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Potential e-bike ban looms with TTC over fire risk, but GO Transit still allows certain e-bikes on board trains in Ontario

Potential e-bike ban looms with TTC over fire risk, but GO Transit still allows certain e-bikes on board trains in Ontario

Metrolinx does not have plans to update its e-bike regulations, but the TTC is considering a ban during winter months. While members of the TTC…

Monday, Oct 28

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Metrolinx does not have plans to update its e-bike regulations, but the TTC is considering a ban during winter months. While members of the TTC board will discuss banning e-bikes on streetcars during the winter months, Metrolinx says it’s not changing its policies.

In a staff report to the TTC board , dated for an Oct. 29 meeting, chief safety officer Betty Hasserjian recommended the transit commission ban e-bikes, e-scooters and lithium-ion batteries from vehicles starting Nov. 15 to April 15 each year.

“The primary safety concerns are fire risks associated with the lithium-ion batteries found in these devices, particularly those uncertified or misused,” Hasserjian wrote. “Fluctuating temperatures can cause condensation and lithium plating, increasing the likelihood of short circuits and fires.” A smouldering issue

On Dec. 31, 2023, an e-bike powered by a lithium-ion battery caught fire on board a Line 1 subway train approaching Sheppard-Yonge Station.

Three people were treated in hospital with injuries and minor damage was also reported to the subway car.

Later Toronto Fire Services learned through the manufacturer, the e-bike was not intended to be used in adverse weather conditions. TTC e-bike regulations

All types of bicycles aren’t permitted on TTC vehicles during peak commuting times but are allowed before 6:30 a.m., Monday to Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., then again after 7 p.m.In April, 2024, the TTC also updated its policy to say e-bikes’ litithium-ion batteries must meet Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Conformité Européenne (CE) requirements. GO Transit staff will now inspect all […]

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