NSW government 'not ruling out' banning e-bikes on public transport
The NSW government is not ruling out the possibility of banning e-bikes and e-scooters on public transport following growing fire concerns.
The potential ban comes after the escalating cases of lithium-ion batteries bursting into flames.
"Across Transport, safety is our absolute number one priority," NSW Secretary of Transport Josh Murray said this morning.
READ MORE: Purple Lamborghini stolen from home north of Brisbane
Josh Murray has stated a potential ban of e-rideables on public transport as soon as September SMH
A 2022 report by We Ride Australia found that 3.6 million Australians have used an e-scooter before and in NSW, 1.3 million households currently own an e-rideable.
Murray said that NSW Fire and Rescue teams are working closely with Transport NSW to understand the risks of e-vehicles on public transport.
"We are constantly assessing our risk assessments of any new technology," he added.
"We will be talking to our passengers about the risks."
READ MORE: Brisbane grandfather scoops entire $31 million lotto prize
The government's analysis of a possible ban comes after reports that one-third of all lithium-ion fires relate to e-scooters or bikes.
Mobility scooters will not be included in the ban as they do not pose the same risk as lithium-ion powered e-vehicles.
If bans are carried out, they could be enacted as soon as September.
DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
