TTC bans e-bikes and e-scooters during winter travel

The safety of employees and customers will always be our top priority, which is why, effective immediately until April 15, lithium-ion battery-powered micromobility devices, including e-bikes and e-scooters, will no longer be permitted inside TTC stations and facilities or on TTC vehicles.

The decision comes after an incident last year involving a lithium-ion battery explosion and fire on a TTC subway train, as well as several other similar incidents in Toronto. The TTC also regularly receives complaints about both battery safety and the bulky nature of the devices, which pose a tripping hazard. Paired with the increased risk for fire damage and spread in underground tunnels, the ban was determined to be the safest option for customers and employees.

While the TTC remains committed to improving the integration of cycling and transit in Toronto, safety continues to be the cornerstone of all we do, and this decision supports that. Lithium-ion batteries pose a greater risk in colder months, particularly during fluctuating temperatures, resulting in a higher likelihood of short circuits and fires.

Please note, electric wheelchairs or other mobility devices used by people with disabilities will continue to be allowed on the TTC system.

Customers will be informed of the ban through new signs, handouts and announcements, as well as information on the TTC’s social media channels and website. Anyone operating or transporting an e-bike or e-scooter from now until April 15 will be educated on the ban, and if they refuse to comply, they will be asked to leave the system.

We will continue to monitor this new measure as lithium-ion battery technology evolves to ensure the ban is the safest and best option for everyone on our transit system.

When the ban is lifted in the spring, lithium-ion battery-powered e-bikes and other bikes will be permitted on the TTC anytime on weekends and statutory holidays, and during non-peak hours, Monday to Friday before 6:30 a.m., between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and after 7 p.m.

While customers are permitted to carry lithium-ion battery-powered e-scooters on the TTC outside of the ban period, the operation of these e-scooters remains banned on all TTC properties year-round; they cannot be operated, parked or stored on public streets in Toronto as per Toronto Municipal Code Chapters 950, 886 and 608.

More information will be shared with you shortly. In the meantime, should you have any questions, please contact your Manager or Supervisor.

Josh Colle
​Chief Strategy and Customer Experience Officer

Betty Hasserjian
​Chief Safety Officer

December 17, 2024