Inquiry recommends urgent reforms
Urgent reforms on using e-bikes and e-scooters have been recommended in a report handed down by a Parliamentary Inquiry on 13 February.
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said council had been ‘leading the call for safer and more regulated use of e-scooters and e-bikes’ and encouraged the NSW Government to respond quickly so action was not delayed any further.
“It appears they have listened to council and our community,” said Mayor Heins. “I particularly welcome recommendations for (15km/hr) speed limits on footpaths (down from 25km/hr), the establishment of safety standards, updating the Road Rules and Driver Knowledge Test and implementing a social media campaign to target young riders.”
Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby said enforcement was crucial. “Fat bikes are a Northern Beaches cultural revolution, but we need regulations and better enforcement that strike the balance between safety and freedom.
“The government needs to play catch-up.”
Ms Scruby said that while a 15km/hr speed limit was welcome, not all users should be allowed on footpaths.
“We’ve gone from only allowing under 16s and accompanying parents to ride bikes on footpaths, to a free for all,” she said. “Footpaths shouldn’t be treated like shared paths and should remain limited to under 16s with a speed limit that’s enforced. There are major regulatory gaps resulting in illegal e-bikes doing 50km/hr on footpaths, risking the lives of pedestrians, or driving on our roads as unregistered motor bikes, not subject to road rules.”
The current speed limit for e-bikes and e-scooters is 25km/hr – but e-scooters cannot be used on public roads and footpaths. Enforcement of e-bike rules has been a constant headache for council, with rangers having limited powers, only allowed to intervene when a rider is in a prohibited area.
“It is currently a police matter to impose infringements for speeding and helmet use,” said Mayor Heins. “Only the police have the power to stop a cycle rider. Council regularly meets with police to discuss matters relating to e-bikes and e-scooters.”
Council undertook its own educational safety campaign in 2024, which included working with local principals to ensure the safety message was reaching the required audience.
A spokesperson for NSW Department of Education told PL: “The safety of our students is our top priority, and we are awaiting the government’s response to the recommendations handed down as part of the inquiry.”