Kiama Residents Urged to Share Views on E-Scooters and E-Bikes

Kiama Residents Encouraged to Provide Feedback on E-Scooters and E-Bikes

Residents in Kiama are being called upon to voice their opinions on the usage of e-scooters and e-bikes in the community. Gareth Ward, the Member for Kiama, has initiated a new survey aimed at gathering insights from residents within the Kiama electorate regarding the regulation of these electric mobility devices.

The primary objective of this community survey is to address the safety concerns raised by local residents. Ward emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety of all community members, particularly highlighting the risks posed to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, parents with strollers, and individuals with disabilities when e-scooters and e-bikes are not operated responsibly.

Highlighting the absence of Australian Design Rules for electric scooters, Ward references the trail recommendations from March 2020, which underscored the need for evidence-based vehicle specifications to enhance visibility, speedometer accuracy, braking systems, and maneuvering capabilities. This initiative aligns with the NSW Parliament’s decision in June 2024 to launch an Upper House inquiry into the use of e-scooters, e-bikes, and other similar mobility devices. Ward eagerly anticipates the inquiry’s final report and the subsequent policy recommendations, noting that the survey findings will inform his stance on potential legislative reforms.

In his statement, Ward stresses the importance of ensuring that public spaces, including streets, shopping areas, and transportation hubs, remain safe and inclusive for all individuals, including those utilizing e-scooters and e-bikes. He acknowledges the potential benefits of e-mobility devices in promoting mode shift, reducing congestion, addressing social inequalities, and boosting tourism.

Ward concludes by emphasizing the State Government’s responsibility to implement decisive actions that strike a balance between various interests while prioritizing public safety above all else. The ultimate goal is to create a regulatory framework that fosters a safe environment for everyone in the community.

Residents of Kiama are encouraged to actively participate in the survey to contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the regulation and usage of e-scooters and e-bikes, ultimately shaping the future of electric mobility within the Kiama electorate.