The State Opposition has announced it will oppose the proposed ban of e-bikes on trains.
Shadow Minister for Public Transport, Matthew Guy, said it made no sense to encourage people to use e-bikes and e-scooters but outlaw them on public transport.
"E-bikes and e-scooters are now an important part of sustainable alternative transport," said Guy.
"Banning their carriage on trains and trams and limiting their broader use is a gross over-reaction to a very small number of incidents involving this mode of transport, across international rail networks."
The state government's proposed e-bike ban follows incidents in Melbourne and other cities involving e-bike batteries overheating on trains.
The proposal is currently out for public consultation.
Guy suggested the proposed ban was not a solution to this problem and would go against the government's own commitments to encouraging active transport.
"Given the mobility and flexibility e-bikes and e-scooters provide to a growing number of Victorians, the government should be encouraging their use in a properly regulated and sustainable active transport market, not limiting their use to short distances from people's homes," he said.
"The Liberals and Nationals are committed to working with industry and safety experts to ensure a sensible, well-regulated framework for the use and carriage of e-bikes and e-scooters."
Bicycle Network encourages bike riders to make a submission to the consultation so that a full range of views can be considered.
We are working closely with industry partners and governments to quickly implement rigorous federal and state regulation that ensures that only fully standards-compliant e-bikes and their batteries are permitted on Australian roads.
Without the worry of these risk sub-standard bikes, there will be no reason for the train ban.
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