Bikes on TTC vehicles

The safety of our customers and employees is the TTC’s top priority. The TTC Board voted to ban e-bikes and e-scooters during the winter months after an incident in December 2023 involving a 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 battery safety and the bulkiness of these devices that block seats and are a tripping hazard. 

Lithium-ion batteries pose a greater risk in fluctuating temperatures seen during colder months, resulting in a higher likelihood of short circuits and fires. 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. 

This ban is specific to e-bikes and e-scooters only. Electric wheelchairs or other mobility devices used by people with disabilities will continue to be allowed on the TTC system. 

Customers with e-bikes or e-scooters can park at or near entrances to all 70 subway stations or use City of Toronto bicycle storage rooms. Bicycle lockers are also available at Bayview, Don Mills, Finch, Finch West, Kennedy, Kipling, Sheppard West and Yorkdale stations, several GO Transit stations and Civic Centre locations. For more information visit our Park-and-Ride page.

No. E-bikes and e-scooters are not permitted on the TTC between November 15 and April 15. It is also not practical or feasible to inspect the battery of each e-bike or e-scooter entering the system. A ban is the safest option for our customers and employees.

Customers will be informed of the ban through new station signs, handouts, announcements and a news release, as well as information on TTC’s social media channels and website. Customers can also contact TTC Customer Service at 416-393-3030.

Anyone operating or transporting an e-bike or e-scooter from November 15 to April 15 will be educated on the ban, and if they refuse to comply, they will be asked to leave the system. Further refusal to comply could result in a fine or possible arrest, in accordance with TTC By-Law No.1 Sec 3:13(a) Failure to comply with posted sign or the Trespass to Property Act.

• Do not try to extinguish the fire, as lithium-ion fires are unpredictable and may not respond to traditional fire suppression methods. 
• If you’re on a bus, alert the Operator immediately. If you’re on a streetcar, use the intercom to alert the Operator immediately. Bus and streetcar Operators have an alarm system and two-way radios to call for assistance. The can also turn on an audible alarm or flashing lights on the outside of the vehicle to get the attention of police.
• If you’re on a subway, press the yellow emergency alarm strip located above the windows, along the wheelchair positions and near the subway car doors. On the subway platform, use the intercom located in the Designated Waiting Area to alert TTC staff who will contact emergency responders.
• Exit the vehicle or property, listen for announcements and follow additional instructions provided by TTC staff.

For more information about your safety and security while riding the TTC, visit our webpage.

No. Subsection 3.6 of TTC By-Law No. 1 states, “No person shall operate a motor vehicle on TTC property except upon roadways, parking areas or any other areas designated for use by motor vehicles.”

E-scooters that are standing electric kick-scooters are not allowed to be operated, left, stored or parked on any public street in Toronto, including bicycle lanes, cycle tracks, trails, paths, sidewalks or parks under Municipal Code Chapters 950, 886 and 608. They are not permitted on TTC vehicles or properties.