An Ontario Tribunal has very recently (September 2026) ruled that the condominium boards have the right to ban electric bikes from the entire property including common elements, inside private units, parking spots, storage units.
The Hinton v TSCC 2587 (a condominium located at 160 Vanderhoof Ave, Toronto) is a landmark ruling which will have profound effect on the ability to store electric bikes in condominiums and apartment rental buildings.
The Scope of the Ban.
The tribunal ruled that the condo corporation's blanket ban was reasonable. It restricts residents from storing, charging, or transporting e-bikes and similar electric mobility devices anywhere on the premises. This includes private living rooms, balconies, lockers, parking spots, lobbies, and elevators.
Safety concerns.
The reason for the ruling is simple, safety concerns. The industry is for the most part unregulated, electric bikes can be purchased from any local or foreign source, with limited safety regulations. Firese caused by electric bikes batteries are on the rise, Toronto firefighters reported 108 lithium battery fires so far in 2026, a drastic rise over the last 6 years:
- 2026 (Year-to-Date): 108 incidents (as of early October 2026)
- 2025: 91 total incidents
- 2024: 76 incidents
- 2022: 29 incidents
- 2020: 11 incidents
The fires can be, and are caused by smaller devices such as phones, but the main contributors to major fires are e-bikes, e-scooters, and other battery powered mobility devises.
How can condominium ban e-bikes.
The ban is not automatic, the condominium must change the rule in accordance with the Ontario Condominium and Human Rights (e-mobility devise for people with disabilities will be exempt).
What does it mean for the current condo residents, buyers and potential tenants.
If you are a current resident who owns e-bike, you will likely need to dispose it, the condominiums have an option to include the grandfather clause in the bank, it often is utilized for pets, but it’s unlikely to be an option for e-bikes due to safety concern.
In the near future more and more condominiums will likely have a blanket bank on e-mobility devises due to safety concern and pressure from the insurance companies increasing the premiums.
The buyers should ensure they received current rules, if you plan on bringing an e-bike to the condominium you may want to confirm with the management if they expect any rule change in the short term.
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