Northern Beaches Council today welcomed NSW Government action on e-scooters and e-bikes, with improved safety initiatives, better clarity on rules and the commitment to education and road safety campaigns. 

However, Council remains concerned on lack of regulation on the use of e-bikes on footpaths and shared paths and no firm commitment to improve enforcement.  

Mayor Sue Heins said the government had addressed many of the issues Council highlighted.   

“Northern Beaches Council has led the way in advocacy on e-bike regulation and education, responding to the explosion of e-bike use in our area and the significant safety concerns raised by our community,” Mayor Heins said.  

“In fact, we launched the first e-bike education campaign of its kind in Australia with our “Know the Code” campaign which had great engagement and has seen a reduction in complaints raised to Council.  

“But so much more is needed. Our community will welcome the NSW Government speed limits on e-scooters, the review of NSW Road Rules and commitment to investment in infrastructure. 

“However, it is a missed opportunity to not implement new speed limits on e-bikes on footpaths. The rule that allows a 12-year-old on a fat bike to ride at the same speed on the footpath as on the road next to it is an obvious safety risk for pedestrians and should have been a key consideration in the government’s response.  

“All the rules in the world can be put in place but we know that without enforcement they will be ineffective. This government response lacks detail on how Transport for NSW and NSW Police will work to improve enforcing the regulations. 

“We will continue our advocacy on these key safety issues. 

“I am encouraged to see the commitment to boosting both rider and driver education, including to the Driver Knowledge test and in-school education.” 

Mayor Heins said the Federal Government also had a role to play to strengthen regulations governing the importation of e-micromobility devices.  

“Great to see the NSW government step up and start to give a real focus to the safety issues. Now we need the Federal Government to turn its attention to ensuing e-bikes and e-scooters being imported comply with the rules too.”     

Media Contact: For media enquiries please email media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au or for urgent queries please call 0481 907 545.