The NSW government is consulting on a proposal to temporarily ban e-bikes, e-scooters and other lithium-ion battery transport devices from train services.  

The rule would cover station areas, platforms and carriages on Sydney Trains, Sydney Metro and NSW TrainLink services.  

It would not extend to light rail, buses or ferries, and would exempt devices needed for accessibility, such as motorised scooters and powered wheelchairs.  

“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,” state Transport Minister John Graham said. 

“This consultation will help us understand how these devices are being used and guide our response so we can mitigate the fire risk and minimise the disruption to e-bike users.”  

The move follows a series of battery fires on or near public transport. Victoria is considering a similar proposal.  

Mr Graham, in a letter written with his Victorian counterpart Gabrielle Williams, has urged the federal government to enhance its oversight of e-micromobility safety. 

“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,” Mr Graham said.  

Last year, NSW introduced stricter testing and safety standards for lithium-ion battery products. This year, the state has recorded 183 fires linked to such devices.

Find more information on the consultation here.