E-bikes and e-scooters face Sydney train and metro ban
In the same week as a portable charging pack caught fire mid-air on a Virgin flight, signs began popping up at Sydney train stations advising of a new request to keep e-bikes off trains.
'Please don't bring e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards on board Sydney Trains services,' read the sign, which was shared online by cycling enthusiasts. 'Some lithium batteries can pose a fire risk.'
But they were erected prematurely. NSW and Victorian state governments wrote to the federal government this week asking for stronger laws around the importation of low-quality e-bikes and e-scooters.
Until that changes, Transport Minister John Graham said NSW was 'seriously considering options including a temporary ban on trains until we are satisfied that regulations are tight enough, with public safety as our highest priority'.
If the government goes ahead with the ban, the posters will be used as a 'request' before the ban comes into effect.
In briefings with stakeholder groups this week, Transport for NSW officials said they were planning to start a ban from September 1.
E-bikes often contain lithium-ion batteries, which have become a major source of concern for fire authorities. They have regularly featured in home fires when e-bike and e-scooter chargers have caught fire overnight.
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