TTC e-bike ban would disproportionately affect marginalized groups: report
TORONTO — A new report submitted to the Toronto Transit Commission says low-income individuals and marginalized groups would be disproportionately affected by a proposed seasonal ban on electric bikes and scooters.
Naraine says imposing “specific restrictions” on e-bikes and e-scooters rather than a complete ban could promote accessibility and support economic development, among other benefits.
Instead of a complete ban, Naraine suggests a TTC policy similar to that of Metrolinx, which requires e-bike batteries comply with certain safety standards.
The TTC board is set to review the equity report at its meeting on Tuesday.
So they may revise it after all. That'll be nice because the current ban is problematic. Plus they can and should ban uncertified batteries permanently. Doesn't solve the enforceability problem but it tackles the correct issue.
In Vancouver, the battery needs to be detached from the bike before putting it on a bus rack. Otherwise if a normal bicycle is allowed, then a electric bicycle is allowed on transit.
https://www.translink.ca/rider-guide/bike-and-ride-on-transit/bikes-on-transit
Toronto should make the rules similar. They can ban it if they want during rush hour period, they can ban batteries not made to standards accepted here as dangerous goods, but otherwise it's really not any less safe than a normal bike.