Seasonal Prohibition on Lithium-Ion Battery Powered E-Bikes and E-Scooters on the TTC and the Feasibility of Providing More Secure E-Bike and E-Scooter Storage and Battery Charging and Exchange Facilities near Transit Stations - by Councillor Jamaal Myers, seconded by Councillor Dianne Saxe

While the Toronto Transit Commission remains committed to improving the integration of cycling, micromobility and transit in Toronto, this ban supports the Toronto Transit Commission's priority of putting the safety of employees and customers first. Lithium-ion batteries are known to pose a greater risk in colder months, resulting in a higher likelihood of fires. Paired with the increased risk for fire damage and spread in underground tunnels, the seasonal ban was determined to be the safest option for customers and employees. However, the Toronto Transit Commission recognizes that this ban also has a disproportionate effect on some of the most marginalized workers in our city. In New York City a public e-bike battery charging pilot program was piloted and met with considerable success. It is thus vital that the City of Toronto explore appropriate options and the costs of supplying such options for food delivery workers prior to the re-implementation of the ban for Winter 2025.

develop an e-bikes policy specific to all enclosed Toronto Transit Commission public spaces by July 2025. 2. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to work with the Toronto Parking Authority to work with food delivery companies to provide e-bike and battery storage, exchange, charging, and transport solutions to support their workers' needs, including requiring verification of e-bike and battery certification for workers to use their delivery platform. 3. City Council request the Toronto Transit Commission to work with the Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services, the General Manager, Transportation Services, labour associations (such as Gig Workers United) and food delivery companies (including Uber, Doordash, Skip, etc.) to develop a communications campaign to inform e-bike users of the Toronto Transit Commission's e-bike policies.