A debate is brewing in Queensland as calls for the registration and insurance of electric bikes and scooters gain momentum. Burleigh MP Hermann Vorster is backing the demand from his constituents for these e-vehicles to be covered by compulsory third-party insurance. This move comes in the wake of a parliamentary inquiry into the safety of e-bikes, which has received over 600 public submissions so far.
While some submissions advocate for e-bikes as a sustainable transportation option, concerns have been raised about the need for better regulation to enforce speed limits and introduce a registration system. The final report on e-mobility safety is expected to be released in March next year, postponing any immediate changes.
Despite resistance to the idea of registration for bicycles in Australia historically, the surge in e-bike popularity and safety concerns have pushed the issue to the forefront. Residents are demanding stricter rules for personal mobility devices to curb dangerous behavior, particularly among unlicensed riders.
Burleigh MP Vorster emphasized the community’s frustration with reckless e-bike usage and highlighted the need for measures to ensure their safe operation. While no specific law changes have been proposed yet, the focus remains on striking a balance between promoting active transport and safeguarding pedestrians, especially vulnerable groups like the elderly and children.
Local authorities, including Gold Coast councillor Nick Marshall, are also weighing in on the debate, suggesting that registration might be necessary to identify and penalize offenders. Marshall underscored the importance of creating designated paths for e-bikes to minimize conflicts with pedestrians.
However, not everyone is on board with the idea of registration. Bicycle Queensland, a cycling advocacy group, opposes the move, arguing that it would only add unnecessary bureaucracy. The organization asserts that high-powered e-bikes causing concerns are already illegal, advocating for stricter enforcement of existing laws and compliance by retailers.
The group’s interim chief executive, Liana Heath, stressed the need to encourage active transport and facilitate the adoption of e-bikes without imposing additional obstacles. With the rapid proliferation of illegal e-bikes, authorities are urged to prioritize safety and ensure that riders and the public are not put at risk.
As the debate over the registration and insurance of electric bikes and scooters continues, stakeholders are grappling with finding a solution that balances safety concerns with the promotion of sustainable and eco-friendly transportation options. The outcome of the parliamentary inquiry in Queensland next year is poised to shape the regulatory landscape for e-mobility in the state.
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