NSW Considers Legalizing E-Scooters and E-Bikes

An inquiry has raised concerns about the potential for injury due to personal mobility vehicles traveling at high speeds on public footpaths.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen of New South Wales (NSW) is advocating for the legalization of e-scooters in the state, despite public reservations. Government statistics indicate that 1 million residents in NSW have used an e-scooter, with 570,000 e-bikes and 459,000 e-scooters in households. However, currently, these e-scooters cannot be used on public streets.

Minister Haylen believes that allowing e-scooter usage for trips to local shops or train stations would alleviate traffic congestion on roads and reduce competition for parking spaces. She acknowledges the controversy surrounding e-bikes and e-scooters, emphasizing the need for a regulatory framework that prioritizes community safety.

Surprisingly, only 22 percent of NSW residents are aware that riding e-scooters on roads and streets is illegal. Premier Chris Minns also supports the legalization of e-scooters, emphasizing the importance of regulation to ensure safety.

The NSW government has introduced an action plan containing draft e-scooter rules that could come into effect pending approval by the cabinet and parliament. These rules include mandatory helmet use and a minimum age requirement of 16 for e-scooter riders.

In response to safety concerns, NSW Fair Trading has implemented new safety standards for lithium-ion batteries, e-bikes, and scooters. A parliamentary inquiry is also investigating the use of personal mobility devices, addressing issues such as drunken e-scooter riders and risks to the elderly.

Former Liberal Northern Beaches councilor Pat Daley supports the registration and regulation of mobility devices, emphasizing the need to address safety concerns. In Victoria, the City of Melbourne recently banned e-scooter operators due to safety risks, although private individuals can still ride them while adhering to road rules.



Source link