Shoalhaven Mayor Patricia White is concerned about the impact e-bikes are having on community safety and supports the NSW Government's review of electric bicycles.
In February, the state government announced an expert review led by Transport for NSW that will recommend a legal minimum age for riders of e-bikes, between 12 and 16-years.
In addition, NSW will adopt the EU Safety Standard for e-bikes from this month, requiring e-bikes across the state to have a maximum power output of 250 watts with power assistance to cut out at 25 kilometres an hour.
"These bikes are being ridden like motorcycles, and I'm incredibly worried to see more and more school-aged children operating these fast and heavy bikes on our local roads and footpaths," said Mayor Patricia White.
"While I enjoy seeing children being active, it is paramount we keep our community, and particularly young people, safe when travelling around our neighbourhoods," Cr White said.
"I wholeheartedly support the NSW Government in introducing this review and the proposed, staged suite of reforms to address the potential dangers associated with this popular mode of transport and look forward to hearing the findings of the review later in the year," she said.
"I hope the review will bring about permanent changes, including clearer rules and greater protections for riders, motorists and pedestrians," she said.
The review will consult with parents and young people directly, as well as experts in child development. The findings will be reported to the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads by June.
