E-bikes and e-scooters are not permitted on TTC vehicles during winter

The TTC bans e-bikes and e-scooters on its vehicles and in its stations annually from November 15 to April 15 due to fire safety risks from lithium-ion batteries. The prohibition, which took effect after a subway fire incident in late 2023, prioritizes the safety of customers and employees by reducing the risk of battery fires, especially in colder conditions. Customers can use e-bikes or e-scooters to reach stations, using bicycle parking at or near station entrances and City of Toronto bicycle storage rooms. 

Here are some reasons:

1. Battery Fire Hazard

   • The main reason is the risk of lithium-ion battery fires.

   • If a battery is damaged, poorly manufactured, or overcharged, it can overheat and catch fire—a process known as thermal runaway.

   • These fires are extremely difficult to extinguish and produce toxic smoke, especially dangerous in enclosed spaces like subway tunnels or vehicles.

2. Recent Incidents

   • Several battery fires on public transit systems around the world (especially in New York, London, and some Canadian cities) have caused injuries and major service disruptions.

   • The TTC has recorded or reviewed incidents in Toronto where e-bikes caught fire near stations or on platforms.

3. Passenger Safety and Evacuation

   • In a confined subway car or tunnel, a battery fire could fill the space with smoke in seconds, making evacuation difficult and endangering hundreds of passengers.

4. Policy Scope

   • The ban covers e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards, and other personal mobility devices powered by lithium batteries.

   • Standard bicycles (non-electric) and mobility aids (such as electric wheelchairs and medical scooters) are still allowed, since they meet regulated safety standards.

5. Temporary but Ongoing

   • The TTC has said the policy is in place “until further notice” while they review safety standards and possible certification requirements for safe lithium-powered devices.

Cases:

• Recent TTC Incident

  • There was a fire aboard a TTC subway train at Sheppard-Yonge station caused by a lithium-ion battery in an e-bike.

  • A person was injured (non life-threatening) from that incident.

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• City-wide Lithium-ion Battery Fire Data (Toronto)

  • In 2022, there were 29 fires in Toronto resulting from lithium-ion battery failures.

  • In 2023, that number went up to 55 fires.

  • Many of these involve e-bikes and scooters.

• Fatality

  • Since 2020, Toronto Fire Services recorded one fatality connected to a lithium-ion battery fire.