Proposed e-bikes ban on trains
E-bike at Flinders Street Station
The Victorian Government is proposing to ban ebikes on trains. If this proceeds it will disrupt the transport of many people, which may force many to take cars.
However, the underlying problem is that many cheap sub-standard e-bikes, conversion kits and scooters have been imported into Australia due to a failure by the Commonwealth Government to properly regulate e-bike safety standards and enforce rules for importation and sale of e-bikes and conversion kits. It is the cheap, poorly manufactured e-bikes and conversion kits that are the problem.
If this proposed ban proceeds, it would have a serious negative impact on everyone who takes an e-bike on a train as part of their commute to work, study or other journeys.
E-bikes + train combinations are used,
to fill in the gaps caused by inadequate PT coverage and frequency in many areas
to provide transport options for people for whom disability and/or mobility/medical/elderly conditions (as well as families on cargo bikes) impact their other transport options
to provide access to recreational opportunities such as rail trails and BUG rides
to provide important access to work opportunities.
Streets Alive Darebin notes that the regulatory impact statement:
Has not adequately taken into account the impact of banning ebikes on trains. The RIS presents no data on trips.
Does not take into account the positive impact of ebikes and escooters to accessibility.
Does not take into account the user groups of Ebikes. Users are often families and older people to get around Victoria, often in conjunction with trains. Again, a ban on these devices would limit the freedom of movement of children and families and the older and less able.
Doesn't mention the impact a ban would have on small business or gig economy workers.
You can make a submission to the Victorian government here until 18 August 2025
You could also send an email to your local state MPs:
Kat.Theophanous@parliament.vic.gov.au
nathan.lambert@parliament.vic.gov.au
gabrielle.williams@parliament.vic.gov.au
Federal MPs: