Kat Theophanous MP (1275):
My question is to the Minister for Public and Active Transport. What evaluation measures will the Department of Transport and Planning use in forming its advice on proposed restrictions for e-bikes and e-scooters on public transport? Consultation has just closed on regulations that would ban them on trains. DTP will now review submissions and prepare its advice. In Northcote many residents worry about the impact of a blanket ban. One 68-year-old told me:
My e-bike is my gateway to freedom. If I can’t take it on the train, my world will shrink.
Another, in their 70s, wrote:
I bought my e-bike when I retired. It has been invaluable when combined with train access.
Labor is making record investments in public and active transport: Metro Tunnel, new trains and trams, level crossing removals, cycling paths, cheaper regional fares and free travel for young people and seniors. To harness these benefits the system must be seamless and accessible. Safety must come first. Noncompliant and modified devices should not be allowed, but there are fairer proportionate alternatives to a blanket ban, and I urge DTP to consider them carefully.
Answer:
I thank the Member for their question.
I acknowledge the important role that e-bikes, e-scooters and other electric transportation devices play in the daily lives of many Victorians who rely on those devices for their mobility, independence, and connection to work, study and community life. E-bikes and e-scooters are a relatively new but important part of our integrated transport system, and this Government is committed to making them as safe as we can for all Victorians.
A range of devices with electric batteries and motors, such as e-bikes and e-scooters, are being used more
frequently on the transport network, posing an increased risk of lithium-ion fires. Incidents such as the e-bike fire on a train at Union station, and similar incidents in New South Wales highlighted the risks posed by large capacity lithium-ion batteries on public transport. Fires from these batteries can start without warning, quickly spread toxic smoke, and are extremely hard to extinguish, especially on crowded trains or when trains are in between stations.
The key priority for the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) in forming its advice on the carriage of e-bikes and e-scooters on public transport was passenger safety. That is why DTP invited feedback from the community and key stakeholders through the Engage Victoria consultation and Regulatory Impact Statement, to ensure a broad range of views and experiences were considered, especially of those who would be most affected by any changes.
Feedback from the consultation highlighted that any restriction on the carriage of these devices should focus on devices with the highest risk of causing a fire.
Converted devices pose the highest risk of a battery fire as they often involve aftermarket modifications that bypass manufacturer safety standards or regulatory compliance, have an inconsistent quality of components and typically involve ‘’do-it-yourself’ installations. The modifications can often involve the installation of oversized motors, non-certified batteries and aftermarket parts that increase the risk of electrical faults and lack rigorous testing.
Following careful consideration of community and industry feedback, DTP updated the regulations in December to focus the new rules on converted e-bikes, restricting their carriage on metropolitan and V/Line trains and within ticketed areas of train stations. A significant proportion of lithium-ion battery fires occur while devices are charging, so e-bikes and e-scooters must also be switched off and cannot be ridden or charged on board, on platforms or in station precincts. These changes are aimed at keeping passengers and staff safe from the fire risks associated with some lithium-ion batteries.
I have also taken action to address the root issue of the sale of poor quality devices. In 2021, the then Federal Liberal Government removed the mandatory requirement for e-bikes to meet the international EN15194 safety standard. This decision has left Australians exposed to poor quality batteries - a major contributor to lithium-ion fire risk. Without strong standards, the danger to public safety will only grow as sales and usage increase.
That is why I, along with the Transport Ministers in New South Wales, have sought the support of the Federal Labor Government to re-introduce the international standard and strengthen Australia’s approach to e-mobility safety, ensuring all devices imported, sold and used are safe and fit for purpose. Further, I have been working with the Commonwealth and other States and Territories through the Infrastructure and Transport Ministers Meeting (ITMM), for a nationally consistent regulatory framework for e-bikes, e-scooters and other e-mobility devices to address the safety concerns and improve outcomes for both riders and pedestrians.
We’ll keep working with the Commonwealth and other states to strengthen safety of these devices and protect passengers on our public transport networks.
Gabrielle Williams MP
Minister for Public and Active Transport
