Independent Member for Pittwater, Jacqui Scruby, used Question Time to warn the NSW Government that a serious or fatal e-bike incident, most likely involving a child or elderly person, is inevitable unless urgent action is taken.
“My question is directed to the Minister for Roads. In my electorate… there is a proliferation of illegal e-bikes, easily unlocked with a code readily provided by the manufacturer, going up to 50 kilometres per hour. These bikes are effectively unregistered mopeds being ridden by kids with no licence, no helmets, no insurance and often with multiple passengers. Given the Government's commitment to road safety, what is being done to address illegally modified e-bikes in New South Wales?”
Minister Aitchison’s response fell short of announcing any specific policies to address this issue - rather, she highlighted the grey areas and lack of enforcement. However, she did commit to improving education in Pittwater schools with the Local Area Command.
Ms Scruby has previously called on the government to regulate and enforce e-bikes in a Private Members Statement in March.
“Whether you love them or hate them – and in Pittwater, people tend to feel strongly either way – e-bikes are everywhere, and the NSW Government has indicated that they’re staying,” said Ms Scruby.
“But the current lack of regulation and enforcement is creating real safety risks and I’m concerned the government doesn’t have sufficient appetite for reform. Both pedestrian safety and rider safety is a risk.
“Most e-bike users ride responsibly, however, it’s not uncommon to see children as young as 10, riding unregistered, unlicensed, and heavily modified e-bikes without helmets. Many can reach speeds over 50 km/h – that’s no longer a bicycle, it’s a motorcycle -yet current road rule breaches are not being enforced.
“If I jumped on a motorbike with no licence, no rego and no helmet, I’d be pulled over and charged. Yet a blind eye is turned when this occurs on a modified e-bike. It’s no excuse to say that it’s a grey legal area,” said Ms Scruby.
Recent incidents in the Pittwater area include a nine-year-old boy knocked unconscious while riding without a helmet, two other boys hospitalised following e-bike accidents, a 14-year-old pedestrian hit in Frenchs Forest and a 7 year old child struck in Mona Vale. Ms Scruby is also receiving countless reports from residents who no longer feel safe on footpaths.
Ms Scruby wants 12km/hr speed limits on footpaths, insurance requirements, rider licensing, public education campaigns and better enforcement, as well as investment in safe infrastructure for riders and pedestrians. She also acknowledged the federal government has a role to play in introducing importation and manufacturing requirements to prevent modification.
“We can’t ignore the risks and tragedies and need to learn from other jurisdictions. We need to get the balance right.”