The morning commute just got a bit more complicated for some NSW residents.
From November 1, converted e-bikes have been banned from trains across the state, carrying fines of up to $1,100 for anyone caught bringing one aboard.
But this isn't just bureaucratic red tape—it's a response to a genuine safety crisis that's been building steam across Australia.
The trigger for this ban came after two e-bike fires at Liverpool Station in August and another at Blacktown Station in April, both involving converted bikes.
But these weren't isolated incidents. NSW has seen a dramatic rise in suspected lithium-ion battery fires: from 165 reports in 2022, jumping to 272 in 2023, and reaching 323 in 2024. Even more concerning, since 2024 there have been 384 lithium ion battery fires—that's more than one fire every day.
In this article
What exactly is a converted e-bike?
The distinction between a legal e-bike and a banned converted one might seem technical, but it's crucial to understand.
Converted e-bikes are defined as regular pedal bikes that have been fitted with batteries and motors, and these have higher risk of electrical failure and fire risk due to DIY installations, inadequate wiring and use of second-hand batteries and incompatible or poor-quality components.
Think of it like this: a factory-made e-bike has been designed and tested as a complete system. A converted bike is like retrofitting a 1960s car with modern electronics—the old wiring wasn't designed for the new demands, and things can go wrong quickly.
'The overwhelming message from the consultation was that banning all e-bikes from trains would go too far'
What makes an e-bike legal in NSW?
Maximum 500 watts power (or 200 watts for power-assisted bikes)
Power cuts off at 25km/h
Must be 'primarily propelled by pedalling'
Battery must comply with Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2016
Components must meet international safety standards
The human cost behind the statistics
The numbers tell a sobering story, but behind each statistic is a real incident that could have been tragic.
In one recent Sydney incident, two people were injured after an e-scooter battery exploded, causing shrapnel injuries, burns, and smoke inhalation. The incident was attributed to the use of an incorrect charger and modifications made to the e-scooter.
In another case, an explosion and fire from a homemade battery pack for an e-bike in Granville affected neighbouring units, with one neighbour assessed for smoke inhalation. Remarkably, nobody has died in NSW from a lithium battery fire yet, but 52 people have been injured.
Why this matters for seniors
If you're over 60 and use public transport regularly, this issue affects you in several ways. Many older Australians have embraced e-bikes for their convenience—they make cycling possible again for those with mobility issues or who want a bit of extra help on hills.
But the train ban means you'll need to be extra careful about what type of e-bike you choose.
Fire and Rescue NSW has recorded fires at a rate of 5.7 blazes per week in 2024, with seven people injured. While you might not be modifying bikes yourself, it's worth knowing that a recent NSW government survey found 73 per cent of respondents charged their devices while unattended, with 64 per cent leaving devices plugged in after they had been charged—practices that increase fire risk.
Did you know?
Did you know?
The suburbs with the biggest increases in lithium battery fires include areas with many seniors: Liverpool saw fires increase from one in 2022 to 11 in 2023, while Canterbury-Bankstown jumped from 3 to 15 fires in the same period.
Safety tips for current e-bike owners
If you already own an e-bike, don't panic. Legal, compliant e-bikes and mobility devices will not be impacted by the train ban. However, it's worth reviewing your charging and storage habits. Authorities have urged Australians not to sleep or leave the house while their lithium-ion batteries are charging, to avoid leaving them constantly on charge, and to make sure they have working smoke alarms in their home.
The most dangerous practice? 'Do not modify your chargers or batteries, do not make your own batteries,' warned FRNSW's Dewberry. One investigation revealed that a homemade charging system, improperly running from a light fitting to an e-bike, caused the lithium-ion battery to overheat and ignite. Fire and Rescue NSW stressed the importance of using manufacturer-approved charging devices, highlighting the dangers of DIY charging setups.
Essential e-bike safety checklist
- Never charge overnight or while away from home
- Use only the manufacturer's original charger
- Don't store or charge near exit routes
- Keep devices in cool, dry areas away from flammable materials
- Never attempt DIY repairs or modifications
- Install working smoke alarms on every level of your home
- Know how to safely dispose of damaged batteries
How to buy safely
From February 1, 2025, lithium-ion e-micromobility devices sold in NSW must comply with prescribed safety standards. The NSW government maintains a register of certified and approved models that you can check before purchasing.
When shopping for an e-bike, stick to established retailers and recognised brands.
'I really urge everyone to buy from a reputable brand and to pay close attention to them,' advised Melbourne resident Jamie Universita after his garage was damaged when his e-bike battery exploded. Avoid online marketplaces selling suspiciously cheap e-bikes or aftermarket conversion kits.
Source: 7NEWS Australia / Youtube.
What's happening in other states?
NSW isn't alone in grappling with this issue. The NSW and Victorian Transport Ministers have written a joint letter to the Commonwealth Government requesting support in strengthening Australia's approach to e-device safety. However, approaches vary dramatically. While NSW has taken a targeted approach to converted e-bikes, South Australia has banned all e-bikes and e-scooters from public transport entirely.
