Passengers who bring converted e-bikes onto Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink or Metro services will face significant fines under new safety regulations which take effect tomorrow.
Anyone caught with a converted e-bike on the network risks fines of up to $1,100 as part of a crackdown on the hazards linked to unsafe lithium-ion battery installations.
The landmark decision by the NSW Government follows growing safety concerns about converted e-bikes – which have been linked to incidents across the rail network and a growing number of battery-related fires reported by Fire and Rescue NSW.
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.
Under the new rules, people will not be able to bring a lithium-ion battery from a converted e-bike on a train or metro service whether or not it is attached to the bike.
The carriage of a restricted converted e-bike will carry a minimum penalty notice offence of $400 with a maximum penalty of $1,100. This is comparable to the existing offence for carrying a petrol-powered device on a train or railway premises.
