NSW Government Proposes Legalization of E-Scooters on Shared Paths and Roads
New regulations aim to align NSW with other Australian states while addressing safety concerns
The New South Wales (NSW) government has proposed a new regulatory framework that would allow e-scooters to be legally used on shared paths and roads, contingent upon the rider being over the age of 16. Currently, e-scooters are prohibited from public roads and pathways, with exceptions limited to designated trial areas.
Under the proposed plan, e-scooter riders would face a speed limit of 10 km/h to 20 km/h on shared paths, and a maximum of 20 km/h on roads where the speed limit is 50 km/h or lower.
Use of e-scooters would be prohibited on roads with speed limits exceeding 50 km/h, a measure Transport for NSW asserts would bring the state's regulations in line with standards observed in much of the rest of Australia.
The proposal aligns with recommendations delivered by a Parliamentary inquiry that characterized current e-scooter regulations as 'outdated' and 'ineffective.' This inquiry similarly advocated for allowing e-bikes to ride on pathways at speeds up to 15 km/h.
Despite the inquiry's recommendations, the NSW government's plan permits e-scooters to reach speeds 5 km/h faster than suggested.
John Graham, Minister for Transport, noted the need for a balanced approach regarding e-scooter integration and regulation, highlighting community concerns involving device modifications, fire hazards, and poor rider behavior.
Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport, acknowledged confusion surrounding existing laws, citing instances of dangerous behavior among riders.
The enforcement of the proposed rules would be the responsibility of NSW Police.
The reaction from pedestrian advocacy groups has been critical.
Harold Scruby, from the Pedestrian Council of Australia, expressed skepticism about the proposal, questioning how it would improve safety given current enforcement challenges.
Parallel to the e-scooter initiative, the state government is exploring new regulations concerning e-bikes to mitigate street congestion.
The inquiry has suggested designating specific parking areas for e-bikes, as well as implementing mandatory educational programs for food delivery riders and shared bike users.
However, the government has opted to only propose voluntary tests for e-bike riders at this time.
Current e-bike regulations in NSW stipulate that electric bicycles must feature an electric motor and battery that assists pedaling at up to 25 km/h, and recent discussions have included addressing specific challenges posed by fat bikes.
The NSW government reports that approximately 1.35 million e-micromobility devices, such as e-bikes and e-scooters, are housed in residences across the state.
The demographic most engaged with these devices is predominantly aged between 18 and 29. Further details about these proposals as well as the inquiry's findings are expected to be presented to the parliament today.
Under the proposed plan, e-scooter riders would face a speed limit of 10 km/h to 20 km/h on shared paths, and a maximum of 20 km/h on roads where the speed limit is 50 km/h or lower.
Use of e-scooters would be prohibited on roads with speed limits exceeding 50 km/h, a measure Transport for NSW asserts would bring the state's regulations in line with standards observed in much of the rest of Australia.
The proposal aligns with recommendations delivered by a Parliamentary inquiry that characterized current e-scooter regulations as 'outdated' and 'ineffective.' This inquiry similarly advocated for allowing e-bikes to ride on pathways at speeds up to 15 km/h.
Despite the inquiry's recommendations, the NSW government's plan permits e-scooters to reach speeds 5 km/h faster than suggested.
John Graham, Minister for Transport, noted the need for a balanced approach regarding e-scooter integration and regulation, highlighting community concerns involving device modifications, fire hazards, and poor rider behavior.
Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport, acknowledged confusion surrounding existing laws, citing instances of dangerous behavior among riders.
The enforcement of the proposed rules would be the responsibility of NSW Police.
The reaction from pedestrian advocacy groups has been critical.
Harold Scruby, from the Pedestrian Council of Australia, expressed skepticism about the proposal, questioning how it would improve safety given current enforcement challenges.
Parallel to the e-scooter initiative, the state government is exploring new regulations concerning e-bikes to mitigate street congestion.
The inquiry has suggested designating specific parking areas for e-bikes, as well as implementing mandatory educational programs for food delivery riders and shared bike users.
However, the government has opted to only propose voluntary tests for e-bike riders at this time.
Current e-bike regulations in NSW stipulate that electric bicycles must feature an electric motor and battery that assists pedaling at up to 25 km/h, and recent discussions have included addressing specific challenges posed by fat bikes.
The NSW government reports that approximately 1.35 million e-micromobility devices, such as e-bikes and e-scooters, are housed in residences across the state.
The demographic most engaged with these devices is predominantly aged between 18 and 29. Further details about these proposals as well as the inquiry's findings are expected to be presented to the parliament today.
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