Passengers caught with a converted e-bike on the rail network risk fines of up to $1,000 from November.
It’s part of a crackdown on Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink and Metro services to reduce the dangers of unsafe lithium-ion battery installations.
The landmark decision by the NSW Government follows growing safety concerns about converted e-bikes – which are regular pedal bicycles that have been fitted with electric motors and batteries – and an increase in incidents reported by Fire and Rescue NSW.
Under the new legislation, people will not be able to bring a lithium-ion battery from a converted e-bike on a train or metro service, whether or not it is attached to the bike.
The ban applies to all fare-paid areas of the rail network, including trains and platforms.
It doesn’t extend to concourses, lifts or bike storage areas outside the fare gates.
Riders passing through community access gates will also not be affected either.
Other e-bikes, shared e-bikes and mobility devices won’t be impacted by this change; however, Transport for NSW will continue to monitor all e-micromobility incidents closely.
“These changes are not about limiting mobility,” Transport NSW secretary Josh Murray said.
“They’re about protecting lives and, importantly, protecting the continued safe operation of our metro and rail services.
“You may think it is harmless to change your pedal bike to an e-bike using a DIY conversion kit.
“But, if it results in a fire on a packed train or metro service, the consequences could be serious.
“The fines of up to $1,100 are significant, so I urge our passengers to use common sense and follow the new rules.”
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) consulted widely before making the decision to introduce the ban, including with fire services, unions, delivery riders and the public.
As part of a nationwide push to improve safety standards, the NSW and Victorian Transport Ministers have jointly urged the federal government to introduce tougher national regulations, on the importation, sale and use of e-micromobility devices, to ensure all products available in Australia are safe, reliable and fit for purpose.
“The NSW Government continues to promote and enable the use of e-bikes as a safe, accessible and sustainable transport option for people in NSW,” Mr Murray said.
“They are helping people get around, especially for short trips to and from train stations.”
More information about the ban of converted e-bikes on Sydney Trains, Sydney Metro and NSW TrainLink networks is available on the transportnsw.info website.
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