Need for safer, smarter approach to e-bikes and e-scooters

LGA has published its submission to the State Government’s Review of Personal Mobility Devices and e-bikes, drawing on feedback from councils across the state.

Councils supported the continued use of compliant e-bikes and PMDs – such as e-scooters – but say stronger legislative framework is needed to address increasing community concerns about illegal devices, unsafe riding, enforcement and infrastructure gaps.

LGA President, Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross said e-bikes and e-scooters can play a useful role in South Australia’s transport network, but they need to be used safely and properly.

“Councils are often the first to hear about local concerns, and the message they’re getting loud and clear is that e-bikes and e-scooters are creating growing safety concerns on shared paths and in busy public spaces,” Mayor Holmes-Ross.

“We know e-bikes and personal mobility devices can make it easier for people to get around, connect with public transport, explore local areas, support tourism and recreation, while also contributing positively towards lowering South Australia’s emissions.

“Councils have raised concern over riders that use excessive speeds, fail to give way to pedestrians and unsafely use e-bikes and e-scooters.

“The increasing use requires greater clarity on enforcement, better data, and investing in safe, connected and accessible active transport infrastructure, as well as ongoing collaboration between state and local government.

“We’ve listened to our sector and have provided key recommendations, based on input from councils, for the State Government to consider as part of its review into e-bikes and PMDs.”

LGA’s submission recommends seven key actions:

• adopt a national e-bike standard – legislate using the European EN15194 standard, with transitional arrangements for existing lawful e-bikes. The standard maintains that Electrically Power-Assisted Cycles must behave like a bicycle, not a motorbike.
• strengthen enforcement – define who is responsible for enforcing the rules and ensure councils have the powers and resources they need to carry out these functions if responsibilities fall to them.
• educate riders and the community – the State Government to run a public education and community awareness program to improve the safe use of e-bikes and PMDs.
• improve safety data – collect better information about crashes, rider behaviour, devices and risk factors to inform ongoing improvement to the legislative framework.
• invest in infrastructure – have the State Government continue building safe, connected and fit-for-purpose active transport networks.
• address battery waste – link e-bike and PMD regulation with stronger product stewardship for lithium-ion batteries. These batteries pose fire risks to waste streams.
• Keep local flexibility – allow councils to seek restrictions in specific locations where there are demonstrated safety or accessibility concerns.

Read the full submission

City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were said the State Government’s review provides an important opportunity to improve community safety while balancing people’s choice of transport.

“The use of active, low-emission ways to get around should be celebrated, but we’re also hearing increasing reports of unsafe rider behaviour – including along our coast and shared-use paths – that is putting our communities at risk,” Mayor Were said.

“Stronger state regulation, compliance and enforcement is a no-brainer, while allowing councils to restrict or exclude the use of e-bikes and PMDs when they present unacceptable risks is also a key way to keep the community safe.”

City of Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson said: “Over the past 12 months, our community has raised concerns about dangerous riding, excessive speed and illegal or modified e-bikes, e-scooters and other personal mobility devices, particularly on roads, shared paths and along Coast Park.

“While we support the use of compliant devices as part of a more sustainable transport mix that can reduce car dependency and congestion, the message from our community is clear: safety must come first.

“We continue to call on the State Government and South Australia Police to support sustainable transport in a way that keeps residents and visitors safe and ensures our community remains welcoming for everyone.”

LGA’s full submission can be viewed online.

Find out more

For media enquiries, email media@lga.sa.gov.au or call 0476 853 689.