Councils across Sydney are urging stricter regulations on e-bikes, which have increasingly dominated footpaths and made pedestrians feel unsafe.
A NSW Parliamentary inquiry into the use of electric bicycles has received submissions from more than a dozen local councils, including Northern Beaches Council, which stated that some residents “no longer feel safe” walking on sidewalks.
Concerns over the unsafe use of e-bikes have also been raised in other cities. In Brisbane, police issued more than 50 fines to e-bike and e-scooter riders during a 24-hour blitz on January 17, while in Melbourne, authorities handed out 130 fines in a single day during a similar crackdown last year.
The rising popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters in recent years has led to congested sidewalks littered with abandoned bikes, forcing pedestrians to navigate around speeding riders.
Willoughby Council, located on Sydney’s lower north shore, suggested in its submission to the inquiry that size and weight limits be imposed on e-bikes. It also recommended granting police and council rangers greater authority to regulate their use.
Sutherland Council, in Sydney’s south, proposed that e-bikes be fitted with noise-emitting devices to alert pedestrians and minimize the risk of collisions. The council also called for increased funding to develop dedicated bike lanes.
Northern Beaches Council expressed concerns that some residents were “reporting that they are reconsidering their ability to walk as a transport option, impacting physical health and social inclusion outcomes.”
The council also highlighted that some riders who can legally travel up to 25 km/h are as young as 10 years old and may lack the ability to properly assess and manage risks.
E-bikes are legal in NSW as long as they adhere to specific regulations, such as requiring riders to wear helmets, staying off pedestrian-only footpaths, and not exceeding a speed of 25 km/h (pictured, a rider in Sydney).
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Sales of e-bikes have surged in recent years, tripling between 2020 and 2022 (pictured, electric Lime bikes in Sydney).
“For community members who have experienced a near miss, who have a trauma history or who are particularly frail, there is a psychological impact from not feeling safe using our footpaths,” the council said.
North Sydney Council also advocated for additional funding to build separate lanes for e-bikes. It urged the government to collaborate more closely with food delivery companies, such as Uber, to ensure their riders understand road rules.
E-bike sales have skyrocketed in recent years, more than tripling between 2020 and 2022.
However, advocacy group Bicycle NSW defended e-bike usage, arguing that penalizing riders should be a last resort.
“Warnings and education are the first step, and policing must not disincentivise active transport,” the group stated.
Transport for NSW supported e-bike use but stressed that riders must comply with existing legal frameworks, including speed restrictions.
“Transport for NSW works closely with NSW Police, which is responsible for the enforcement of road transport offences for non-compliant e-bikes, including the power to seize any unregistered or illegal device,” a spokeswoman said.
“Transport for NSW continues to develop and increase e-bike safety messaging in road safety campaigns.”
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E-bikes and e-scooters have gained popularity in recent years but have also caused sidewalks to become cluttered with toppled bikes (pictured).
The ongoing state inquiry is examining various aspects of e-bike use, including their potential to alleviate traffic congestion and “opportunities to reform the regulatory framework to achieve better and safe outcomes for riders and the community.”
In NSW, Victoria, and Queensland, e-bikes are permitted on public roads as long as they do not exceed 25 km/h.
Riders must follow the same rules as those using traditional bicycles, including wearing helmets and avoiding pedestrian-only footpaths.
E-scooters are permitted in Victoria and Queensland but remain prohibited on public property in NSW.
Last year, the NSW government announced new product regulations targeting lithium batteries used in e-bikes and e-scooters, which have been linked to hundreds of fires across Australia.
Manufacturers failing to meet these safety standards could face fines exceeding $800,000.