From November 1, pedal bikes which have been fitted with batteries or motors will be banned from the train.
Legal, compliant e-bikes will still be allowed on NSW transport.
However, signs began popping up earlier this year urging commuters to leave e-bikes and other e-ridables at home due to the risk of fire.
The government said converted e-bikes pose a higher risk of electrical failure and fire due to the use of second-hand batteries and poor-quality components.
Bringing a banned converted e-bike onto a Sydney train, NSW Trainlink or metro service will carry a penalty notice offence of $400, with a maximum penalty of $1100.
This is the same fine for carrying a petrol-powered device onto a train.
The ban has been enacted following consultation and several converted e-bike fires in the Sydney area, including two incidents in Liverpool in the city’s south-west last month.
Fire and Rescue NSW have reported 77 e-bike-related lithium-ion battery fires this year.
“We take the safety of our rail passengers and staff very seriously which is why we are taking the highest risk e-bikes out of train carriages,” NSW Transport Minister John Graham said.
“The overwhelming message from the consultation was that banning all e-bikes from trains would go too far.
“Taking out the highest risk e-bikes is a sensible and balanced step, but we will watch this space very closely and take further action if necessary.”
Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said the state government wants to encourage residents to buy safe, good-quality e-bikes without any dangerous modifications.
”Electronic devices have transformed the way we live, work, and commute â but without boundaries, some have also introduced new risks and the potential to disrupt our safe rail operations,” Murray said.
“This isn’t a matter of jumping at shadows.
“Our safety experts have been monitoring this emerging situation very closely, and we’re taking a sensible approach in consultation with our rail and transport operators.”
The ban from November 1 will be supported by a “hotspot blitz” targeting offenders on train services in NSW.
The NSW and Victorian government have also penned a joint letter to the federal government calling for a national approach to regulating the e-bike market.
In South Australia, all e-bikes and e-scooters are banned on public transport.
What makes an e-bike legal in NSW?
For an e-bike to be legal in NSW, the rider must “primarily propel it by pedalling”, meaning the motor can’t be the only power which moves the bike.
An electric bike must have a maximum power of up to 500 watts to be allowed on NSW roads and footpaths.
The power also needs to be cut off when the speed reaches 25km/h.
Power-assisted bikes with a maximum power of 200 watts are also legal.
All petrol-powered bikes are illegal on NSW roads and public paths.
Batteries on these e-bikes need to be compliant with the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2016 NSW, which requires strict compliance with international standards to prevent hazards such as overheating or fires.
Do e-bikes need to be registered in NSW?
No, compliant e-bikes in Australia do not need to be registered.
However, riders do need to follow the same road rules as cyclists â including wearing an approved helmet.
