The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is considering a seasonal ban on e-bikes and similar devices across its transit system following a dramatic subway fire linked to a lithium-ion battery.
The proposed restriction, which still requires approval at the Oct. 29 board meeting of the Toronto Transit Commission, would prohibit e-bikes, e-scooters and their batteries from all TTC vehicles and station interiors between Nov. 15 and April 15.
The move comes after a New Year’s Eve 2023 incident in which an e-bike battery caught fire on a subway train pulling into Sheppard–Yonge station. Video from the scene showed heavy smoke and flames inside the train, prompting an emergency response. Toronto firefighters ultimately submerged the battery in a sand mixture to prevent it from reigniting.
According to TTC staff, investigators from Toronto Fire Services concluded that the battery suffered a “thermal runaway” a dangerous failure mode in lithium-ion batteries where heat, gas and vapour trigger a chain reaction that can lead to fire or explosion.
In its report, TTC staff said discussions were held with the e-bike’s manufacturer and distributor after the incident. The manufacturer indicated that the model involved was not designed for use in harsh winter conditions, including exposure to snow, ice and road salt.
“With a temperature of about 1 C on the day of the incident, it is possible the roadways the e-bike travelled on had been treated with salt,” staff noted, suggesting that winter road conditions may have contributed to battery damage.
The recommendation also reflects broader concerns over the lack of regulation surrounding personal electric mobility devices. TTC staff highlighted that uncertified or improperly used lithium-ion batteries pose an elevated fire risk, particularly in enclosed transit environments.
“Fluctuating temperatures can lead to condensation and lithium plating inside batteries, increasing the risk of short circuits and fires,” the report said. “Exposure to road salt and de-icing chemicals during winter months further heightens these risks, and it remains difficult to verify the integrity of batteries brought onto transit property.”
While the TTC acknowledged the proposed ban could have a financial impact, officials said any effect on ridership or revenue is currently unknown.
The restriction would not apply to passengers with disabilities who rely on powered wheelchairs or other assistive mobility devices.
If approved, the TTC policy would align with a revised rule already in place at GO Transit, which introduced stricter requirements in April. Under that policy, e-bikes and batteries must meet recognized safety standards such as UL or CE certification. GO Transit staff inspect devices brought onto vehicles, apply tamper-proof seals to approved bikes, and can order unsafe batteries removed from transit property.
At the municipal level, City of Toronto bylaws allow e-bikes on roads and bike lanes, but e-scooters remain prohibited on roads, sidewalks and trails.
The TTC board is expected to debate the proposed winter ban later this month, with passenger safety at the centre of the decision.