Looking ahead
The November 1 ban represents just the beginning of a broader regulatory crackdown. The NSW government plans to impose fines of up to $825,000 for corporations and $82,500 for individuals who sell lithium-powered products not meeting prescribed safety standards—significantly higher than the $1,100 penalty for bringing a banned bike on a train.
The Coroners Court of NSW is conducting an inquest to examine deaths and serious fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, with a view to making recommendations to prevent future tragedies. This suggests more changes could be coming as authorities work to balance the benefits of e-mobility with public safety.
What This Means For You
For now, the message is clear: if you want to combine train travel with e-bike commuting in NSW, make sure your bike meets the legal standards. The small extra cost of buying compliant equipment could save you from a hefty fine—or worse, a dangerous fire.
What's your experience with e-bikes and public transport? Have these safety concerns changed how you think about electric transport options? Share your thoughts in the comments below—your experiences could help other readers make safer choices.
Original Article
https://www.9news.com.au/national/e...xplained/895d3ca1-c314-4565-8606-72a204bdbbda
Reducing e-bike fire risk on NSW rail network | NSW Government
Cited text: Transport has been monitoring the risk of lithium-ion fires after two recent e-bike fires at Liverpool Station in August, Blacktown Station in April (...
Excerpt: The trigger for this ban came after two e-bike fires at Liverpool Station in August and another at Blacktown Station in April
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/reducing-e-bike-fire-risk-on-nsw-rail-network
Sydney man dies in fire as battery blazes spike | Information Age | ACS
Cited text: NSW has seen a rise in suspected lithium-ion blazes in recent years: there were 165 reports of such incidents in 2022, which rose to 272 reports in 20...
Excerpt: NSW has seen a dramatic rise in suspected lithium-ion battery fires: from 165 reports in 2022, jumping to 272 in 2023, and reaching 323 in 2024
https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2025/sydney-man-dies-in-fire-as-battery-blazes-spike.html
NSW takes control of e-bike battery safety | Bicycle Network
Cited text: Since 2024 there have been 384 lithium ion battery fires and between 10,000 and 12,000 fires each year in rubbish trucks and waste facilities due to p...
Excerpt: since 2024 there have been 384 lithium ion battery fires
https://bicyclenetwork.com.au/newsroom/2025/03/21/nsw-takes-control-of-e-bike-battery-safety/
Reducing e-bike fire risk on NSW rail network | NSW Government
Cited text: Converted e-bikes are defined as regular pedal bikes that have been fitted with batteries and motors. These have higher risk of electrical failure due...
Excerpt: Converted e-bikes are defined as regular pedal bikes that have been fitted with batteries and motors, and these have higher risk of electrical failure and fire risk due to DIY installations, inadequate wiring and use of second-hand…
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/reducing-e-bike-fire-risk-on-nsw-rail-network
Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Watch: February 2025 Edition Part I
Cited text: In the most severe incident at Sadlier, two individuals sustained injuries after an e-scooter battery exploded, causing shrapnel injuries, burns, and ...
Excerpt: In one recent Sydney incident, two people were injured after an e-scooter battery exploded, causing shrapnel injuries, burns, and smoke inhalation.
https://www.riskreductionreview.com/post/lithium-ion-battery-fire-watch-february-2025-edition-part-i
Four e-scooter and e-bike fires in 12 hours across Sydney—Sydney—Fire and Rescue NSW
Cited text: an explosion and fire of a home-made battery pack for an e-bike in a unit in Railway Street, Granville, around 9.00pm last night. One neighbour was as...
Excerpt: In another case, an explosion and fire from a homemade battery pack for an e-bike in Granville affected neighbouring units, with one neighbour assessed for smoke inhalation
https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/incident.php?record=recHBPsUIwd2UjGoh
Tenfold increase in lithium battery fires in Sydney’s west ignites urgent policy response
Cited text: Amazingly, nobody has yet died in NSW because of a lithium battery fire, but 52 people have been injured.
Excerpt: Remarkably, nobody has died in NSW from a lithium battery fire yet, but 52 people have been injured
https://www.themandarin.com.au/2507...-sydneys-west-ignites-urgent-policy-response/
Fire and Rescue NSW recording Lithium-Ion battery fires at a rate of five a week—NSW—Fire and Rescue NSW
Cited text: FRNSW has recorded 63 Lithium-Ion battery fires to date in 2024, subject to review, at a rate of 5.7 blazes a week. Seven people have been injured in ...
Excerpt: Fire and Rescue NSW has recorded fires at a rate of 5.7 blazes per week in 2024, with seven people injured
https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/incident.php?record=rec19mr6yzVvSQqQ0
Sydney man dies in fire as battery blazes spike | Information Age | ACS
Cited text: A recent NSW government survey found 73 per cent of respondents charged their devices while unattended, with 64 per cent leaving devices plugged in af...
