Can e-bikes be integrated into our transport system – or are they destined to become a toy? Photo: @dotshock, Envato.
After a botched rollout, the NSW Government has asked for feedback on a proposed ban of e-bikes, e-scooters and other e-mobility devices on train and metro services due to concerns about fire risk from lithium-ion batteries.
The consultation period is open for three weeks and will run in conjunction with a similar study by the Victorian Government, which is also considering new restrictions.
The temporary ban is being considered by Transport for NSW following a series of public transport incidents overseas and in Australia.
These include a battery fire onboard a Melbourne Metro train in March and a fire in a lift at Blacktown Station in Sydney in April.
NSW Fire and Rescue has reported 183 lithium-ion battery fires so far this year. More than a third involved e-micromobility devices.
Electrical fires caused by lithium-ion batteries can start without warning, be difficult to extinguish and emit gases.
The risk is exacerbated by the prevalence of poorly made and modified devices.
The temporary ban would apply to e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards powered by lithium-ion batteries on train carriages, platforms, and station areas inside fare gates for Sydney Trains, Sydney Metro, and NSW TrainLink services.
The government said train and metro services were at risk due to tunnels and underground stations.
The proposed ban would not apply on light rail, buses and ferries as it was easier for passengers to disembark in the case of emergency.
The ban would also not apply to mobility aids for disability purposes, such as powered wheelchairs or traditional mobility scooters, or to any concourses, lifts, escalators, or bike storage facilities outside of the fare gates; or for riders passing through community access gates.
NSW Minister for Transport John Graham said the government recognised the importance of e-mobility devices in the future of transport across the state.
“We recognise the popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters, and the increasing role they’ll play in our transport network, which is why we’re working with our federal counterparts to improve standards as well as drafting our own legislation to make e-bikes and e-scooters safer,” he said.
“As the number of e-bikes and e-scooters in NSW surges past 1.3 million, we need to find the right way to mitigate the fire risk on trains.
“The risk of a lithium battery fire on a train in a tunnel or in an underground station is very concerning and the safety of our passengers and staff is our number one priority.”
In July a sign that asked riders to not bring e-bikes or e-scooters on board was put up at a Sydney train station, causing an uproar from passionate e-bike users.
It’s understood the sign was mistakenly put up ahead of time, and comments from Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray indicated the temporary ban was likely to go ahead.
“We understand a temporary ban would disrupt travel for some passengers, and we’re committed to working with industry and rider groups to reduce the impact,” he said.
“We need to ensure we balance the needs of the community, while having the right safety controls and future standards in place.”
The consultation aims to get a better understanding of how a temporary ban would impact e-micromobility users, and alternative options for safe use on public transport.
In addition to public feedback the government will consult with industry, public transport operators and staff.
The NSW and Victorian transport ministers have written a joint letter to the Commonwealth Government asking for help to ensure all devices imported, sold and used in Australia are safe and fit for purpose.
For more information and to make a submission, click here.
