The Victorian Government will ban converted and modified electric bicycles from trains and station precincts from December 21, tightening public transport safety rules amid growing concerns over lithium-ion battery fires.
Under the new regulations, only compliant, factory-built e-bikes and e-scooters will be permitted on trains and within ticketed station areas. Even then, riders will be prohibited from turning on, riding, or charging their devices while on public transport.
The government said the ban specifically targets converted e-bikes, which are more likely to pose fire risks due to do-it-yourself installations, oversized batteries, and low-quality components. Lithium-ion battery fires can ignite without warning, are extremely difficult to extinguish, and release toxic fumes that place passengers and staff at serious risk.
The move follows several high-profile incidents, including an e-bike battery fire on a Melbourne train earlier this year. Authorised officers and Victoria Police will begin enforcing the new rules in early 2026.
The changes form part of a broader overhaul of public transport regulations. Children’s bicycles will now be allowed on buses and trams, while the existing “feet on seats” offence will be replaced with a broader rule targeting the soiling of public transport furniture. Wheelchair-designated areas will also be required to be made available to wheelchair users without them needing to request access.
Victoria’s decision mirrors similar action in New South Wales, which introduced a ban on converted e-bikes on trains in early November.
