Mass transit vehicles such as airplanes, buses, and trains often have prohibited items for what is allowed to carry-on or to check in as luggage. In this guide, we will cover the top ten train / transit authorities for the United States and whether or not they allow Onewheels.
Generally speaking, Onewheels are not allowed on trains as carry-ons even if the battery capacity is within range. Each company covers a prohibited items list. Onewheels and hoverboards are usually not allowed to bring on a train (commonly they are referred to as personal mobility devices).
Amtrak – National Railroad Passenger Corporation
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (better known as Amtrak) is one of the largest passenger train / rail service covering 46 out of the 48 contiguous states. Amtrak specifically outlines Hoverboards and Onewheels as prohibited items.
Both devices are not allowed as carry-on or checked baggage. While luggage does not go through the formal checkpoints like on an airplane, leaving it in your baggage would not be an excuse to get the Onewheel on board. Do not attempt to bring a Onewheel on the train.
BART – Bay Area Rapid Transit Authority
There is no baggage checking on the Bart however the Bart specifically welcomes foldable scooters on board. They allow micro mobility devices and define them as “a range of small, lightweight vehicles operating at speeds typically below 25 km/h and driven by users personally.
Micromobility devices include bicycles, e-bikes, electric scooters, electric skateboards, shared bicycles, and electric pedal assisted bicycles”
While not specifically outlined, Bay Area Regional Transit (BART) does appear to support micro mobility as a way to compliment their transit. The BART policy regarding personal transportation devices, such as electric scooters, is that they are not allowed onboard trains or in station platforms. However, they can be carried on the train as long as they are properly secured and do not block aisles or doorways.
MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority)
MBTA spans all public transit busing and ‘The T’ services (greater Boston area) within Massachusetts. Unfortunately for Onewheel riders, hoverboards are listed under the ‘Bulky items’ category. While Onewheels are not technically hoverboards, by most laws, Onewheels tend to be lumped under them.
Moreover, within the “Transportation Devices” category. MBTA outlines motorized vehicles and that “they are only permitted for people with disabilities”.
This is one of these grey areas where Onewheels are not specifically outlined and it debatable if its considered a motorized vehicle in the traditional sense. You are risking not getting on-board with a Onewheel. In a Boston Globe article, the MBTA does state that “… officials confirmed Thursday that soon passengers will be banned from bringing the motorized rolling devices on buses, trains, and in stations.” from an article in 2016.
On buses and trains however, bicycles are generally allowed but may be restricted during peak hours. Scooters and other personal transportation devices are generally not permitted on buses and trains however.
NYCTA – New York City Transit Authority (New York City Subway)
The New York subways are not Onewheel friendly. The New York City Transit Authority is in charge of operaing all the subways and buses within New York City.
According to the NYCTA, the use of personal transportation devices, such as Onewheels, is prohibited on subway trains and buses, and also in subway stations and bus stops. This includes carrying, riding or pushing the device.
Washington Metro – Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) operates the public transportation system within the Washington D.C. metro area. This includes the the Metrorail subway system and the Metrobus system.
Revised: According to WMATA’s website, the use of personal transportation devices (mobility devices), such as a segway or a Onewheels,
“Passengers may carry ordinary items such as hand baggage and instrument cases, tool cases, folding
baby carriages, strollers, wheelchairs, or other small packages and objects that can be handled
without inconvenience to other passengers. Bicycles, Segways, mobility devices and other automatic
balancing wheeled conveyances may also be carried on under certain terms and conditions. See the
applicable section of this Tariff for specific guidelines. Carry-on items and objects shall not interfere
with entrance or exit, free use of the aisle, or the proper and safe operation of the vehicle. Passengers
must remain with their possessions at all times. Unattended items and objects may be confiscated
and/or destroyed for safety and security reasons.”
Chicago Transit Authority- (CTA) – Chicago “L”
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates the public transportation system in Chicago, including “L” trains. According to their website, personal transportation devices, are not permitted on the “L” trains, buses, or in stations, except for bicycles during certain hours.
It’s important to note that personal transportation devices, may not be allowed inside the station and on the platform, but they can be carried on the train as long as they are properly secured and do not block aisles or doorways. Here it seems like they will allow you to carry on the Onewheel.
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ)
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) is responsible for operating the transportation (including the PATH [Port Authority Trans-Hudson] train system, which connect to the Manhattan / New York City area as well as New Jersey.
According to the PATH considers onewheels as personal transportation devices. According to their website, personal transportation devices are prohibited on PATH trains, buses, and in stations. Bicycles are allowed on PATH trains but only outside of rush hours (6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.).
Miami-Dade Transit – Metrorail
The Metrorail, operated by Miami-Dade Transit, is the public transportation system serving Miami-Dade County in Florida and in similar fashion to Path, personal transportation devices, such as Onewheels, are prohibited on Metrorail trains, buses, and in stations, with the exception of bicycles, which are allowed during non-peak hours.
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)
SEPTA (including Market / Frankford, Broad St and Norristown High Speed Lines) serve the southeastern section of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia area). According to their website. In similar fashion, they also do not allow personal transportation devices on board.
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority – MARTA rail
MARTA stands for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority and is localized to the Atlanta, Georgia area. According to MARTA’s website, personal transportation devices are not allowed on MARTA buses and trains, except for bicycles during certain hours.
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority – MetroRail (LACMTA)
Lastly the LACMTA follows suit in similar fashion to most mass transit allowing bikes to be carried on but not during peak hours. Personal mobility devices are not allowed.
Conclusion
The top ten rail train services within the USA are not receptive to carrying on a Onewheel. With the exception to the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) which covers the greater bay area of California, all trains do not allow for mobility devices. It is really important you stay up to date on your travels and check with the respective transit authority to see if any changes have been made.
At the end of the day, you may get one by a bus driver or an attendant however there are no guarantees. Getting turned away at the last minute is costly. Don’t try it and keep on floating.