The Victorian government is proposing a ban all e-bikes and e-scooters on trains due to risks of battery fires that can occur with cheap sub-standard products.
Currently, thousands of e-bike and e-scooter riders safely use trains as part of their journeys. E-bikes have rapidly increased in popularity in recent years and now comprise a fundamental part of our transport mix.
If this ban proceeds it will disrupt the transport of many people, which may force many to take cars.
However, the underlying problem is that many cheap sub-standard e-bikes, conversion kits and scooters have been imported into Australia due to a failure by government to properly regulate e-bike safety standards and enforce rules for importation and sale of e-bikes and conversion kits. Its the cheap, poorly manufactured e-bikes and conversion kits that are the problem.
If this proposed ban proceeds, it will have a serious negative impact on everyone who takes an e-bike on a train as part of their commute to work, study or other journeys.
The ban would also be very disruptive to the many recreational and touring bike riders with e-bikes who use trains to get to and from trails around Melbourne and regional Victoria.
You can make a submission to the Victorian government here until 18 August 2025.
You could also send an email to your local state MPs:
- John Pesutto MP, Hawthorn john.pesutto@parliament.vic.gov.au
- Jess Wilson MP, Kew jess.wilson.mp@parliament.vic.gov.au
- Matt Fregon MP, Ashwood matt.fregon@parliament.vic.gov.au
Federal MPs:
- Dr Monique Ryan MP, Kooyong monique.ryan.mp@aph.gov.au
- Katrina Garland MP, Chisholm Carina.Garland.MP@aph.gov.au
E-bike standard
European e-bike standards are defined by EN15194, which categorizes legal e-bikes as Electrically Power Assisted Cycles (EPACs). These bikes must have a continuous rated motor power not exceeding 250 watts, pedal assistance only (no throttle), and the motor’s assistance must cut out at 25 km/h (15.5 mph). E-bikes meeting these criteria are treated as regular bicycles, not requiring registration, licensing, or insurance.
E-bikes that comply with the EN15194 standard are the only ones that should be allowed on trains.
See also
- E-bike fires prompt train ban, Bicycle Network
- Letter from Monique Ryan MP to Jim Chalmers and Catherine King re e-bikes
- Conduct on Public Transport Regulations, Engage Victoria
- States demand e-bike crackdown amid deaths and fires, The Age
- Letter from Victorian ministers to Daniel Mulino MP (federal): on e-bike regulation
- Calls for tougher import rules amid surge in dangerous e-bikes, ABC WA
- E-bikes, Boroondara BUG