Electric bicycles (e-bikes) have become very popular, especially in the downtown areas of cities and towns in Ontario. They are less expensive to purchase and maintain than a car, cost less to run, and can easily make their way through traffic.

Although they have many positive attributes, the electric bicycle batteries that need to be charged can cause some dangerous situations. There have been fires reported in underground parking areas and even on transit caused by an electric bicycle battery. Batteries are being used on some electric bicycles that are not government (CSA/ULC) approved and can overheat. These bicycles can be especially dangerous to the interior of apartments and condominiums.

One condominium in downtown Toronto has introduced a Building Rule that stipulates that residents must register an E-Bike with management and all E-bikes must park in one room in the underground that is surrounded by concrete, equipped with sprinklers and fire rated doors.

The electrical outlets will be upgraded to serve the battery charging with time limits, so as not to overcharge any battery. No batteries will be permitted to travel above the concrete basement. ie: in elevators or stairs.) The Corporation’s Security will be conducting inspections of the room to ensure that all batteries are CSA/ULC approved. Any battery not approved will be removed from the building.

Board of Directors and Managements are encouraged for the safety of their residents, to review their policies/rules regarding e-bikes.