BREAKING: NSW E-Bike Safety Crackdown Sees Riders Slammed with $1100 Fines for Carrying Converted Bikes on Public Transport
- Converted e-bikes are now banned on all NSW public transport, including trains, trams, and buses, due to fire hazards caused by lithium-ion batteries.
- Riders caught breaking the new rules face fines of up to $1100, with smaller fines of $400 also possible for breaches.
- The crackdown comes amid a concerning spike in battery-related fires, with Transport for NSW warning of the dangers of DIY e-bike conversions.
NSW e-bike riders are facing a major crackdown, with the state government introducing tough new rules banning converted e-bikes from public transport. The move, which came into effect on Saturday, sees riders slapped with fines of up to $1100 for carrying their bikes on trains, trams, and buses.
The ban applies to all fare-paid areas of the rail network, including trains and platforms, but does not extend to concourses, lifts, or bike storage areas outside the fare gates. Riders passing through community access gates will also not be affected.
Transport for NSW secretary Josh Murray warned travellers to take the new rules seriously, saying the changes were “not about limiting mobility – but about protecting lives and importantly, protecting the continued safe operation of our metro and rail services”.
“You may think it is harmless to change your pedal bike to an e-bike using a DIY conversion kit,” Murray said. “But if it results in a fire on a packed train or metro service, the consequences could be serious. The fines of up to $1100 are significant, so I urge our passengers to use common sense and follow the new rules.”
The crackdown comes amid a concerning spike in battery-related fires, with Transport for NSW warning of the dangers of DIY e-bike conversions. “Converted e-bikes are regular pedal bicycles that have been fitted with electric motors and batteries, which are more likely to catch fire because of DIY setups, poor wiring, and low-quality or second-hand parts,” the department said.
Riders are advised to check the new rules and regulations before carrying their e-bikes on public transport to avoid hefty fines. The new rules are similar to those issued to travellers who bring petrol-powered devices onto train or railway premises.