Waverley Council, representing Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs including Bondi and Bondi Junction, has announced plans to remove numerous electric bikes (ebikes) from local streets due to safety concerns. Mayor Will Nemesh has been vocal about the need for increased safety measures surrounding the use of these bikes, expressing frustration over their careless positioning and reckless riding that jeopardises pedestrians.
While bike-sharing is generally the State Government’s responsibility, Nemesh insists the council cannot wait for accidents to necessitate action. He believes that impounding ebikes posing safety risks will significantly mitigate potential harm to both residents and visitors. He has urged bike-share operators to assume greater responsibility for the management and storage of their bikes.
Despite expressing determination to implement swift actions against irresponsible companies, only one provider, Lime, has complied with the council’s requirements. Lime has committed to various initiatives over the next two years, including limiting the number of bikes in certain areas and establishing designated parking spots, alongside the introduction of geofencing technology to prohibit usage in specified no-go zones.
Waverley Council has the legal authority, via the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021, to impound bikes that obstruct public spaces or pose safety hazards. Operators are given a three-hour window to address complaints before bikes are removed. Post-impoundment, providers have 28 days to retrieve their bicycles for a fee.
The presence of shared ebikes in Waverley has surged, with bike trips reportedly increasing by 350 per cent since 2021, prompting escalating complaints from the community. Locals have expressed frustration over the chaotic placement of bikes on footpaths and hazardous riding speeds. Nemesh has called for both local and state interventions, suggesting that a state-led tender process for bike-sharing services would introduce necessary operational guidelines.
In addition to the ongoing concerns in Waverley, there are calls for stricter regulations on ebikes from other areas, including the Gold Coast. The significant rise in the use of shared bikes has not only raised safety issues but is also infusing a sense of urgency among local councils to advocate for better-controlled bicycle sharing practices.
In New South Wales, licensed electric bikes must meet specific criteria, assisting riders up to a speed of 25 km/h without exceeding legal restrictions on pedal-assist mechanics. Furthermore, it is illegal to ride petrol-powered or internal combustion bikes and riders must adhere to strict rules regarding footpath usage and helmet requirements. Recent developments also include a state parliamentary inquiry into ebikes, with Transport for NSW currently reviewing the findings to potentially influence future regulations.