Politicians, surgeons say safety paramount
Sydney is ‘a bit like the Wild West’ when it comes to e-bikes, but federal and state regulation was essential to minimise harm to pedestrians and ensure safety for riders, a Northern Beaches forum has heard.
Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby and Mackellar’s Sophie Scamps hosted a panel of police, school leaders, a surgeon, Bicycle NSW and E-Bike Safety Australia in front of a packed audience at Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club on 22 August.
E-bikes are very popular on the Northern Beaches, with many children using them to get to school. But regulation has been piece-meal, and while NSW laws limit speed to 25km, most imported e-bikes can be easily adapted to unlock speed restrictions, even up to 50km, the forum heard.
Increasing injuries, including deaths from collisions, has advocates calling for more action.
“We can’t wait for the Commonwealth to act,” Ms Scruby said. “There is value in making the act of unlocking an e-bike to go 50km/hr illegal.”
Dr Scamps said she would be putting forward a private members bill in Federal Parliament to address e-bike importation loopholes. “It’s a bit like the Wild West out there when it comes to e-bikes, but they’re here to stay,” Dr Scamps said. “(I will propose) nationally consistent standards and closing import loopholes that allow illegal, high powered, easily modifiable e-bikes into Australia.”
After its e-mobility inquiry, the State Government in May called for a minimum age of 16 for e-bike riders, but no change to the 25km speed limit. Ms Scruby is calling for speed to be lowered to 10km on footpaths and shared paths, with adults restricted to road use only.
“I’m very concerned that the government is seeking to relax footpath laws,” Ms Scruby said. “People in Pittwater want the restrictions for under 16s only to remain and for a speed limit.”
E-bike licences were also raised at the forum, with schools like Stella Maris already requiring students who ride to school to undertake the learner-driver’s online test. “Licencing and registration bring education and accountability,” Ms Scruby argued. “If the government doesn’t want to support that system, Pittwater schools have expressed willingness to trial innovative youth licensing and registration programs and I’m committed to making that happen.”
Head of trauma at Westmead Children’s Hospital, Soundappan V Soundappan, said there had been a ‘sharp’ increase in the number of presentations of fractures, facial and head injuries.
Ms Scruby concluded by saying enforcement ‘must be resolved and planned for.’ “In other jurisdictions illegal e-bikes are confiscated, or parents are responsible for fines – those measures will send a clear message.”
