Eurostar is the simplest way to take a mobility scooter from Great Britain to mainland Europe without flying, but its rules are specific: size, weight, power source and where the rider sits on board are all fixed by the operator’s policy. This guide summarises what Eurostar publishes for scooter users, so that the checks can be made before booking rather than at the station.
Which scooters are accepted
Eurostar’s help centre says a battery-operated mobility scooter can travel free of charge, provided it is no more than 70 cm wide by 120 cm long. The stated reason is to make sure it fits in lifts, on ramps and in one of the onboard wheelchair spaces (Eurostar Help Centre, “Can I take my mobility scooter on Eurostar?”). The dimension for length includes the footplate, according to Eurostar’s accessibility page (Eurostar, “Who we can help”).
That page adds further conditions for an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter using a wheelchair space. The vehicle must:
- be no more than 700 mm wide;
- be no more than 1200 mm long, including the footplate;
- weigh no more than 300 kg, including the weight of the person using it;
- have an anti-tip device;
- not use combustible fuels; and
- not be charged on board or in Eurostar’s stations.
Eurostar notes that some powered scooters are meant for road use only and cannot be used on its trains, so the dimensions should be checked carefully. If a scooter exceeds the limits, Eurostar says it cannot accept it on board.
Weight limits at certain stations
The 300 kg limit is lower at some stations because of ramp limitations. Eurostar’s page says the German stations of Duisburg and Aachen limit the permitted weight to 250 kg including the rider, and the wheelchair-user section of the same page says the 250 kg figure also applies at all French stations. A rider and scooter whose combined weight is close to 250 kg should confirm the position with Eurostar for every station on the itinerary.
Batteries and charging
Eurostar says only battery-operated scooters may travel. It states that scooters and wheelchairs powered by combustion engines are not allowed on board, as a precaution and to comply with Channel Tunnel requirements. Its help centre says charging is not allowed on board or at any of its stations, and that passengers should make sure the scooter has enough charge for the entire journey before setting off. That makes a full charge before leaving home a practical necessity, and allowance for the time spent in stations and at border controls is sensible.
Where the rider sits
There are two arrangements, according to the help centre:
- Staying in the scooter. A rider who books a wheelchair space must stay in the scooter for the whole journey. Eurostar says all mobility aids must be locked while on board so that they do not roll.
- Moving to a seat. A rider who would rather sit in a train seat needs to be able to walk 200 m unaided and get on the train using the steps. The scooter can then be sent free of charge through Eurostar’s registered luggage service.
Booking a space and assistance
Eurostar’s accessibility page says a scooter user must pre-book a space for a wheelchair user and ramp assistance at least 24 hours before the journey. If booking is not possible, the company says it will do its best to provide assistance on the day. The wheelchair spaces sit in Eurostar Plus and Eurostar Premier and are sold at a fixed wheelchair user fare, and a companion can travel at a discounted rate. Journeys beyond certain cities, including Paris, Brussels, Lille, Amsterdam and Rotterdam, are booked through a contact form rather than online.
Companions and non-visible disabilities
Eurostar’s accessibility page says a companion who helps during the trip can travel at a discounted companion fare and will sit with the passenger on the train. The operator also says it is a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme in all its destination countries, with lanyards available at stations such as London St Pancras International. These are not scooter rules as such, but they are part of the same accessibility information and may matter for the whole party.
A pre-travel checklist
- Measure the scooter, including the footplate, against 70 cm by 120 cm.
- Confirm the scooter has an anti-tip device.
- Add the rider’s weight to the scooter’s weight and compare the total with 300 kg, or 250 kg at the stations named above.
- Charge the battery fully at home, since charging is not possible at the station or on the train.
- Book the wheelchair space and ramp assistance at least 24 hours ahead.
The bottom line
Eurostar accepts battery-powered mobility scooters up to 70 cm wide and 120 cm long, with an anti-tip device, at up to 300 kg including the rider (250 kg at some stations). Charging is not permitted on board or in its stations, and combustion-engined scooters are barred. Riders either stay in the scooter in a wheelchair space, booked at least 24 hours ahead, or walk 200 m unaided to a seat and send the scooter as registered luggage. Policies can change, so the current Eurostar pages should be checked when booking.
Sources
- Eurostar Help Centre, “Can I take my mobility scooter on Eurostar?” (help.eurostar.com)
- Eurostar, “Who we can help” (eurostar.com)