A pathway to legalising e-scooters and fostering safer use of other micro-mobility devices is spelled out in a new E-micromobility Action Plan released by the NSW Government.
The Action Plan recognises a regulatory blind spot that means e-scooters can be purchased in stores, but can't be ridden on NSW streets.
The Action Plan will help NSW realise the benefits of increased e-micromobility use, including reducing people's need to drive short trips and find parking. These devices will also make train stations, jobs, services and retail precincts easier to access, while also responding to issues and community concerns about e-bikes and e-scooters.
The latest data shows:
- 1 million NSW residents have ridden an e-scooter
- There are around 570,000 e-bikes and 459,000 e-scooters in homes across NSW
- 91% of people who use e-scooters in Australia find it a convenient way to travel
- 34% of e-micromobility trips are replacing car trips in Greater Sydney, 45% in Regional NSW.
The Action Plan includes 58 actions including key activities like:
- Reviewing how shared e-bikes are operated in local communities.
- Reviewing the road rules in relation to e-micromobility, including exploring options for the legal use of e-scooters on streets and roads
- Delivering more shared e-scooter trials.
One action, introducing new safety standards regarding the sale of lithium-ion batteries and e-micromobility devices, has already been implemented by NSW Fair Trading. Sellers of devices like e-scooters and e-bikes will soon face penalties of up to $825,000 if they do not meet strict new device standards.
Another action, a pilot for marked, dedicated parking bays for shared e-bikes, is underway at nine train stations around Sydney: Central, Circular Quay, Wynyard, Barangaroo Metro, Newtown, Sydenham, Marrickville and Bondi Junction. The aim of this new parking trial is to make it easier for riders to know where to safely park their e-bike without creating clutter.
Community engagement on potential changes to rules for e-scooters is ongoing, and NSW has also learnt from our Shared E-scooter Trials and other jurisdictions that have legalised e-scooters. This will help us get the right regulatory framework in place, making future riding of e-scooters on our streets safe for all road users and pedestrians.
The draft e-scooter rules include the need for riders to always wear an approved bicycle helmet and be at least 16 years old.
An E-micromobility Interagency Group, set up in May 2024 and made up of 15 NSW Government agencies, is coordinating delivery of actions across NSW.
For more information on the potential changes to e-scooter use, see: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/e-scooter-changes.
For more information on the E-micromobility Action Plan, visit: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/e-micromobility.
Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:
"There are already 1.35 million e-micromobility devices in homes across NSW. Almost 460,0000 of these are e-scooters. But only 22% of people across the state know it's illegal to ride e-scooters on our roads and streets.
"It's a strange regulatory blind spot, and it has to change.
"E-bikes and e-scooters aren't without controversy, which is exactly why we're taking action. It's clear we need a regulatory framework that will allow people to make the most of this transport option, without compromising on community safety.
"Allowing people to ride an e-scooter to the shops or nearby train stations will take pressure off our roads and lessen competition for parking. It's a big win for everyone, we just have a bit more work to do to get the balance right."
