Have your say on a proposed temporary ban on e-micromobility devices on train and metro services.

As e-micromobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters become more popular, ensuring their safe purchase, use, and carriage is increasingly important.

Following recent lithium-ion battery fire incidents in NSW, Victoria and overseas, Transport for NSW is proposing new restrictions, including a temporary ban, on carrying e-micromobility devices on Sydney Trains, NSW Trains and Sydney Metro services across NSW. Motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters used for disability and accessibility purposes are excluded from these proposed changes.

With over one million passenger journeys daily, passenger safety remains our top priority. We welcome your feedback on the proposed changes.

Tell us what you think

We invite community members and stakeholders to share their views on the proposed temporary ban.

Have your say by completing the survey by Wednesday 3 September 2025.

The proposed temporary ban is in response to safety risks associated with some lithium-ion batteries (LiBs).

The draft changes include updated regulations to restrict e-bikes and e-scooters and other battery-powered transport devices on Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink and Sydney Metro services.

Under the proposed temporary ban, e-micromobility devices would not be able to be carried:

  • On train and metro services across NSW, including NSW TrainLink coach services.
  • Within stations inside fare gates/readers, including concourses, lifts, escalators and platforms.
  • On platforms at stations without fare gates/readers.

The proposed temporary ban would not apply to:

  • Motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters used for disability or accessibility purposes.
  • NSW Police and emergency service staff that use e-bikes as a part of operational duties.
  • Any concourses, lifts, escalators, or bike storage facilities outside of the fare gates/readers. It also would not apply if you're passing through public concourses or using community access gates.

The proposed temporary ban would be implemented through amendments to the Passenger Transport (General) Regulation 2017.

There have been recent safety incidents where lithium-ion batteries in e-micromobility devices have caught fire on public transport - including incidents in NSW, Victoria and London. These fires are intense and can release large volumes of toxic and flammable gases.

Emerging evidence shows some lithium-ion batteries associated with e-micromobility devices can fail without warning. Combined with the growing popularity of e-micromobility devices, this creates a significant risk on heavy rail and metro services - where managing fire incidents and evacuations can be especially challenging.

The proposed temporary ban is a precautionary measure to reduce this risk and help protect the safety of passengers and staff. It aligns with similar actions being proposed in Victoria, and with existing bans already in place in London and other major cities.

Lithium-ion batteries are highly energy-dense and contain electrolytes that are highly flammable. There are several situations that can lead to lithium-ion batteries catching fire, including:

  • Overcharging or use of non-compliant charging equipment.
  • Overheating or exposure to heat or extreme temperatures.
  • Physical abuse (e.g. dropping, crushing, piercing, and/or vibrations).
  • Short-circuiting, battery cell malfunctions or system faults.
  • Defects or contamination introduced during manufacture.

When lithium-ion batteries fail, they can undergo thermal runaway. This involves violent bursting of one or multiple battery cells, hissing and release of toxic, flammable and explosive gases, and an intense, self-sustaining fire that can be difficult to extinguish.

During the proposed temporary ban, Transport for NSW would undertake a comprehensive review to determine how e-bikes, e-scooters and other battery-powered transport devices with lithium-ion batteries can be safely carried on public transport.

This review will include:

  • Participation from industry and public transport operators to ensure views from all stakeholders are considered.
  • Comprehensive investigation and analysis of the data on e-micromobility usage and incidents to better understand both the likelihood and consequences of a lithium-ion battery failure on public transport services.
  • A social impacts review which will inform Transport for NSW's future approach to the safe management of e-micromobility devices on public transport networks.

NSW will continue working with other jurisdictions to enhance the standards and safety of devices at a national level, including those related to importation.

The introduction of the temporary ban is subject to consultation.

Any decision to implement a temporary ban, along with the timeframe for its commencement, will be communicated in advance.

We anticipate the temporary ban will need to be in place for a number of months to allow Transport for NSW to complete a comprehensive review on how e-micromobility devices can be safely carried on public transport.