A food delivery courier rides an e-bike in Toronto on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) board has voted to ban mobility devices powered by lithium-ion batteries, including electric bikes and scooters, on its vehicles and in stations during the winter months. The seasonal ban will run from November 15 to April 15 each year, citing concerns over potential fire hazards.
Details on when enforcement will begin were not immediately clear following Tuesday’s decision.
TTC Chair Jamaal Myers introduced the motion after a report highlighted how a year-round ban could disproportionately impact low-income and marginalized individuals who rely on e-bikes and scooters for transportation. The report also warned that even a seasonal restriction could lead to lost income and reduced autonomy for gig and delivery workers.
Instead of a full ban, the report suggested adopting safety measures similar to Metrolinx’s policy, which requires e-bike batteries to meet specific safety standards.
In response, Myers amended the motion to address concerns raised in the report. The amendments call for the city and the Toronto Parking Authority to collaborate with food delivery companies and labor unions like Gig Workers United to explore secure e-bike storage and battery charging options near transit stations.
The motion also includes a request for delivery platforms to verify e-bike and battery certifications and urges the TTC to advocate for stronger safety regulations for e-bikes and batteries at the provincial and federal levels.
This decision reflects a broader effort to balance safety concerns with the needs of riders who depend on mobility devices as an essential part of their daily lives.
