UPDATE: A proposed ban on e-bikes on public transport in New South Wales and Victoria is sparking outrage among cycling advocates, who warn it could severely impact cyclists with mobility issues. The Victorian Department of Transport and Planning is seeking public feedback on the ban, set to take effect from September 30, 2025, while NSW officials are considering similar measures as early as September 1, 2025.
Cyclists like George Willox, aged 68 and a member of the Nomads Cycling Group, argue that this ban jeopardizes their ability to participate in community activities. “This will have really negative ramifications for people not being able to exercise in the same way and not being able to participate in their communities,” Willox told The Senior.
The proposed regulations come in response to increasing concerns about lithium-ion battery fires, which have led to incidents on public transport. NSW Transport Minister John Graham stated, “In NSW, we are seriously considering options including a temporary ban on trains until we are satisfied that regulations are tight enough.” The safety of passengers is the highest priority, he added.
The Nomads, who have been organizing cycling events for over 20 years, could face extinction if this ban is enforced. With up to 40 percent of their members relying on e-bikes, the group serves as a crucial support system for older cyclists across the greater Melbourne area, from Gippsland to Essendon.
Many members, primarily aged over 55, find e-bikes essential for maintaining their health and social connections. “I am starting to feel it going up the hills… I’d anticipate within a few years looking at getting an electric bike,” Willox remarked. “This proposed ban would effectively stop me from being part of the group.”
Public comments on the proposal are being accepted until August 18, 2025, and several Nomad members plan to submit their objections individually. An official sign at a Sydney train station requesting users to keep e-bikes off trains was erected prematurely and has since been removed.
Recent data shows that cycling ranks among the top four physical activities for Australians aged 65 and over, highlighting its importance for this demographic. In NSW alone, there are approximately 1.35 million e-mobility devices, including e-bikes and e-scooters, with nearly 47 percent of users taking these devices on public transport.
Minister Graham cited poor manufacturing and a lack of safety standards as contributing factors to the rise in battery fires. “Electrical fires from these devices can start without warning, are extremely difficult to extinguish, and quickly spread toxic smoke,” he explained.
The proposed regulations also include changes affecting wheelchair users and the use of e-scooters and e-bikes on public transport. According to the Department of Transport and Planning, foldable e-scooters and e-bikes will still be allowed on trams and buses, while mobility scooters will also be permitted.
The future of cycling in Australia, particularly for older adults, hangs in the balance as these developments unfold.
For more information on the proposed regulations and to provide feedback, visit: www.engage.vic.gov.au.
Time is of the essence, and stakeholders urge concerned citizens to voice their opinions before the deadline. The community’s response could shape the future of cycling accessibility across the regions.
