The New South Wales (NSW) Government has introduced a proposal to permit e-scooters on roads and shared paths for riders aged 16 and above, addressing the current ban that only allows them in trial zones. The initiative includes proposed speed limits of 10 to 20 km/h on shared paths and up to 20 km/h on roads with speed limits of 50 km/h or less, aligning NSW with other Australian regions. This plan stems from recommendations made by a Parliamentary inquiry which deemed existing regulations as outdated.
Despite the proposals, the suggested speed for e-scooters is actually 5 km/h faster than what the inquiry had recommended. Transport Minister John Graham emphasised the need to strike a balance in implementing these new regulations, indicating that thorough efforts are required to incorporate these vehicles safely into the transport landscape. Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison noted the current rules are confusing and highlighted the importance of caution amidst reports of reckless behaviour on e-scooters.
In parallel, there are discussions around the future regulation of e-bikes. The government aims to address “street clutter” by potentially establishing dedicated parking zones for e-bikes and considering their use on footpaths at speeds up to 15 km/h. Presently, e-bikes are limited to riders under 16 on footpaths and are subject to the same regulations as traditional bicycles. The inquiry highlighted the need for educational programs for food delivery riders and shared bike users, but the government is only advocating for voluntary training.
Further safety measures are also being contemplated to mitigate the risk of battery fires, particularly since around 1.35 million e-micromobility devices, including scooters and bikes, are estimated to be in households across NSW. The demographic most engaged in this mode of transport tends to be individuals aged 18 to 29.
The government’s proposals and findings are scheduled to be presented in Parliament, signalling a significant step forward in updating the regulation of e-scooters and e-bikes within the state.