Petition Exemptions to ban of converted e-bikes on metropolitan and V/Line trains

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council to the recent broad-scale ban of all converted e-bikes on metropolitan and V/Line trains which is discriminatory in its application. While the ban aims to mitigate fire risks from low-quality, directly imported DIY kits, usually installed in backyards, it unfairly penalises thousands of Victorians owning high-quality professionally built electric bikes and trikes, which have no greater fire risk than other e-bikes. Professionally converted e-bikes are built in Australian factories by trained technicians, utilising high quality components, and undergo rigorous safety testing, distinguishing them from DIY installations. Custom e-bikes are often higher quality than most Chinese imported e-bikes. Recycling old bike frames into e-bikes is more environmentally friendly and cost effective. New batteries are not made unsafe by mounting on old bikes. Many people with disabilities require this type of customised solution and team it with public transport for commuting. There are simple ways professionally built e-bikes could be quickly distinguished by public transport staff, eliminating the need for the blanket ban. Denying exemptions to this ban adversely affects thousands of responsible and safe e-bike users and jeopardises the future of local pioneering and innovative custom e-bike businesses.

The Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Conduct on Public Transport) Regulations 2025 should be amended so that exemptions can be granted for custom e-bikes built professionally by approved Victorian businesses. Criteria should be developed by which established e-bike conversion businesses can be approved as registered e-bike factories, and a means by which their suitably tested e-bikes, or more importantly, the batteries can then be given exemptions to travel on trains. One important criterion should be the use of batteries which meet any relevant safety standards that other e-bikes are expected to meet. When Victoria decides on which lithium battery certification standard to adopt for e-bikes, certified batteries should be allowed on trains, regardless of being mounted on a converted e-bike or otherwise.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to amend the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Conduct on Public Transport) Regulations 2025 to grant exemptions for custom e-bikes built professionally by approved Victorian businesses to be allowed on metropolitan and V/Line trains.