Report from Inquiry into E-scooters and E-bikes Released: Recommends Significant and Urgent Reform
An inquiry into the use of e-scooters, e-bikes and related mobility options, handed down its report on Thursday February 13 and recommended significant and urgent reform to the way in which these devices are regulated.
'E-mobility has revolutionised how people move through our cities, but our regulations haven't kept pace', said Committee Chair Cate Faehrmann MLC. 'We need immediate action to ensure public safety while also ensuring the use of e-mobility is actively supported.'
'Many people in the community are understandably frustrated at the lax regulatory framework for e-scooters and shared e-bike schemes, along with a lack of enforcement. This has led to dangerous speeds and bikes strewn all over footpaths, posing a significant risk to pedestrians, especially people with disability, the elderly, and children.'
'Meanwhile the responsibility has fallen on local councils to managed shared e-bike issues, with many struggling against a patchwork of inconsistent regulations and oversight that varies from one council area to the next. The lack of a unified, state-wide approach has left councils without the tools or authority to effectively address mounting community concerns,' added Ms Faehrmann.
Key recommendations from the committee include that the NSW Government:
- develop a comprehensive framework to integrate private and shared e-mobility into the state’s transport system that supports the use of both private and shared e-scooters, e-bikes and other e-mobility devices as legitimate forms of transport
- regulate the use of private e-scooters in New South Wales
- amend its draft e-scooter rules to allow riding on footpaths and shared paths, unless otherwise stated, at a maximum speed of 15 km/h, with riders having to give way to pedestrians at all times
- institute a 15km/h speed limit for e-mobility devices on shared paths and implement complementary measures, including enhanced enforcement and rider education programs, to ensure safe and responsible e-scooter use
- reduce on-road speed limits in the appropriate local government areas, providing for:
o 30 km/h speed limits in the city centres, high streets, around schools, around childcare centres and playgrounds, around universities and health care centres
o 40 km/h speed limits in all other areas
- develop a plan for the provision of parking infrastructure for shared e-bikes and e-scooters in cities and key regional centres, including dedicated parking locations, ideally no more than 200 m apart in high-density areas
- invest in a statewide social media campaign targeted at young people about safe and responsible e-mobility devices use
- establish and regulate consistent, statewide standards for clear, up to-date and easily understood signage about road rules for e-mobility device users and provide targeted funding to local governments for the installation and maintenance of this signage on road and path infrastructure.
‘These aren't just recreational riders - they're commuters, they’re parents and they’re essential workers who have found that e-mobility has made a big difference to their daily lives. While they understand the need for safety measures, they're frustrated by infrastructure gaps and restrictive regulations. They're calling for balanced rules that protect public safety while allowing this promising transport option to grow,' said Ms Faehrmann.
The committee also recommends reviewing maximum power ratings for some e-bikes to align with other jurisdictions and expanding dedicated cycling infrastructure. The report also advocates for exploring options for further rider education and knowledge testing, strengthened battery safety standards and management and new protocols for footpath riding that prioritise pedestrian safety.
‘The committee acknowledges that the NSW Government has started laying groundwork for reform, particularly around e-scooter legalisation and road rule updates. Now is the time to build on this momentum', said Ms Faehrmann.
The report, Use of e-scooters, e-bikes and related mobility options, includes three findings and 34 recommendations. The NSW Government's response to the report is due by 13 May 2025.
On the same day the report was released the Northern Beaches Council stated it encourages the NSW government to implement the recommendation of the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry on the use of e-scooters, e-bikes and related mobility options handed down today.
In October 2023 the Council called on the NSW Government to review the current road rules to improve public safety and protect pedestrians, riders and motorists from e-bike accidents.
The Council has been a strong advocate for reforms in this area due to the rise of e-bikes across the LGA and the lack of rules and education to ensure they can be operated in a safe way.
In May 2024 the Council launched an E-Bike Safety Campaign to tackle the issues associated with the spike in e-bikes through an education and behavioural change to help riders know the road rules, ride safely and respect other road uses.
In June 2024 the NSW Parliament launched a bipartisan inquiry into the impacts of e-bikes and other e-mobility devices within the community.
Mayor Sue Heins said on Thursday she was pleased the Inquiry Committee had listened to the issues raised by Council and our community.
"While we are still digesting the report I am pleased to say that at first pass it appears they have listened to Council and our community and have recommended a range of measures to improve pedestrian and rider safety.
“The report validates the concerns we have raised and if implemented, the recommendations would be a significant step toward ensuring the safety of pedestrians and riders while still promoting sustainable and active transport options.
“I particularly welcome recommendations for speed limits on footpaths, the establishment of safety standards, updating the Road Rules and Driver Knowledge Test and implementing a social media campaign to target young riders.”
Mayor Heins said in the absence of a statewide action, Northern Beaches had been forced to roll out our own campaign - Australia's first behavioural change campaign to improve pedestrian and rider safety concerning e-bikes.
“Our community awareness and safety campaign and development of an e-bike rider code hit the mark but there needs to be a multi-pronged approach.
“This issue needs leadership at the state level with changes to traffic rules, active enforcement, more education and awareness and support for local government managing the issues on the ground.
“With the growing interest in the use of e-bikes, I encourage the NSW government to respond quickly to this Inquiry so action is not delayed any further. "