid fuel tank.

2-Wheeled Scooters – Parking Prohibited

There are no designated parking areas for 2-wheeled scooters at transit/trolley centers. 2-wheeled scooters cannot be locked to station fencing or handrails, or anywhere that blocks the pedestrian or vehicle right-of-way. MTS will remove any 2-wheeled scooters that are parked and/or abandoned at its stations, and it will be processed in accordance with MTS Lost & Found policy. NOTE: MTS IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THEFT, LOSS, OR DAMAGE TO 2-WHEELED SCOOTERS.

When travelling through transit/trolley centers with a 2-wheeled scooter, the 2-wheeled scooter cannot be ridden as it creates a public safety hazard for other patrons.