TTC bans e-bikes and e-scooters during winter months
The TTC is reminding customers that lithium-ion battery powered micromobility devices, including e-bikes and e-scooters, are banned on the TTC until April 15, 2025. The ban, which is in response to safety concerns and customer complaints, was approved by the TTC Board at its December meeting.
The decision comes after an incident last year involving a battery explosion and fire on a TTC subway train, as well as several other similar incidents in Toronto. The TTC also regularly receives complaints about battery safety and the bulky nature of the devices which pose a tripping hazard.
While the TTC remains committed to improving the integration of cycling, micromobility and transit in Toronto, this initiative supports the TTC’s priority of putting the safety of employees and customers first. Lithium-ion batteries are known to pose a greater risk in colder months, resulting in a higher likelihood of fires. Paired with the increased risk for fire damage and spread in underground tunnels, the seasonal ban was determined to be the safest option for customers and employees.
“While we support gig workers and micromobility initiatives, we have to put safety first for our front-line employees and our customers,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “The motions approved by the Board allow us to continue to fine-tune the ban over time to ensure we are respecting everyone who rides and works on the TTC.”
“Safety is the TTC’s top concern and this ban supports that,” said TTC CEO Greg Percy. “We will be looking at the practices and experiences of our industry peers and sharing best practices.”
It is important to note that electric wheelchairs or other mobility devices used by people with disabilities will continue to be allowed on the TTC system.
Customers with lithium-ion battery powered e-bikes can park at or near entrances to all 70 subway stations or use City of Toronto bicycle storage rooms. Bicycle lockers are also available at seven subway stations, several GO Transit stations and Civic Centre locations.
Customers will be informed of the ban through new signs, handouts and announcements, as well as information on TTC’s social media channels and website.
TTC staff will take a graduated approach to enforcement, starting with the posting of signs this month, and awareness.
Anyone operating or transporting an e-bike or e-scooter from now until April 15 will be educated on the ban, and if they refuse to comply, they will be asked to leave the system.
The TTC will continue to monitor this new measure as lithium-ion battery technology evolves to ensure the ban is the safest and best option for everyone on our transit system.
The TTC Board also requested that staff and external partners investigate ways to provide e-bike and battery storage, exchange, and charging near transit stations. Groups to be consulted include the City of Toronto, the Toronto Parking Authority, representatives from food delivery companies, and groups representing gig workers in particular.
When the ban is lifted in the spring, lithium-ion battery powered e-bikes, along with other bikes, will only be permitted on the TTC on weekends and statutory holidays, and during non-peak hours, Monday to Friday before 6:30 a.m., between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and after 7 p.m.
Further information can be found on the TTC website at: https://www.ttc.ca/riding-the-ttc/Bike-and-ride/Taking-your-bike-on-TTC-Vehicles