Shared e-bike operators will be held to higher standards as a result of landmark laws introduced in New South Wales.
The operators will now need to get approval from Transport for NSW and authorization from councils and authorities before providing their services. Until the new rules, shared scheme operators were able to deploy e-bikes anywhere without approval.
The new rules include:
- Authorization that ensures operators are held to a consistent state-wide set of minimum standards which include requirements for insurance, helmets, device standards, device identification, the provision of data on trips, incidents and complaints.
- Strict penalties of up to $55,000, plus $5,500 per day for ongoing non-compliance.
- Approved operators will need to ensure their devices do not block pathways, pedestrian crossings, bus and light rail stops, taxi zones or fire exits.
- Local councils will be able to issue penalties for non-compliance, while Transport for NSW may suspend or revoke approvals.
- Councils and authorities will also have the power to establish dedicated parking zones and bays as well as “no-go” and “go-slow” zones.
Staged commencement of the new rules will occur in the coming months.
NSW Government is also reducing the risk posed by illegal private e-bike use, with several new measures, including:
- Powers for NSW Police to seize and crush illegal, privately-owned e-bikes.
- Reducing the 500-watt e-bike power limit to 250-watts.
- Introducing a minimum age limit to ride an e-bike.
“If you’re sick of e-bikes cluttering up your streets, these are the laws you’ve been waiting for,” said Minister for Transport John Graham.
“But likewise, if you’re someone who really enjoys using shared e-bikes these laws will make them safer and more reliable.”
He added: “This is a fast-changing space, and we don’t want to miss out on the great transport benefits these bikes provide, but we have to strike the balance on their impact on the rest of the community and these laws do that in a comprehensive way.”
