Strict speed and age limits are key factors the NSW government will consider as it weighs up whether to legalise the use of e-scooters in the state.
NSW will on Tuesday respond to a parliamentary inquiry into the use of the e-mobility devices, as they consider safety risks.
Under the proposal, e-scooters will be used on shared paths at a speed of between 10km/h and 20km/h.
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On roads with a maximum speed of 50km/h, e-scooter riders would be limited to a speed of 20km/h.
Riders would need to be at least 16 years of age, which is consistent with the rules of every state in Australia, except the ACT.
The NSW government doesn’t plan on putting a speed-limit on e-bikes, but it will be reviewing the definition of one.
Transport Minister John Graham said e-scooters was part of the “evolution” in how people commute.
“We believe a sensible set of rules will promote the health and lifestyle benefits of e-bikes and e-scooters while protecting the safety of riders and everyone else sharing the paths and roads with them.
“We recognise the community’s concerns, particularly around device modification, fire risk, discarded shared e-bikes and poor rider behaviour — which is why we’re taking action.”
The NSW government’s proposal will land against the backdrop of a serious collision in Victoria, where two men were taken to hospital after one was struck by an illegally modified e-bike.
A 69-year-old pedestrian was hit by the bike in Hastings, on the Mornington Peninsula, and taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The rider, a 24-year-old man, was also seriously injured.
No charges have yet been laid over the incident.
NSW’s inquiry made other recommendations, including establishing safety standards to reduce lithium-ion battery fires, a rider education campaign, and investment in critical infrastructure and improving future design of shared paths.
E-scooters have been stuck in a legislative bind in NSW, with the devices being available to purchase but are illegal to operate in public spaces.
The devices reduce the strain on available parking spaces and make train stations, jobs, services and retail precincts easier to access.
Shared e-scooters have been trialled in council areas including Kogarah, Wollongong.
Doctors used the parliamentary inquiry to urge MPs not to legalise the scooters for kids following a sharp increase in injuries.
NSW is estimated to have about 1.35 million e-micromobility devices, with almost half of these being used to connect with public transport.
