The NSW government is preparing to legalise e-scooters and is developing a safety framework for the controversial machines.

Under the government’s e-micromobility action plan, e-scooter riders must be aged at least 16 years and will be legally required to wear a helmet. People will also be required to ride in designated bike paths.

The government also intends to address a regulatory anomaly that allows people to purchase e-scooters but forbids them from riding the vehicles on NSW roads.

“It’s a strange regulatory blind spot, and it has to change,” minister for transport Jo Haylen said.

Among other measures contained in the government’s plan:

• a review of how shared e-bikes are operated in communities
• a review of road rules in relation to micro-mobility vehicles
• the delivery of more shared e-scooter trials.

As well, a pilot for dedicated parking bays is currently underway at nine train stations around Sydney.

“Community engagement on potential changes to rules for e-scooters is ongoing, and NSW has also learnt from our shared e-scooter trials and other jurisdictions that have legalised e-scooters,” said Transport for NSW. “This will help us get the right regulatory framework in place, making future riding of e-scooters on our streets safe for all road users and pedestrians.”  

There are around 1.35 million e-micromobility devices in NSW, including 460,000 scooters. Whilst many people view e-scooters as convenient means of transport, others see them as a public nuisance that endanger vulnerable pedestrians and clutter pathways.

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

The announcement to legalise e-scooters pre-empts the findings of a NSW parliamentary inquiry into the use of the devices.

Speaking to Government News, Pedestrian Council of Australia CEO Harold Scruby questioned why. “Out comes Jo Haylen today saying it’s all going to be hunky-dory – so why have an upper house inquiry?” he asked.

Scruby also questioned the enforceability of safety regulations. “The police don’t have the resources to enforce them,” he said.

Scruby – who appears before the e-scooter inquiry on Wednesday – told GN the views of pedestrians had been ignored. “I don’t think they know we exist,” he said. “It’s a joke, an absolute joke.”  

New contract for Neuron

Meanwhile, e-scooter operator Neuron Mobility has had its contract renewed by Brisbane City Council. “We’re delighted that Brisbane City Council has awarded us a new contract,” Neuron Mobility general manager A/NZ Jayden Bryant said. “We look forward to returning with renewed energy and will pick up where we left off when it comes to serving the city and building and maintaining trust with the council, our riders, and the wider community.”

The announcement follows the termination of Beam Mobility’s contract on 30 August after a council investigation found the operator had “systematically” expanded the size of its fleet.

Neuron operates in 12 Australian cities including Adelaide, Canberra, Melbourne and Perth.