The Institute Provides Evidence at the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the Use of e-Scooters, e-Bikes, and Related Mobility Options

On 9 August 2024, IPWEA NSW & ACT made a submission to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the 'Use of E-Scooters, E-Bikes, and Related Mobility Options,' which highlighted key issues surrounding the growth of these new forms of transportation. On the 30 October 2024, CEO David Elliott and Board Director Dr Megan Finnie provided further evidence to the committee, reinforcing the Institute’s stance on the need for strong regulations to ensure safety and effective integration into urban infrastructure.

David Elliott’s opening statement underscored the significant impact of e-scooters and e-bikes, with over 450,000 devices currently in operation across the country. "The reality is, these devices are here to stay," Elliott said, echoing the Institute's original submission which pointed to the rise of personal electric transportation as part of a broader evolution in transport. "Just as electric cars, buses, and ferries have become a part of our daily lives, it would be inconsistent for governments to deny the public access to e-scooters and e-bikes, which offer eco-friendly, low-cost, and practical solutions for personal travel."

The Institute's submission, which had already called for a uniform approach to regulation across Australia, emphasised the need for safety measures such as helmet use, age limits for riders, and mandatory online safety tests. Elliott highlighted the growing demand for e-scooters and e-bikes in sectors like home delivery and the gig economy, making them an integral part of modern transport. He also referred to the New York City campaign led by Mayor Eric Adams as a model for promoting safety and compliance, supporting similar educational initiatives in Australia.

“Governments must ensure that safety is a priority while supporting these technologies,” Elliott stated. "It’s critical that the infrastructure supports the rise of e-scooters and e-bikes, particularly in high-density areas like city centres, where shared zones are becoming increasingly problematic."

Dr Megan Finnie, who has worked in both the public and private sectors, joined Elliott in stressing the importance of safety regulations and infrastructure investments. "I want to reinforce the need for infrastructure that keeps all road users safe, including pedestrians on footpaths and cyclists on shared paths or on the roads," Finnie explained. "It's about identifying the gaps in the network and filling them before the number of e-scooter and e-bike users grows further."

Finnie also echoed Elliott’s points regarding the importance of regulation and enforcement. "While I can't comment on age limits specifically, I do believe there must be enforcement," she said. "These are vehicles, and the road corridor needs to be used by all road users safely. We need regulations that ensure these devices are integrated into the transport network in a way that allows for the safe use of all transport modes, including active transport."

The submission also called for punitive measures to ensure that those who misuse e-scooters and e-bikes face penalties, and for governments to invest in the necessary infrastructure to support their safe use. "This is not just about regulation but about ensuring we are investing in the infrastructure that keeps up with the rise of these devices," Elliott added.

With safety concerns rising in Australia, particularly following an increase in injuries, the Institute supports the efforts by various states and councils, such as the Victorian Government’s upcoming 2025 regulations and the Northern Beaches Council’s e-bike safety code. However, Elliott and Finnie both emphasised the need for a unified, national approach to ensure consistency and effective enforcement.

"We’re at a crossroads," Elliott concluded. "This is another step in the evolution of transport, much like the introduction of bitumen roads for motor vehicles or runways for planes. We need to ensure that regulation and infrastructure evolve alongside these technologies."

IPWEA NSW & ACT continues to advocate for practical, safety-focused solutions to manage the rapid rise of e-scooters and e-bikes, ensuring that the benefits of these devices are realised while minimising risks for the public.

You can read the Institute’s full submission here and read the full transcript here (pages 46-50).