The New South Wales Government has banned converted e-bikes from the state’s rail network, to reduce the risks to train passengers and staff.
From November 1, it will be illegal to take a converted e-bike – defined as a regular pedal bikes that has been fitted with batteries and motors – on Sydney Trains, NSW Trainlink and Metro services.
The government said these bikes have a higher risk of electrical failure and fire risk due to DIY installations, inadequate wiring, use of second-hand batteries and incompatible or poor-quality components.
Bringing a converted e-bike on a train will result in a fine between $400 and $1110.
This is similar to the existing offence for carrying a petrol-powered device on a train or railway premises.
Other e-bikes, shared e-bikes and mobility devices will not be impacted. However Transport for NSW (now known simply as “Transport”) said it will be monitoring all e-micromobility incidents closely.
Converted e-bikes will still be allowed on concourses, lifts, escalators, or bike storage facilities outside of the fare gates. Riders passing through community access gates will not be impacted.
Transport said it has been monitoring the risk of lithium-ion fires after two recent e-bike fires at Liverpool Station in August, Blacktown Station in April (which involved a converted e-bike) and on a Melbourne suburban train in March.
So far in 2025, Fire and Rescue NSW have reported 77 e-micromobility related lithium-ion battery fires.
The new ban comes after “extensive consultation” between the NSW Government and rail and fire authorities, unions, e-bike users, delivery services, shared scheme operators and passengers.
That engagement included a Transport for NSW Have Your Say consultation that received around 3000 responses, and a ministerial reference group with key stakeholders.
To support the ban of converted e-bikes on trains, Transport will provide additional training for staff, conduct hotspot blitzes, and increase public messaging about the fire risk of modified devices.
To improve standards across all e-bikes, the NSW and Victorian Transport Ministers have written a joint letter to the Commonwealth 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 said it 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.
Minster for Transport John Graham said: “We take the safety of our rail passengers and staff very seriously, which is why we are taking the highest risk e-bikes out of train carriages.
“The overwhelming message from the consultation was that banning all e-bikes from trains would go too far.
“Taking out the highest risk e-bikes is a sensible and balanced step, but we will watch this space very closely and take further action if necessary.”
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