The NSW Government is moving forward with a safety-focused framework for e-scooters and e-bikes that includes rules and speed limits for e-scooters on shared paths, a review of road rules and work to ensure e-bikes are not modified and battery fires are reduced.

The Government’s response to recommendations from a recent Parliamentary inquiry into the use of e-scooters, e-bikes and related mobility options is due to be tabled in Parliament on Tuesday.

The response builds on the E-micromobility Action Plan released by the NSW Government last year for the more than a million e-bike and e-scooters users.

The Government is proposing that e-scooters will be able to be ridden on shared paths, with a default speed limit of 10-20kmh and a 20kmh speed limit on roads that are signposted at 50kmh and below. 

The use of e-scooters would be legal for independent riders over 16 years old, in line with Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Queensland and Western Australia. 

The NSW Government is not proposing any new speed limits for e-bikes. Work is going on to create a better framework for shared e-bike schemes that will reduce clutter on streets.

E-bikes must be mostly propelled by riders; a motor cannot be the only source of power and is there to help riders, for example, when getting started or going uphill.

E-bikes that comply with requirements in the Road Rules are defined as ‘bicycles’ and the same rules and responsibilities apply to riders of an e-bike as a traditional bicycle. NSW 

Police are responsible for the enforcement of road transport offences for illegal e-bikes.

To help ensure the ongoing safety of road-legal e-bikes, the NSW Government will review the definition of an e-bike in the NSW Road Rules, referencing a national definition and international standards. 

E-bikes and e-scooters can bring many benefits to help people move around in a healthy and affordable way, reduce congestion, demand for parking, and boost our economy and environmental outcomes. The latest data in NSW shows:

• There are around 1.35 million e-micromobility devices in NSW homes
• 47% of people use them to connect to public transport
• 34% of trips replace car trips in Greater Sydney, 45% in Regional NSW
• The highest usage is among those aged 18-29, followed by 11-17, followed by 30-49 including working parents

Action is already under way and the majority of the inquiry recommendations are supported, including:

• Reviewing the definition of an e-bike and potential for footpath riding in the NSW Road Rules
• Establishing safety standards and risk-based protocols to reduce the likelihood of battery fires, with nation-leading product safety requirements for lithium-ion e-micromobility devices 
• Boosting rider and road user education, with new voluntary tests, campaigns, and updates to in-school road safety education programs and the Driver Knowledge Test online
• Considering appropriate fines and opportunities to in collaboration with NSW Police
• Ongoing investment in critical infrastructure and improving future design of shared paths
• Greater collection of e-bike and e-scooter data to improve safety outcomes.

In the coming months, the Government will progress the proposed regulation of e-scooters and Road rule changes will be supported by communication initiatives to build awareness of all community members. For more information about how to safely use this emerging transport mode, visit: nsw.gov.au/e-bikes-e-scooters.

Minister for Transport John Graham said, “They’re known as ‘micro’ devices but e-bikes and e-scooters represent a major shift for our road and transport networks.

“We believe a sensible set of rules will promote the health and lifestyle benefits of e-bikes and e-scooters while protecting the safety of riders and everyone else sharing the paths and roads with them.   

“These devices are creating an evolution in how people move around – and that’s a good thing, but we need to get the balance right. There’s still a lot of work to do but this provides a clear path forward when it comes to properly integrating and regulating this relatively new form of transport.

“We recognise the community’s concerns, particularly around device modification, fire risk, discarded shared e-bikes and poor rider behaviour – which is why we’re taking action.”

Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said, “Thousands of people in NSW are already making the shift to e-micromobility as a healthy, cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to move around urban and regional communities. It’s pleasing we’re able to progress this key reform.

“We know there is confusion around the current rules, and we’ve seen some dangerous behaviour, so we’re urging people to exercise caution. E-bike riders should always give way to pedestrians, wear a helmet and check their device is road-legal. It is currently illegal to ride an e-scooter on public roads and paths.”