A magistrate has refused bail to a Swiss backpacker who rode through Melbourne's Burnley Tunnel on a skateboard last week.

A truck almost ran over 21-year-old Dominic Emmenegger when he fell off his skateboard in the tunnel during morning peak hour on Thursday.

Later that day he faced court and pleaded guilty to reckless conduct endangering serious injury.

Emmenegger was bailed on strict conditions but was arrested yesterday after failing to report to St Kilda Police Station.

The court heard he had not surrendered his passport and was not living at the Collins Street CBD address to which he was bailed.

Emmenegger's lawyer Christopher Farrington said his client had tried to report to the Prahran Police Station but police there had told him he could not report there and also refused to take his passport.

Mr Farrington said Emmenegger was also unable to phone police because he had no credit on his phone.

Magistrate Jelena Popovic questioned whether Emmenegger's actions were a publicity stunt after hearing he is living in Toorak with a woman who has become his promoter.

His lawyer told the court Emmenegger wants to use his profile "for good" to raise awareness of cancer.

Bail was denied and Emmenegger will return to court tomorrow.

- ABC/AAP