Lithium-ion battery fire fears spark proposal to ban e-bikes, e-scooters on public transport

A spate of fires sparked by lithium-ion batteries has prompted a proposal to ban e-bikes and e-scooters on public transport in Melbourne — but families are already hitting back.

E-bikes and e-scooters could soon be banned on Melbourne’s trains, trams and buses because of the risk of lithium-ion battery fires.

The transport department said that recent fires on trains in Victoria and New South Wales had prompted the proposal to ban the electric-powered two-wheelers.

In March an e-bike fire sparked the evacuation of a train at Union Station in Mont Albert.

A recent spate of house fires linked to the batteries has also been a factor in the review.

The department is updating its transport regulations, including rules around compliance and conduct on the network.

In March an e-bike fire sparked the evacuation of a train at Union Station in Mont Albert. Picture: Reddit

Lithium-ion batteries are being blamed for the fires and may put rail passengers at risk. Picture: Reddit

The review said the risk was heightened by the prevalence of poorly made or modified bikes, including unregulated e-bike conversions.

“With more than 500 million trips taken on our public transport network each year, we want everyone to feel and be safe and enjoy their journey,’’ the department said.

A summary paper said the battery devices cannot be easily monitored and may put passengers at risk.

“A fire on a train is a serious safety issue because it may be difficult to evacuate passengers on a crowded service or where trains are in between stations.

“Equally, in the case of a coach service such as V/Line coaches, there are unique safety risks because electric transportation devices are carried in the luggage hold.’’

The review said the risk was heightened by the prevalence of poorly made or modified bikes. Picture: Reddit

There has been a spate of house fires sparked by e-scooters. Picture: Supplied

Mobility scooters and pedal-powered bicycles would be exempt from any change.

The review will also propose changes to ensure priority seats were available, and that passengers can safely cross train or tram tracks.

Another proposed change is to allow kids’ small bikes on trams and buses.

“The department has received feedback from parents and carers that the current rules are imposing difficulties on young families when using public transport – especially where these relatively small bikes are being used in lieu of a pushchair or pram.’’

But families have already voiced their opposition to the plans saying banning e-bikes would restrict their movement.

They say that families with young children, disabled people and elderly who use electric-assist bikes would be disadvantaged.

“Combined with public transport this has allowed these groups a freedom, range and speed

of transport which can rival private motor vehicles which was not possible previously,’’ one father of three told the Herald Sun.

Daniel Bowen from the Public Transport Users Association said the government should find a way to improve the bikes’ safety, not ban them from trains.

“Safety is obviously paramount, but to completely ban eBikes and eScooters seems like a step backwards,’’ he said.

Members of the public have until August 18 to make their submissions with the new regulations to come into effect at the end of September.

Originally published as Lithium-ion battery fire fears spark proposal to ban e-bikes, e-scooters on public transport