What to know
- The TTC’s seasonal e-bike and e-scooter ban takes effect Nov. 15, 2026, and will remain in place until April 15, 2027.
- The restrictions prohibit electric bikes and scooters on all TTC property, including buses, streetcars, subway trains and stations.
- The seasonal ban was introduced to address fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, following safety concerns and a serious e-bike explosion aboard a TTC subway train in 2024.
- Commuters can use designated bicycle parking facilities and bike lockers at select TTC stations, but e-bikes cannot be carried on TTC bus bike racks.
- Toronto Fire Services has reported a significant increase in lithium-ion battery fires, rising from nine incidents in 2021 to 113 as of Oct. 14, 2026.
Starting Sunday, commuters will no longer be allowed to take the TTC with their e-bikes and e-scooters, as the agency’s annual winter safety restrictions kick in.
Electric bikes and scooters will not be permitted on TTC property, including its vehicles, from Nov. 15, 2026 to April. 15, 2027.
The rule is part of a seasonal ban approved by the TTC Board in 2024 in an effort to reduce fire risks linked to lithium-ion batteries. According to the agency, these batteries are more susceptible to short circuits and fires during the colder months, as extreme temperatures and temperature fluctuations could lead to augmented risks.
The ban also aims to address safety concerns related to e-bikes and e-scooters in vehicles, as they could restrict seating areas and become a tripping hazard.
The agency says the restrictions come after an e-bike caused a major explosion aboard a TTC subway train in 2024. The incident resulted in a rapid evacuation and left the owner with second-degree burns and an operator with smoke inhalation.
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Battery-powered vehicles used for mobility purposes by people with disabilities, like electric wheelchairs, are still permitted on the TTC.
What to do if you are carrying an e-bike, e-scooter
Those carrying micromobility vehicles like e-bikes and e-scooters are advised to leave their devices at or near TTC stations or store them at one of the city’s storage facilities.
The TTC also offers bike lockers at Kipling, Don Mills, Finch, Finch West, Bayview, Sheppard West, Yorkdale, and Kennedy stations.
E-bikes are not permitted on TTC bus bike racks, as they are unable to support their weight.
Commuters should also note that riding an e-scooter is illegal in Toronto’s streets and public spaces, even though the devices are sold in the city.
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Lithium-ion battery-powered vehicles spark concerns
Toronto Fire Services has previously warned residents about fire risks linked to lithium-ion batteries, after registering an increase in incidents related to e-bikes and e-scooters in the city.
According to the service, these types of fires have jumped from only nine in 2021 to 113 in 2026 as of Oct. 14. The agency has also responded to multiple incidents involving these vehicles in one day during the summer.
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Riders are advised to avoid buying alternative batteries and charging accessories for their e-bikes and e-scooters, as well as tempering with original batteries, as that may cause destabilization.
Batteries should also not be left in the extreme heat or cold, as these temperatures could cause thermal runaways and lead to fires.
