Electric vehicles, such as e-bikes and e-scooters, have seen a surge in popularity over the recent years.

With the rise in e-bike usage, there's been a corresponding increase in community concern, especially among seniors and those with mobility issues, who feel their safety is being compromised.

E-bikes have been lauded for their environmental benefits and their role in promoting sustainable transport.

Bicycle NSW CEO Peter McLean shared several advantages of using e-bikes and highlighted their efficiency and the positive impact they have on traffic congestion.

For short commutes, e-bikes offer a cleaner, faster alternative to cars.

Electric bikes and scooters have gained popularity among younger commuters. Image Credit: Pexels/Motor TruckRun

However, local councils in NSW recently took a stand against a 'dangerous' act on footpaths: the reckless riding of these speedy two-wheelers.

Seniors and individuals with disabilities argued that footpaths, designed for pedestrian use, are not the right places for e-bikes.

NSW laws have already implemented a fine of $136 for those caught riding e-bikes on footpaths.

Yet, enforcement of this penalty has been lax, with authorities seldom issuing fines.

A NSW parliamentary inquiry into e-scooters and e-bikes brought these concerns to light as they started addressing illegal e-bike behaviour.

While the responsibility for enforcement falls under the NSW Police, there have been several calls for stricter regulations and enforcement measures.

Community groups like the Glebe Society in Sydney's Inner West started advocating for increased awareness and stricter regulatory measures.

Janet Oakley, a member of the society, expressed her frustration over the lack of enforcement.

'E-bikes weave between pedestrians with scant regard for safety, and there seems to be no risk of penalty,' Ms Oakley stated.

Resident Barry Ahearn echoed this sentiment.

'I have no issue with them in the bike lanes, but on the footpaths, it's just too dangerous,' Mr Ahearn shared.

Despite the proliferation of e-bikes, reports suggested that less than a dozen fines have been issued for riding them on footpaths.

Additionally, only 11 cyclists received related penalties.

To address these safety concerns, some councils proposed new regulations—including equipping oversized e-bikes with noise-emitting devices to alert pedestrians.

Sutherland Shire Council believed that these devices could help reduce the risk of collisions.

The Northern Beaches Council also highlighted the growing unease among residents, particularly older and vulnerable individuals, who feel unsafe on footpaths due to the presence of e-bikes.

Near-misses and previous traumas left senior community members anxious and have reconsidered walking outside—which could negatively impact their physical health and social needs.

The council has also raised concerns about young riders who may not possess the necessary cognitive skills and empathy to manage the risks associated with e-bike riding safely.

While Peter McLean of Bicycle NSW expressed his support for the e-bike movement, he also acknowledged that these devices could be unsafe in inexperienced hands.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of urban transport, it's crucial to balance the benefits of e-bikes with the safety of all footpath users.

For senior community members, who may be more vulnerable to the dangers posed by these devices, the push for stricter enforcement and regulation is a welcome step towards safety.

Key Takeaways

• Community members and councils in NSW started pushing for stricter penalties and regulations for riding e-bikes on footpaths.
• While e-bikes gained popularity due to their benefits, there has been an increased need for responsible usage and legislative oversight.
• Less than a dozen fines have been issued for illegal e-bike activity on footpaths, indicating a lack of enforcement.
• Proposed regulations included requiring oversized e-bikes to be fitted with noise-emitting devices to warn pedestrians.

Have you had any close calls with e-bikes on your local footpath? Will the proposed fines and regulations be sufficient to address the issue? Share your stories and thoughts about this in the comments below!

 

[Josephine B]

They can't ride them on the road and what about electric wheel chairs !

People with electric have to get about somehow, but I draw the line when I see them going at their TOP SPEED on the main roads let alone speeding throughout the shopping centres. We have one man that likes to show off his speed zig-zagging amongst the public up through the main thoroughfare of our shopping centre.

 

[alistev]

E-bikes and E-scooter riders really need to undertake some short course and exam before letting them ride either on the footpath or road. The speed and lack of care is horrendous. Many a time my heart has missed a beat when local idiots just zoom around and down streets knowing they can.

But also the local lads who think it is their right to ride geared bikes along the cbd paths right near exits to shops - many near misses. I had one today who tinkled a little handlebar bell as he went past. Didn't see him come or go. The age of 12 needs review.

 

[Luckyus]

I will if possible jam my cane into their spokes? call me an arsehole? I care less.

 

[DasherD]

Yes e-bike and e-scooter riders need to be more careful while operating their vehicle on pedestrian footpaths. There is another group who need to be mindful when operating their vehicle and that is motorised chairs, at times the disabled driver thinks they have priority wherever they go.

 

[magpie1]

In my local area the paths are so narrow that two people can walk sise by side so if the council put in much wider walking paths that can accommodate people and ebikes/escooters then everyone can be safe.

That would seem a rational answer to the problem....if only....those riding these damn things did so at a much reduced speed and with a formal licence attached also....these machines are dangerous, especially in the hands of young riders who lack any sense of respect to riding safely with consideration to others on foot.

 

[Josephine B]

Yes e-bike and e-scooter riders need to be more careful while operating their vehicle on pedestrian footpaths. There is another group who need to be mindful when operating their vehicle and that is motorised chairs, at times the disabled driver thinks they have priority wherever they go.

Agree.

That would seem a rational answer to the problem....if only....those riding these damn things did so at a much reduced speed and with a formal licence attached also....these machines are dangerous, especially in the hands of young riders who lack any sense of respect to riding safely with consideration to others on foot.

Agree. Like I commented that I was almost knocked down with two teens riding within the shopping centre.

 

[Miss Chris]

Well I have to say that I’m one of those who thinks that pavements and footpaths etc are meant for feet, and roads are meant for wheels…. I hate having to quickly get out of the way and settle my dog when a cursory bell rings, just seconds before the bikes race past, worse when it’s on a corner…..likewise when whole families, all on e-scooters come up behind you, on the pavement, and expect you to get out of the way quickly. When I was a kid, about 7 years old, and got my first bike I already knew the highway code. A police man came to school a couple of times a year and taught us, we were all given a copy of the highway code to read and then tested on….also our parents made sure we knew how to ride on the road before we were allowed….. I think it’s not right that pedestrians walking where they are supposed to walk, have to get out of the way of wheels, as if they have every right to expect the pedestrian to make way for them……….Mobility aids are special circumstances and of course they are allowed on the pavements and pathways…..but they should not be expected to get out of the way of wheels, and some of those kids are very reckless when they come whizzing by……..End of Rant..