Converted E-Bikes Banned On NSW Train & Metro Effective Tomorrow
Image: Supplied/NSW Government
Passengers seen with converted e-bikes on the NSW rail network risk fines up to $1,100 under new safety regulations in place as of 1 November.
This new rule is being applied to Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink, and the Metro, with fines on the same scale as the current penalty for bringing petrol-powered equipment onto the rail network.
“The fines of up to $1,100 are significant so I urge our passengers to use common sense and follow the new rules,” said Josh Murray, Secretary of NSW Transport.
Converted e-bikes, regular bicycles that have been modified to include electric motors and batteries, have been linked to incidents across the rail network due to the rising number of battery-related fires, as reported by Fire and Rescue NSW. The DIY creation often has poor wiring and low-quality additional equipment.
“You may think it is harmless to change your pedal bike to an e-bike using a self-assembly conversion kit. But if it results in a fire on a packed train or metro service, the consequences could be serious,” said Murray.
Ban comes as federal rules tightened
NSW Trains and Metro will not allow lithium-ion batteries from converted e-bikes, whether attached to or detached from the bike. The regulation applies to fare-paid areas such as trains and platforms, but not to concourses, lifts, or bike storage areas outside the fare gates. Additionally, community access gates will not be affected by the ban.
Shared e-bikes, mobility devices, and other e-bikes are also safe from the ban, but Transport for NSW will continue to monitor e-micromobility occurrences.
Transport for NSW decided on the new restrictions after discussions with fire services, unions, delivery drivers, and the general public.
This plan aligns with the efforts of the NSW and Victorian Transport Ministers, who are also urging the Federal Government to tighten national rules governing e-micromobility devices, including their importation, sale, and use. The goal is to have only safe and reliable models on Australian streets.
“These changes are not about limiting mobility – they are about protecting lives and importantly, protecting the continued safe operation of our metro and rail services,” said Murray.
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