E-bike clutter on footpaths will be cleaned up, government and councils will have the power to regulate operators and recoup the costs of shared scheme management and infrastructure - under new laws being introduced to the NSW Parliament today.
This Australian first e-bike shared scheme regulation is the culmination of in-depth consultation with councils, operators and user groups and responds to key recommendations from the Parliamentary Inquiry into the use of e-scooters, e-bikes and related mobility options.
Currently, operators can deploy e-bikes anywhere, without approval from councils or the NSW Government. This has led to poorly parked e-bikes creating clutter, e-bikes without helmets, and no controls in place to ensure devices meet minimum standards.
The Bill will establish minimum regulatory requirements for shared scheme operators and give new powers to Transport for NSW to check operators meet these standards before they can provide services. This will improve consistency and reduce duplication across councils.
Minimum standards include helmet provision, distribution and collection of devices, adherence to council conditions, device specifications, maintenance, minimum insurances, complaints handling processes, incident reporting and rider education.
The legislation will also give local councils the power to decide where NSW Government approved shared schemes can operate in their area, set dedicated parking areas, go-slow and no-go zones.
As part of the reform approved shared scheme operators will pay a fee that funds the approvals, compliance monitoring, council rangers, establishing parking bays, active transport infrastructure and a data sharing platform monitoring shared bike use.
Transport and local councils will be establishing on street and kerb side e-bike parking bays in town centres, train and metro stations. This will give e-bike users and shared scheme operators more clarity on where to park and reduce clutter for pedestrians and other road users.
Transport and councils will be able to issue penalties to operators who fail to meet the minimum standards and Transport will be able to revoke approvals of operators who breach the requirements. Operators that fail to comply with a removal order face a maximum penalty of $55,000 plus $5500 for each day the offence continues. Operators that fail to comply with requests for information face a maximum penalty of $110,000.
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
"Shared bikes strewn across footpaths and roads have been an eye-sore and a danger to pedestrians for too long. These Australian first shared scheme laws will clean up the clutter and provide clear standards and consistency for operators and local councils.
"We know shared e-bikes reduce congestion, connect our transport system and reduce emissions but the current voluntary approach to parking and safety isn't working. That's why we're stepping in to fix the clutter on footpaths and ensure safety standards are met.
"The popularity of shared devices is growing in NSW, in the last financial year alone the number of daily trips increased by 200% and these reforms will help ensure this mode of transport is a safe and accessible option to move around, while balancing the needs of the wider community.
"We are setting some of the toughest requirements in Australia for sharing scheme services, to make sure services are safe and meet community expectations."
Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Marjorie O'Neill said:
"This legislation is about creating a clear, consistent framework that allows shared bikes to thrive as part of our active transport network - safely and sustainably. We want to see these schemes grow and succeed, but in a way that works for everyone, whether you're a rider, a pedestrian, or a local business."
"For too long, shared bike operators have been able to act without proper oversight - resulting in cluttered footpaths, safety risks, and frustration for communities. These new laws put safety, accountability and public amenity front and centre."
"This legislation has been developed hand in hand with local councils, operators and transport users. It's a model of collaborative reform - balancing innovation with community needs, and ensuring local voices shape how shared schemes operate in their streets."
Secretary of Transport Josh Murray said:
"Latest Transport for NSW data shows 15 per cent of people in NSW have ridden a shared or rented e-bike, with 6 per cent riding at least monthly.
"While this number is likely to grow rapidly, we need to address the impact of poorly parked devices, including access to buildings and footpaths which can present challenges for everyone - but particularly impacts people with prams, elderly people and people with mobility needs.
"These reforms will give Transport for NSW and councils the necessary powers to ensure shared e-bikes meet safety standards, people are wearing helmets and the issue of dumped e-bikes on footpaths is fixed."
