NSW inquiry urges e-mobility overhaul

A New South Wales Legislative Council inquiry has delivered a report on e-bikes, e-scooters and other mobility devices with 34 recommendations that include changes to better control their use and increased funding for active transport paths.

The trend towards “fat bikes” in some Sydney suburbs that have been altered to increase speed over legal levels was one of the triggers for the inquiry as was the illegality of e-scooters in the state.

The inquiry report urges the government to crack down on all illegal e-mobility devices but to also review its decision to have a higher allowable power for e-bikes compared to the rest of Australia.

Infrastructure was recognised with the call on the government to fund identified strategic cycleways corridors, seek developer contributions for cycleways and approve more 30km/h streets in shopping centres, cities, around schools and universities, and health centres.

The inquiry also looked at e-scooters which are currently illegal in most of the state, recommending that e-scooters and bikes be allowed on footpaths but limited to speeds of 15km/h.

Batteries are addressed in the report, recommending the state government establish safety standards and protocols for the use, storage and charging of batteries; implement public education campaigns about safe battery usage, storage and disposal practices; and improve recycling rates.

Shared e-bike and e-scooter parking is still causing problems, prompting the inquiry to recommend conversion of some car spaces for e-mobility parking.

Food-delivery riders are targeted in the report, with recommendations that they undertake mandatory safety training and they, as well as all e-mobility riders aged older than 16, undertake a Driver Knowledge Test. The report also says options for education of riders under the age of 16 should be explored.

Mandatory insurance for e-mobility riders is also identified for the government to further investigate.

The government has not yet responded to the report, which you can read on the parliament website.