The New South Wales government has announced plans to legalize e-scooters on shared paths and bike lanes, allowing riders over the age of 16 to travel at speeds up to 20km/h on roads. Despite being available for purchase, e-scooters have been illegal to operate in public spaces in NSW, except for limited trials in certain council areas.
The move to legalize e-scooters comes as part of the government’s response to a parliamentary inquiry into the use of e-micromobility devices, which also includes e-bikes. The proposal aims to balance the accessibility advantages of these devices with safety concerns highlighted during the inquiry.
According to the roads minister, Jenny Aitchison, there are approximately 1.35 million e-micromobility devices in use across NSW, with a significant portion being used to connect with public transport. However, many of these devices are currently being used illegally, posing threats to pedestrian and road safety.
The government’s plan includes regulations such as a default speed limit of 10-20km/h on shared paths and a 20km/h limit on roads signposted at 50km/h. Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate e-scooters, aligning with regulations in other Australian jurisdictions and European recommendations.
While e-scooters will remain illegal for children under 16, minors will be allowed to ride e-bikes without a license or formal training. The government intends to review the formal definition of e-bikes within NSW’s road rules, emphasizing that e-bikes must be primarily pedal-powered and not exceed 200W of additional power from the motor.
The transport minister, John Graham, views e-mobility devices as an evolution in transportation, emphasizing the importance of implementing sensible rules to promote the benefits of e-bikes and e-scooters while ensuring the safety of riders and others sharing the paths and roads.
Experts highlight that e-scooters and e-bikes help reduce car trips, ease parking strain, and enhance access to various locations such as train stations and retail precincts. Shared e-scooter trials have been conducted in several council areas, demonstrating the potential benefits of these devices in urban transportation.
The government’s efforts also aim to address concerns related to device modifications, fire risks, and improper rider behavior. The proposed safety standards include measures to reduce lithium-ion battery fires, enhance rider education, and invest in critical infrastructure for micromobility.
Despite the potential benefits of e-scooters and e-bikes, medical professionals have raised concerns about the safety of legalizing these devices for children following an increase in children presenting to emergency rooms with crash injuries. The government remains committed to addressing these safety concerns while promoting sustainable and safe urban mobility options.
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