The government had settled on a ban “following extensive consultation”, which closed in August, the spokesperson said. “The feedback found Victorians support a targeted approach to the ban, focusing on the devices most at risk of causing fires,” the spokesperson said.
“Converted e-bikes are considered higher risk due to the use of poor-quality components, larger batteries and DIY installations.”
Advocacy body the Bicycle Network came out against banning all e-bikes and scooters on public transport during the consultation period, and argued it would lead to “major disruption to the day-to-day lives of many Australians”.
“E-bikes have rapidly increased in popularity in recent years and now comprise a fundamental part of our transport mix,” the group said in July.
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Victoria’s move follows that of NSW, which banned modified vehicles on its trains in November, also over fire concerns. The two states have been pushing for national standards for these vehicles.
“We understand the Commonwealth have made a commitment to reinstate the european standard for e-bikes in Australia,” the Victorian government spokesperson said on Saturday.
“We urge the Commonwealth to accelerate this work so that state and territories have a recognisable and consistent standard to adopt in our own regulations.”
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