The NSW Government is calling on the public to provide feedback on a proposed temporary ban of e-bikes, e-scooters and similar devices on public transport, due to fire risk concerns over lithium-ion batteries.
The Have Your Say consultation period opened on 13 August and will remain open for three weeks – run in conjunction with a similar study by the Victorian Government, which is also consulting on new restrictions.
The consultation aims to get a better understanding of how a temporary ban would impact e-micromobility users, and alternative options for safe use on public transport.
Transport for NSW is considering the temporary ban following a series of overseas public transport incidents and local incidents including a battery fire onboard a Melbourne Metro Train in March, followed by a fire in a lift at Blacktown Station in Sydney in April.
There are increasing concerns about the safety of lithium-ion batteries, with NSW Fire and Rescue reporting 183 lithium-ion battery fires so far this year, with more than a third involving e-micromobility devices. Electrical fires caused by lithium-ion batteries can start without warning, be difficult to extinguish, and emit gasses. The risk is exacerbated by the prevalence of poorly made and modified devices.
Feedback from the Have Your Say will form a part of a broader review process including consultation with industry, public transport operators and staff to ensure views from all stakeholders are considered.
The temporary ban being considered would apply to e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-skateboards powered by lithium-ion batteries on train carriages, platforms, and station areas inside fare gates for Sydney Trains, Sydney Metro, and NSW TrainLink services. Train and metro services are of greater risk due to tunnels and underground stations.
It would not apply on light rail, buses and ferries due to mitigating risk factors including a greater ability to rapidly discharge passengers. The ban would also not apply to mobility aids for disability purposes, such as powered wheelchairs or traditional mobility scooters, or to any concourses, lifts, escalators, or bike storage facilities outside of the fare gates; or for riders passing through community access gates.
The NSW and Victorian Transport Ministers have written a joint letter to the Federal Government requesting their support in strengthening Australia’s approach to the safety of e-devices, to ensure that all devices imported, sold and used in Australia are safe and fit for purpose.
The NSW Government recognises the increasingly important role e-micromobility devices will play in the future of public transport, including the ability to mode shift and complete the ‘last mile’ between metro and train stations and destinations. In order to safely integrate e-bikes and e-scooters, the government is currently drafting legislation to better regulate shared devices.
NSW Minister for Transport, John Graham, said that as the number of e-bikes and e-scooters in NSW surges past 1.3 million, the government needs to find the right way to mitigate the fire risk on trains.
“The risk of a lithium battery fire on a train in a tunnel or in an underground station is very concerning and the safety of our passengers and staff is our number one priority,” 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.
“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.”
Transport for NSW Secretary, Josh Murray, said that Transport for NSW understands a temporary ban would disrupt travel for some passengers, and is committed to working with industry and rider groups to reduce the impact.
“We need to ensure we balance the needs of the community, while having the right safety controls and future standards in place,” Murray said.
“Our safety rules need to keep pace with this rapidly evolving and popular technology.”
For more information and to make a submission, click here.
