HAVE YOUR SAY ON E-SCOOTERS AND E-BIKES

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has today launched a new community survey seeking feedback from residents across the Kiama electorate on the regulation of e-scooters and e-bikes.

“A number of local residents have raised their safety concerns with me, and I am encouraging local residents to have their say as part of this survey which will run for one month. I’ll be sharing the results with the NSW Government at its conclusion,” Mr Ward said.

Click here to complete survey.

“Our local residents deserve to be able to feel safe– and the reality is that sometimes when e-scooters and e-bikes are not used appropriately – they pose a safety risk particularly for our elderly locals, mothers with prams and people with disabilities. 

“In the trail recommendations back in March 2020 it was noted that these recommendations were developed by the Transport for NSW ESA Working Group in the absence of Australian Design Rules for electric scooters.

“However, the group noted that there was a need to further investigate evidence-based vehicle specification baselines to ensure sufficient capabilities in areas such as visibility, speedometer accuracy, braking and manoeuvrability.

“In June 2024, the NSW Parliament announced the establishment of an Upper House inquiry into the use of e-scooters, e-bikes and other mobility devices and I look forward to reading the inquiry’s final report and its list of key policy recommendations. This survey will supplement my position on any proposed law reform.

“The reality is that our streets, shopping centres, transport hubs, train stations, and public spaces must be safe and inclusive places for everybody – including those using e-scooters and e-bikes.

“We must also examine the extent that e-mobility devices have positive community benefits such as encouraging mode shift, relieving congestion, addressing social disadvantage and tourism.

“The challenge for the State Government is to ensure that clear action is taken so that we can balance all of the various interests, but above all, keep people safe,” Mr Ward concluded.