Garry306
New Member
Early onset Torsion Dystonia
I bought a 2018 750 Voltbike Limited delivered a year ago. I have had no trouble at all with this bike. Torsion Dystonia limits my ability to walk. I live in Saskatchewan, Canada. I wanted a bike that I could climb a mountain with that would also be good for the gravel roads in Saskatchewan and logging roads in BC. I added a trailer, small 1000w generator and camping gear. I toured close to home for the summer. I was in no rush and stopped to charge the battery when needed. Freedom!
I have a push wheelchair for longer trips but as long as I had the bike and was able to walk short distances it was collecting dust. Last winter I planned a trip in the new year by train to Jasper for two days of camping, Prince George and a further two nights in Prince Rupert. By BC Ferries to Haida Gwaii for a month of biking and camping using the small community of Sandspit as a home base for supplies and shelter. Back on the ferry to Prince Rupert and another ferry to Port Hardy on Vancouver Island and camp and bike my way to Vancouver with a stop on Salt Spring Island, BC before returning to Saskatchewan by train.
The planning for the trip made use of Google earth, maps and street view. A plan B and C was needed. The Google Earth view of the ferry ramps were long and the small ferries the ramps looked steep like I would not be able to push the bike and trailer on and off the ferry as required. I requested that I be allowed to ride the bike on and off the ferries. I sent BC Ferries a letter from my doctor, a picture of my feet and a picture of the bike, trailer and generator. I told them the generator was drained of gas, shrink wrapped and sealed in a plastic container.
I was assured by email that there would be no problem riding the bike on and off the ferry. I told them my face Dystonia makes it difficult for people to understand what I am saying and I preferred to use email. I booked the trip. I waited and waited weeks. I had to contact them as the credit card was going to expire. Five week after I first contacted them I received the conditions of travel by email from BC Ferries.
I cut and pasted it below for anyone who is planning an electric bike trip with BC Ferries.
Customer Relations
Wed, 20 Mar, 17:10
to me
Dear James,
Thank you for your patience while I have been looking into this for you. I want to make sure that you have the all the information that you need to make your trip as seamless as possible.
As far as your equipment, I have been in touch with the necessary department to inquire about dangerous goods. In order to look into these items further, the UN # is required, so I was not able to get the specific answers for you. The items in questions would be the lithium ion battery, and any fuel for the generator. If the battery does not have a UN # then it will be permitted on board as it will not classify as dangerous goods. The one issue may be the fuel for the generator – I’m not sure what fuel you use, however as per our dangerous goods policy, foot passengers are not allowed to carry gasoline on board.
More information about our dangerous goods policy and items that are permitted can be found online here: https://www.bcferries.com/travel_planning/dangerous_cargo.html. To inquire about whether or not your specific setup and items will be permitted, you can contact our Dangerous Goods Department directly at [email protected] or 250-978-1152. This department can assist you with information on the routes between Duke Point and Tsawwassen, or any southern Gulf Islands you may travel to. Make sure you have any UN numbers ready, as well as any container quantities (and type) for fuel you need to travel with.
For the route between Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii as well as Prince Rupert and Port Hardy, you will need to inquire with the Prince Rupert Terminal directly. Please phone 1-877-223-8778 and first select option 1 for Prince Rupert and then option 4 for commercial or option 2 for lost and found (these are the only 2 options that go through to the terminal directly). They will be able to advise you about dangerous goods for the northern routes.
As far as the classification of your e-bike, it will be considered a bike and booked as such as long as the electric motor does not exceed 500 watts, the unit cannot exceed 32 km/h without pedalling, and that the unit bears a permanently affixed manufacturers label stating that the vehicle is a power assisted cycle.
I have engaged the Marine Superintendents for the various terminals you will be travelling to inquire about your need to ride the bicycle onto the vehicle deck. They believe that it should be find; however possible risks that need to be minimized are any danger to yourself, either falling on the ramp or getting hit by any vehicles, as well as any danger to other foot passengers and contact with your bicycle. I believe the best way to proceed forward with this will be once we have your reservations booked (for those that are reservable) as well as your travel dates firmed up – would be to give a head’s up to the specific terminals about your request and unique needs. This was we can make sure we are prepared to accommodate upon your arrival.
Once on board the vessel, your bicycle will have to remain on the vehicle deck for the duration of the sailing. You mentioned that once on board you will not require assistance. The stairwells on the vessels that you will be travelling on are quite steep; however we do have elevator access which can assist you if you prefer.
I received your most recent email – thank you. You mentioned that your credit card will expire while you are away. We can make the reservations you requested and then wait until you have the new credit card information to take payment – once you have it you can resubmit one of your reservation requests with the new credit card info online and then we can use it to charge payment for the bookings that require prepayment.
Thank for your patience while we work together to get all the info you need. Once you have had a chance to reach out to our Dangerous Goods Department and the Prince Rupert terminal, please let me know the outcome of the approval of your dangerous goods inquiries for the battery, generator and fuel. In the meantime, we can book your reservations on the reservable routes, and then get in touch regarding payment.
Please let me know of any other questions you have and I will try my best to get the answers for you. I’m looking forward to this exciting trip for you.
I will await your reply.
Kind regards
George
Advisor, Customer Relations
Customer Care
British Columbia Ferry Services Inc.
