Some e-bikes to be banned from GO trains

Metrolinx to prohibit devices with uncertified batteries after a recent fire raised safety concerns

Metrolinx will ban e-bikes with uncertified batteries from GO trains, after overcrowding and a recent battery fire sparked safety concerns about micromobility devices on transit.

“Metrolinx has been actively reviewing our bike policies to support increased demand from our bike users,” spokesperson Andrea Ernesaks said in a statement.

“To ensure the safety of our customers and better align with other jurisdictions, Metrolinx will require e-bike batteries to comply with standard UL or CE requirements, in addition to other measures, effective April 9.”

More details will be shared prior to that date, Ernesaks said.

UL and CE requirements are safety certifications for lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in micromobility devices, as well as laptop computers, electric cars and cellphones, as well as other consumer electronics. These batteries have a high energy density, but can be dangerous, particularly if used incorrectly or are tampered with.

The new regulations come amid concerns over e-bike overcrowding on GO trains and the safety of mi-cromobility devices, after one caught fire on a TTC subway car in December, injuring one person.

Metrolinx has added six designated bike coaches to its GO Kitchener-Union line to accommodate an influx of e-bikes, mostly owned by food couriers, on the trains, sparking safety concerns. The Star recently rode the line during the busiest times for delivery workers and found the bike cars helped mitigate overcrowding, although they are not on every train.

Fire services have been scrambling to reduce the safety risks of lithium-ion battery fires, which have killed and injured people in Toronto and around the world.

On New Year’s Eve, Toronto Fire Services responded to reports of a fire on a TTC Line 1 train at Sheppard-Yonge station. The fire was sparked by the failure of the lithium-ion battery that powered an ebike, according to Toronto’s fire chief. One person was injured and treated by paramedics.

Speaking to reporters in December, Chief Matthew Pegg warned about the safety of devices that use these batteries, especially in enclosed spaces.

“When lithium-ion batteries fail and ignite, the response is an intense, rapidly developing fire that poses an immediate risk to anyone in the area.”

The TTC does not permit bikes of any kind on subways or streetcars during peak hours, but allows them on weekends and during quieter weekday hours, including before 6:30 a.m., between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and after 7 p.m. It does not currently have any rules about battery certifications.

In 2022, Toronto fire responded to 29 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. In 2023, the number of these fires increased to 55. Most of these fires were from batteries powering e-bikes and e-scooters, Pegg said. In October, two people were hospitalized after an e-bike caught fire within a residential highrise in Yorkville.

“Metrolinx require e-bike will batteries to comply with standard UL or CE requirements … effective April 9. ANDREA ERNESAKS METROLINX SPOKESPERSON