Bayside Council is taking proactive steps to shape the future of micromobility, with plans to develop a comprehensive policy for the management of shared e-bikes endorsed at the Council Meeting on Wednesday 25 March 2026.
The proliferation of shared e-bikes, including services like Lime, has transformed how people move around Bayside - but it has also brought new challenges. Increasingly, concerns are being raised about rider behaviour on footpaths and bikes being left in unsafe or obstructive locations at the end of trips, creating hazards for pedestrians and impacting public spaces.
Council's upcoming policy will focus on creating a safer, more balanced approach that supports sustainable transport while protecting the amenity of streets, footpaths and public areas. Work on the policy will be prioritised once the NSW Government finalises its legislative framework and operational guidelines, expected in the second half of 2026.
The introduction of the Road Transport and Other Legislation Amendment (Micromobility Vehicles and Smartcards) Act 2024 in late 2025 marked a significant shift in how e-bikes and e-scooters can be regulated across the state. Under the new framework, the NSW Government will oversee operator licensing and broader regulatory settings, while councils will be empowered to implement practical, place-based solutions.
These include the potential to establish dedicated parking zones, introduce go-slow or no-go areas, and better manage how shared e-bikes interact with busy pedestrian environments. A new per-trip fee will also be introduced by the State Government, with a portion allocated to councils to help cover the costs of local regulation and enforcement.
The NSW Government is currently seeking community feedback on its draft guidelines, with consultation open until 6 May 2026.
The full framework is expected to be finalised later this year, paving the way for councils like Bayside to implement tailored, community-focused approaches.
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