Passengers who bring converted e-bikes onto Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink or Metro services will face significant fines under new safety regulations which take effect tomorrow.
Anyone caught with a converted e-bike on the network risks fines of up to $1,100 as part of a crackdown on the hazards linked to unsafe lithium-ion battery installations.
The landmark decision by the NSW Government follows growing safety concerns about converted e-bikes – which have been linked to incidents across the rail network and a growing number of battery-related fires reported by Fire and Rescue NSW.
Converted e-bikes are regular pedal bicycles that have been fitted with electric motors and batteries, which are more likely to catch fire because of DIY setups, poor wiring, and low-quality or second-hand parts.
Under the new rules, people will not be able to bring a lithium-ion battery from a converted e-bike on a train or metro service whether or not it is attached to the bike.
The carriage of a restricted converted e-bike will carry a minimum penalty notice offence of $400 with a maximum penalty of $1,100. This is comparable to the existing offence for carrying a petrol-powered device on a train or railway premises.
The ban applies to all fare-paid areas of the rail network, including trains and platforms. It does not extend to concourses, lifts or bike storage areas outside the fare gates. Riders passing through community access gates will also not be affected.
Other e-bikes, shared e-bikes and mobility devices will not be impacted by this change; however, Transport for NSW will continue to monitor all e-micromobility incidents closely.
Transport for NSW consulted widely before making the decision to introduce the ban, including with fire services, unions, delivery riders and the public.
As part of a nationwide push to improve safety standards, the NSW and Victorian Transport Ministers have jointly urged the Federal Government to introduce tougher national regulations, on the importation, sale and use of e-micromobility devices, to ensure all products available in Australia are safe, reliable and fit for purpose.
The NSW Government continues to promote and enable the use of e-bikes as a safe, accessible and sustainable transport option for people in NSW. They are helping people get around, especially for short trips to and from train stations.
More information about the ban of converted e-bikes on Sydney Trains, Sydney Metro and NSW TrainLink networks is available on the transportnsw.info website.
Secretary of NSW Transport Josh Murray said:
“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.
“You may think it is harmless to change your pedal bike to an e-bike using a DIY conversion kit. But if it results in a fire on a packed train or metro service, the consequences could be serious.
“The fines of up to $1,100 are significant so I urge our passengers to use common sense and follow the new rules. Don’t use a converted e-bike to avoid a fine.”