TTC staff recommend winter ban on e-bikes and e-scooters [Video]

TTC staff are recommending that the transit service ban lithium-ion-powered mobility devices like e-scooters and e-bikes through the winter months due to the risk of fire in adverse conditions such as salty roads.

“While supporting micromobility aligns with City goals, including reducing traffic congestion, encouraging sustainable transportation, and contributing to local economic development, the TTC’s primary concern is safety for customers and employees,” a report going before the TTC Board next week states.

If passed, the new rules would prohibit operating, charging, or transporting e-bikes and e-scooters on TTC property and bringing them onboard TTC vehicles during the winter season, from Nov. 15 to April 15.

“This is as a result of the fire safety danger that lithium-ion batteries pose, especially during the winter months,” staff say in the report.

E-bikes and e-scooters have been growing in popularity in the city over the past few years and became more and more common on transit, especially …