Converted e-bikes are defined as regular pedal bikes that have been fitted with batteries and motors. These have higher risk of electrical failure due and fire risk due to DIY installations, inadequate wiring and use of second-hand batteries and incompatible or poor-quality components.
Other e-bikes, shared e-bikes and mobility devices will not be impacted, however Transport for NSW will monitor all e-micromobility incidents closely.
The decision will not apply to travel on concourses, lifts, escalators, or bike storage facilities outside of the fare gates. Riders passing through community access gates will not be impacted.
The growing popularity of e-bikes has meant a greater prevalence on our train network. Due to the risk of e-bike lithium-ion batteries igniting, and the additional risk posed by poorly made and modified devices, it will be illegal to take a converted e-bike on Sydney Trains, NSW Trainlink and Metro services from November 1.
Carriage of a restricted converted e-bike would carry a penalty notice offence of $400 with a maximum penalty of 10 penalty units ($1,110).
This is comparable to the existing offence for carrying a petrol-powered device on a train or railway premises.
Ahead of the ban coming into effect, passengers are being asked not to bring any converted e-bikes on these services.
Transport has been monitoring the risk of lithium-ion fires after two recent e-bike fires including at Blacktown Station in April (which involved a converted e-bike).
So far this year Fire and Rescue NSW have reported 77 e-micromobility related lithium-ion battery fires.
To support the ban of converted e-bikes on trains, Transport will provide additional training for staff, conduct hotspot blitzes, and increase public messaging about the fire risk of modified devices.
