Will it be an uphill struggle?
The State Government plans to legalise e-scooters as part of a new e-micromobility action plan, recognising that, although they can be purchased, they cannot be legally ridden on NSW roads.
A NSW Parliamentary Inquiry in October into the use of e-scooters, e-bikes and related mobility options attracted over 300 submissions, including one from The Pedestrian Council of Australia (PCA).
PCA’s chief executive officer Harold Scruby told PL that people were ‘very concerned’ about legalising e-scooters.
Mr Scruby sat on an e-scooter advisory committee in 2020, which recommended riders be over 17 years old and licensed, with e-scooters capped at a maximum speed of 10km/hr on shared paths, with registered numberplates.
“We – the Police, NRMA, Bicycle NSW and Ambulance NSW – pushed forward very reasonable recommendations, which the new Transport Minister Jo Haylen has thrown in the bin,” Mr Scruby said. “She’s come back stating e-scooter riders in a trial had felt wobbly at (the trial speed of) 10km/hr.
“(Now the proposed speed is 20km/hr). My response is pedestrians feel a ‘bit wobbly’ at 20km/hr when they get hit. The whole thing is a joke.”
Melbourne scrapped its shared e-scooter scheme in August due to safety concerns.
“(The shared scooter trial in Sydney) is an absolute failure,” said Mr Scruby. “About 50% (of riders) aren’t wearing helmets; no one wants to wear a helmet that 10 other people have worn on a hot Day. And they’re just dumping them everywhere.”
Mr Scruby said the government would regret its decision. “You can’t imagine the technology that’s evolving in e-rideables or what it’s going to be like in five years, but you won’t be able to turn back the tide in five years,” he said.
Northern Beaches Council presented a submission to the recent NSW upper house inquiry and participated in discussions. “We were pleased to hear about the inquiry into the impacts of e-bikes and other e-mobility devices within the community,” Mayor Sue Heins told PL. “We look forward to seeing the results and addressing the outcomes it presents.
“The prevalence of e-scooters is increasing on the Northern Beaches. Council is concerned with safety issues associated with these devices. Once we know the obligations and legal requirements resulting from the inquiry, council will respond accordingly.”
Mayor Heins said council’s e-bike campaign in May had resulted in ‘behavioural changes’ in e-bike riders and ‘reduced incidents and serious accidents.’