Excerpt: a recent NSW government survey found 73 per cent of respondents charged their devices while unattended, with 64 per cent leaving devices plugged in after they had been charged
https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2025/sydney-man-dies-in-fire-as-battery-blazes-spike.html
Reducing e-bike fire risk on NSW rail network | NSW Government
Cited text: · Other e-bikes, shared e-bikes and mobility devices will not be impacted, however Transport for NSW will continue to monitor all e-micromobility inci...
Excerpt: Legal, compliant e-bikes and mobility devices will not be impacted by the train ban
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/reducing-e-bike-fire-risk-on-nsw-rail-network
Sydney man dies in fire as battery blazes spike | Information Age | ACS
Cited text: State and territory authorities have urged Australians not to sleep or leave the house while their lithium-ion batteries are charging, to avoid leavin...
Excerpt: Authorities have urged Australians not to sleep or leave the house while their lithium-ion batteries are charging, to avoid leaving them constantly on charge, and to make sure they have working smoke alarms in their home
https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2025/sydney-man-dies-in-fire-as-battery-blazes-spike.html
Sydney man dies in fire as battery blazes spike | Information Age | ACS
Cited text: “I cannot say this strongly enough — do not modify your chargers or batteries, do not make your own batteries,” said Dewberry from FRNSW.
Excerpt: 'Do not modify your chargers or batteries, do not make your own batteries,' warned FRNSW's Dewberry
https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2025/sydney-man-dies-in-fire-as-battery-blazes-spike.html
Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Watch: February 2025 Edition Part I
Cited text: The investigation revealed that a homemade charging system, improperly running from a light fitting to an e-bike, caused the lithium-ion battery to ov...
Excerpt: One investigation revealed that a homemade charging system, improperly running from a light fitting to an e-bike, caused the lithium-ion battery to overheat and ignite.
https://www.riskreductionreview.com/post/lithium-ion-battery-fire-watch-february-2025-edition-part-i
New safety standards for lithium-ion batteries in e-mobility devices
Cited text: · From 1 February 2025, lithium-ion e-micromobility devices, such as e-bikes and e-scooters, sold in NSW must comply with the prescribed safety standa...
Excerpt: From February 1, 2025, lithium-ion e-micromobility devices sold in NSW must comply with prescribed safety standards
https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-...lithium-ion-batteries-e-micromobility-devices
New safety standards for lithium-ion batteries in e-mobility devices
Cited text: View our register for a list of certified and approved models.
Excerpt: The NSW government maintains a register of certified and approved models
https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-...lithium-ion-batteries-e-micromobility-devices
Sydney man dies in fire as battery blazes spike | Information Age | ACS
Cited text: “I really urge everyone to buy from a reputable brand and to pay close attention to them,” he told FRV in December.
Excerpt: 'I really urge everyone to buy from a reputable brand and to pay close attention to them,' advised Melbourne resident Jamie Universita after his garage was damaged when his e-bike battery exploded
https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2025/sydney-man-dies-in-fire-as-battery-blazes-spike.html
Reducing e-bike fire risk on NSW rail network | NSW Government
Cited text: To improve standards across all e-bikes, the NSW and Victorian Transport Ministers have written a joint letter to the Commonwealth Government requesti...
Excerpt: The NSW and Victorian Transport Ministers have written a joint letter to the Commonwealth Government requesting support in strengthening Australia's approach to e-device safety
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/reducing-e-bike-fire-risk-on-nsw-rail-network
Tenfold increase in lithium battery fires in Sydney’s west ignites urgent policy response
Cited text: As the Minns government on Monday revealed it will soon impose fines of up to $825,000 for corporations and $82,500 for individuals who sell lithium-p...
Excerpt: The NSW government plans to impose fines of up to $825,000 for corporations and $82,500 for individuals who sell lithium-powered products not meeting prescribed safety standards
https://www.themandarin.com.au/2507...-sydneys-west-ignites-urgent-policy-response/
Inquest to examine deaths and serious fires caused by Lithium-ion batteries | Communities and Justice
Cited text: The Coroners Court of NSW will hold an inquest to examine deaths and serious fires caused by Lithium-ion batteries.
Excerpt: The Coroners Court of NSW is conducting an inquest to examine deaths and serious fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, with a view to making recommendations to prevent future tragedies
https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/news-and-med...s-and-serious-fires-caused-by-lithium-io.html
Inquest to examine deaths and serious fires caused by Lithium-ion batteries | Communities and Justice
Cited text: This inquest into lithium battery fires will examine if any changes can be made to stop similar deaths, fires or explosions in the future.
Excerpt: The Coroners Court of NSW is conducting an inquest to examine deaths and serious fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, with a view to making recommendations to prevent future tragedies
https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/news-and-med...s-and-serious-fires-caused-by-lithium-io.html
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