E-bikes, e-scooters, and other battery-powered transport devices could soon be banned from trains in Victoria due to growing concerns over the fire risk posed by lithium-ion batteries.
The Department of Transport and Planning has proposed new rules that would prohibit devices like e-scooters, e-bikes, and e-skateboards from Metro and V/Line trains, as well as V/Line coaches. The proposal follows a dramatic incident in March when an e-bike caught fire on a Metro train at Union Station, prompting an emergency evacuation.
“Fires on trains pose serious safety concerns, especially in crowded conditions or when between stations,” the department said in a summary paper. It warned that lithium battery fires often ignite without warning, are hard to extinguish, and quickly emit toxic smoke.
Similar bans are already in effect in places like London’s Underground system.
However, cycling advocates argue the move punishes responsible users. Peter Bourke from WeRide Australia said the core issue is the lack of government regulation on unsafe, imported devices: “The governments have created the problem. The products that meet standards haven’t been the issue.”
In 2021, Australia stopped applying European safety standards to e-bike imports. Advocates like Bicycle Network CEO Alison McCormick are urging for the ban to be temporary, while state and federal governments introduce strong, nationwide standards for e-bikes and batteries.
Foldable e-bikes and e-scooters will still be allowed on trams and buses, which can stop and evacuate more easily in an emergency. Non-electric bicycles will also continue to be permitted on trains, except in priority boarding zones.
The public can provide feedback on the proposed rule changes, which could take effect on September 30. Mobility scooters will not be affected by the ban.
Other proposed changes include:
- A reduction in fines for putting feet on seats from $305 to $102.
- A new $305 fine for soiling train furniture (e.g., with muddy shoes).
- A rule requiring passengers to vacate priority seating when a wheelchair user boards, removing the burden from the disabled passenger to ask.
