The New South Wales (NSW) government has taken a significant step towards enhancing safety on the streets by legalizing electric scooters (e-scooters). This move comes in response to a series of lithium-ion battery fires and a notable increase in reported injuries associated with e-scooter usage. The current regulatory framework prohibits riding e-scooters on the streets, despite their legal purchase status, leading to a regulatory gap that has not deterred over one million NSW residents from utilizing these devices, with a majority considering them a convenient mode of transportation.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen highlighted that there are approximately 1.35 million e-micro mobility devices in NSW households, with nearly 460,000 being e-scooters. Surprisingly, only 22% of individuals in the state are aware of the illegality of riding e-scooters on public roads. The Transport Minister emphasized the urgent need to address this regulatory blind spot to ensure public safety.
The Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) has identified lithium-ion batteries as a rapidly growing fire hazard in the region, attributing over 40% of house fires to electronic devices, including these batteries. Moreover, a legislative council inquiry revealed a surge in e-bike-related injuries nationwide. Data from the Royal Melbourne Hospital indicated more than 250 e-scooter-related injuries in Melbourne, while Queensland witnessed a doubling of injury rates linked to e-scooters in 2024.
To mitigate these risks and promote safe e-mobility practices, the NSW government has introduced an Action Plan that includes regulating the sale of lithium-ion batteries and e-mobility devices through NSW Fair Trading. Vendors of e-scooters and e-bikes will face substantial fines if they fail to comply with the new safety standards. Additionally, the plan encompasses the establishment of designated e-scooter parking areas in key locations across the state, such as Circular Quay, Central, Newtown, and Bondi Junction, among others.
Minister Haylen emphasized that legalizing e-scooter usage and providing infrastructure for parking will alleviate traffic congestion and parking challenges while promoting sustainable transportation options. The government aims to strike a balance between encouraging e-scooter use and ensuring community safety. Furthermore, the plan includes a review of e-bike utilization in local communities, the development of road rules for e-mobility vehicles, and the implementation of shared e-scooter trials.
In conclusion, the legalization of e-scooters in NSW represents a progressive step towards fostering safer and more sustainable urban mobility. By addressing regulatory gaps, enhancing safety standards, and promoting responsible e-scooter usage, the government aims to create a conducive environment for the widespread adoption of e-mobility solutions, contributing to a greener and more efficient transportation landscape in the state.
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