The Atrium
Suite 500, 1321 Blanshard St., Victoria, BC V8W 0B7
I bought a 2018 750 Voltbike Limited delivered a year ago. I have had no trouble at all with this bike. Torsion Dystonia limits my ability to walk. I live in Saskatchewan, Canada. I wanted a bike that I could climb a mountain with that would also be good for the gravel roads in Saskatchewan and logging roads in BC. I added a trailer, small 1000w generator and camping gear. I toured close to home for the summer. I was in no rush and stopped to charge the battery when needed. Freedom!
I have a push wheelchair for longer trips but as long as I had the bike and was able to walk short distances it was collecting dust. Last winter I planned a trip in the new year by train to Jasper for two days of camping, Prince George and a further two nights in Prince Rupert. By BC Ferries to Haida Gwaii for a month of biking and camping using the small community of Sandspit as a home base for supplies and shelter. Back on the ferry to Prince Rupert and another ferry to Port Hardy on Vancouver Island and camp and bike my way to Vancouver with a stop on Salt Spring Island, BC before returning to Saskatchewan by train.
The planning for the trip made use of Google earth, maps and street view. A plan B and C was needed. The Google Earth view of the ferry ramps were long and the small ferries the ramps looked steep like I would not be able to push the bike and trailer on and off the ferry as required. I requested that I be allowed to ride the bike on and off the ferries. I sent BC Ferries a letter from my doctor, a picture of my feet and a picture of the bike, trailer and generator. I told them the generator was drained of gas, shrink wrapped and sealed in a plastic container.
I was assured by email that there would be no problem riding the bike on and off the ferry. I told them my face Dystonia makes it difficult for people to understand what I am saying and I preferred to use email. I booked the trip. I waited and waited weeks. I had to contact them as the credit card was going to expire. Five week after I first contacted them I received the conditions of travel by email from BC Ferries.
I cut and pasted it below for anyone who is planning an electric bike trip with BC Ferries.
Customer Relations
Wed, 20 Mar, 17:10
to me
Dear James,
Thank you for your patience while I have been looking into this for you. I want to make sure that you have the all the information that you need to make your trip as seamless as possible.
As far as your equipment, I have been in touch with the necessary department to inquire about dangerous goods. In order to look into these items further, the UN # is required, so I was not able to get the specific answers for you. The items in questions would be the lithium ion battery, and any fuel for the generator. If the battery does not have a UN # then it will be permitted on board as it will not classify as dangerous goods. The one issue may be the fuel for the generator – I’m not sure what fuel you use, however as per our dangerous goods policy, foot passengers are not allowed to carry gasoline on board.
More information about our dangerous goods policy and items that are permitted can be found online here: https://www.bcferries.com/travel_planning/dangerous_cargo.html. To inquire about whether or not your specific setup and items will be permitted, you can contact our Dangerous Goods Department directly at [email protected] or 250-978-1152. This department can assist you with information on the routes between Duke Point and Tsawwassen, or any southern Gulf Islands you may travel to. Make sure you have any UN numbers ready, as well as any container quantities (and type) for fuel you need to travel with.
For the route between Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii as well as Prince Rupert and Port Hardy, you will need to inquire with the Prince Rupert Terminal directly. Please phone 1-877-223-8778 and first select option 1 for Prince Rupert and then option 4 for commercial or option 2 for lost and found (these are the only 2 options that go through to the terminal directly). They will be able to advise you about dangerous goods for the northern routes.
As far as the classification of your e-bike, it will be considered a bike and booked as such as long as the electric motor does not exceed 500 watts, the unit cannot exceed 32 km/h without pedalling, and that the unit bears a permanently affixed manufacturers label stating that the vehicle is a power assisted cycle.
I have engaged the Marine Superintendents for the various terminals you will be travelling to inquire about your need to ride the bicycle onto the vehicle deck. They believe that it should be find; however possible risks that need to be minimized are any danger to yourself, either falling on the ramp or getting hit by any vehicles, as well as any danger to other foot passengers and contact with your bicycle. I believe the best way to proceed forward with this will be once we have your reservations booked (for those that are reservable) as well as your travel dates firmed up – would be to give a head’s up to the specific terminals about your request and unique needs. This was we can make sure we are prepared to accommodate upon your arrival.
Once on board the vessel, your bicycle will have to remain on the vehicle deck for the duration of the sailing. You mentioned that once on board you will not require assistance. The stairwells on the vessels that you will be travelling on are quite steep; however we do have elevator access which can assist you if you prefer.
I received your most recent email – thank you. You mentioned that your credit card will expire while you are away. We can make the reservations you requested and then wait until you have the new credit card information to take payment – once you have it you can resubmit one of your reservation requests with the new credit card info online and then we can use it to charge payment for the bookings that require prepayment.
Thank for your patience while we work together to get all the info you need. Once you have had a chance to reach out to our Dangerous Goods Department and the Prince Rupert terminal, please let me know the outcome of the approval of your dangerous goods inquiries for the battery, generator and fuel. In the meantime, we can book your reservations on the reservable routes, and then get in touch regarding payment.
Please let me know of any other questions you have and I will try my best to get the answers for you. I’m looking forward to this exciting trip for you.
I will await your reply.
Kind regards
George
Advisor, Customer Relations
Customer Care
British Columbia Ferry Services Inc.
The Atrium
Suite 500, 1321 Blanshard St., Victoria, BC V8W 0B7
