The explosion in private e-bike use over recent years is both a challenge and an opportunity. It is a challenge, in that rapid uptake, particularly by young people, and widespread noncompliance with existing rules is creating hazards for riders, pedestrians and other road users. It is an opportunity, in that getting more people on bikes reduces traffic congestion and pollution, is healthy and fun, and helps young people have more freedom, which is critical for getting a casual job or committing to joining a sporting team and being able to get to training when mum and dad are at work.
Right now, too much e-bike use we see in the community is technically illegal. E-bikes are often modified by owners to override the motor cutting out at 25 kilometres per hour, making them faster and more powerful. The codes to unlock the bikes are easily accessible via e-bike manufacturer websites if the user simply signs a form stating that they will not ride the bikes on public land, which is a commitment many riders clearly break. For those over 16 years of age, bicycles—including e-bikes—cannot be ridden on footpaths, although they often are.
Helmets must be worn at all times and all road rules must be followed. However, many e-bike users are young and have not done any formal road use education. Northern Beaches Council notes that there are many riders as young as 10 years old. Flouting the rules and generally riding recklessly is what leads to understandable resentment in the community. The emerging issue of e-bikes, and e-mobility more broadly, was the topic of a parliamentary inquiry undertaken over the past 12 months, with the Government response published in May this year. After reading the final report of that inquiry, and many of the submissions, as well as listening to the concerns of constituents on this issue, I am of the view that the following areas require urgent attention from the New South Wales Government.
Firstly, we need the rules to be updated. What is a legal e-bike needs to be clearly defined. An age requirement for riding an e-bike is necessary. In the United Kingdom, it is 14. There is currently no age limit in New South Wales. We need to have a conversation about an appropriate age. We need clear speed limits for footpaths and roads, and we need passenger limits. Secondly, we need stricter controls on imports and at point of sale. Currently the Federal Government is failing to regulate the quality of e-bikes entering the country. Fair Trading needs to ensure that retailers are selling only legal e-bikes, and it must crack down on manufacturers and retailers who are providing unlock codes to make bikes go faster.
Thirdly, we need more education and awareness programs for riders. That should include a licensing program for students, which I will come back to. Retailers should be required to provide information on the rules at the point of sale. We need more awareness campaigns and more signage. Fourthly, we need more compliance and enforcement. I understand police resources are already stretched but there needs to be more consequences for breaking the rules. That means more patrols, more visibility and clear powers for police. Fifthly, we need to create a viable model for e-mobility insurance, including compulsory insurance for riders. That is a massive gap right now. Most riders have no insurance for accidents and probably do not even realise it. It is only a matter of time before there is a tragic accident and legal proceedings end in someone facing life-ruining costs. Lastly, we need better infrastructure for cycling. We need to fund and deliver improved and more connected cycling infrastructure.
An area where I see an immediate need is increasing education through an education and licensing program for young riders. That need was acknowledged in recommendation 29 from the Parliamentary inquiry. It states that the Government should consider online road rules and safety knowledge test for e-mobility device users under the age of 16. I would love to see the Government lead that initiative. In its response to the parliamentary inquiry, it said it would explore options. Unfortunately, that does not sound like we will see anything anytime soon. However, I am pleased to see Bicycle NSW showing leadership by partnering with councils to develop and deliver the student bicycle licence scheme, which will soon be launched.
The student bicycle licence is a digital licence, which students would receive on their smart phones once they correctly complete a series of questions. The platform would be provided on the Bicycle NSW website with a direct link provided to councils to share with their schools. The students would then need to access the link, complete basic information and answer some questions before being eligible for their digital bicycle licence. The testing process will help ensure that students can demonstrate basic competencies in bicycle safety, road rules and etiquette. I saw that done successfully at the Stella Maris College Manly, which initiated a rule that no kid could go to school without having passed the current L-plate test—twice. That is for students from year 7 and up.
Newcastle and Sutherland councils have signed up for the new bicycle licence scheme. I will write to the Northern Beaches Council and have conversations with councillors to get the program rolled out as soon as possible locally so that our kids are better educated for their own safety as well as the safety of everyone else. The cost of the scheme is around $3,000, which covers all schools. My area has more than 60 schools, so the cost is nothing.
05 June 2025, 17:37
Read the Hansard here