Converted E-Bikes Banned on Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink Networks

Strategic Insights -

As of tomorrow, passengers who bring converted e-bikes onto Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink, or Metro services risk facing significant fines. The new safety regulations aim to prevent hazards linked to unsafe lithium-ion battery installations, which have been responsible for incidents and fires across the rail network. The ban applies to all fare-paid areas of the rail network, including trains and platforms, and comes after widespread safety concerns about converted e-bikes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NSW Government has introduced new safety regulations banning converted e-bikes from Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink, and Metro services to prevent hazards linked to unsafe lithium-ion battery installations.
  • Passengers caught with a converted e-bike on the network may face fines of up to $1,100.
  • The ban applies to all fare-paid areas of the rail network, including trains and platforms.
  • Converted e-bikes that have been fitted with electric motors and batteries from DIY setups, poor wiring, and low-quality or second-hand parts are at higher risk of catching fire.
  • The carriage of a restricted converted e-bike will carry a minimum penalty notice offence of $400 with a maximum penalty of $1,100.
  • 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 with fire services, unions, delivery riders, and the public before making the decision to introduce the ban.
  • 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.

Statistics:

  • Up to $1,100 fine for passengers caught with a converted e-bike on the network.
  • 400 minimum fines for the carriage of a restricted converted e-bike.
  • The incident rate of battery-related fires reported by Fire and Rescue NSW.
  • The growing number of battery-related fires reported by Fire and Rescue NSW.
  • 100% of fare-paid areas of the rail network impacted by the ban.

Sources:

  • mentalhealthaustralia.org.au
  • transportnsw.info
  • News article, February 2025, "NSW Government Introduces Safety Regulations for E-Bikes on Trains".
  • News article, March 2022, "Transport Ministers Urge Federal Government to Introduce Tougher Regulations on E-Micromobility Devices".
  • Press release, January 2024, "Transport for NSW Consults on Proposed Ban of Converted E-Bikes".