New South Wales a step closer to legalising e-scooters on roads

A new E-micromobility Action Plan will see the legalisation of e-scooter usage on New South Wales roads.

The New South Wales government said the plan recognised a “blind spot” that allowed e-scooters to be purchased but made riding them on the streets illegal.

Approximately 459,000 e-scooters and 570,000 e-bikes are owned across the state.

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The plan includes 58 actions, including reviewing how shared e-bikes are operated in local communities, reviewing the road rules in relation to micro mobility, exploring options for the legal use of e-scooters on streets and roads, and delivering more shared e-scooter trials.

Another action, a pilot for marked, dedicated parking bays for shared e-bikes, is underway at nine train stations.

The aim of the parking trial is to make it easier for riders to know where to safely park their e-bike without creating clutter.

Parking bays can be found at Central, Circular Quay, Wynyard, Barangaroo Metro, Newtown, Sydenham, Marrickville and Bondi Junction.

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said the “strange” blind spot “has to change”.

“E-bikes and e-scooters aren’t without controversy, which is exactly why we’re taking action,” she said.

“It’s clear we need a regulatory framework that will allow people to make the most of this transport option, without compromising on community safety.

“Allowing people to ride an e-scooter to the shops or nearby train stations will take pressure off our roads and lessen competition for parking.”

For more information on the potential changes to e-scooter use, see: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/e-scooter-changes.

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