Pittwater Online News: The NSW Government tabled its response to the Use of e-scooters, e-bikes and related mobility options on Tuesday May 13, 2025, and while it has supported a number of the 34 Recommendations in the Committees report, it will only 'Support in principle' Recommendation 33; 'That the NSW Government investigate, as a matter of urgency, potential settings to create a viable model for e-mobility insurance, including compulsory insurance for owners/riders.' and has 'not supported' Recommendation 34; 'That the NSW Government refer the potential settings of a viable model for e-mobility insurance and government position on the issue to Portfolio Committee No. 6 -Transport and the Arts for further public consultation.'...
New NSW Government regulations fail to tackle problems with e-bikes, says Jacqui Scruby, independent MP for Pittwater
The NSW Government’s response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the use of e-scooters, e-bikes and related mobility options won’t tackle the issues with both legal and illegal e-bikes here on the Northern Beaches, according to Jacqui Scruby, independent MP for Pittwater.
“E-bikes are booming on the Northern Beaches and, while they offer freedom and are part of a cultural shift, the NSW government must do more on education, safety and enforcement - and I’m worried they’re not interested,” said Ms Scruby.
“Pedestrians want to feel safe on footpaths and the weight of heavy e-bikes coupled with excessive speeds, means they are at risk. I’ve had numerous emails from constituents feeling unsafe or having near misses as well as serious accidents in the community already.
“I have concerns that the NSW Government will allow more e-scooters and e-bike riders on footpaths at higher speeds than is safe. Their position on e-bikes [as opposed to scooters] is unclear and I will be pushing for a maximum speed of 10km/hr on footpaths, for riders under 16 years only.”
Ms Scruby notes, “You can have all the rules and regulations in the world but if there’s no education or enforcement they are as good as non-existent.
“To keep up with the e-bike boom, the government should require licences for all ages, rego and insurance - like we do for boats - but it’s clear that these types of reforms are not on the agenda,” said Ms Scruby.
“My focus will be on licensing and registration in the long term, but pushing in the short term for education campaigns, possibly delivered through schools, and better enforcement, particularly to target helmet use and modified illegal e-bikes which are effectively mopeds.”
“It’s Road Safety Week and on the one hand we have the government holding its Roundtable for Motorcycle Safety but on the other, turning a blind eye to the fact we have unregistered, uninsured, modified e-Bikes being ridden at the same speeds, by unlicensed drivers wearing no protective gear, not even a helmet. This is coupled with an enforcement vacuum.”