Using e-bikes and e-scooters on NSW roads, shared paths, and footpaths

E-bikes and e-scooters have soared in popularity, but before you head out make sure you know the relevant road rules to keep you, and those around you safe.

E-bikes

E-bikes are subject to the same road rules as bicycles (see below). To be considered a bicycle it cannot be propelled exclusively by a motor. In Australia e-bikes must not assist pedalling past the speed of 25km/h.

Before buying an e-bike ask the retailer for evidence the e-bike is legal to be ridden on public roads and that it comes with the compliance sticker that ensures the bike is legal and that it meets Australian quality standards.

What are the rules for riding e-bikes?

You can find out more about e-bikes at Transport for NSW

E-scooters

Personal e-scooters cannot legally be ridden on public roads and paths in NSW, only on private property.

The NSW Government is working with some local councils to enable trails of shared e-scooters. Shared e-scooter trials are currently taking place in Kogarah, Forster-Tuncurry and Wollongong. Sutherland Shire Council is not currently taking part in the trial.

The trials are in response to the growing popularity of e-scooters and the need to safely manage their use. The trials are collecting information on demand for shared e-scooters, safety, and community sentiment. This will help inform the future of e-scooters in NSW.

You can find out more about e-scooters at Transport for NSW

Road rules for bicycles

  • Only children under 16 years of age of age can ride on the footpath, and they can be accompanied by adults.
  • Bicycle riders must keep to the left on footpaths and give way to pedestrians.
  • Bicycles are not allowed in pedestrian malls such as Cronulla Mall (there is no riding of ANY recreational vehicles in Cronulla Mall - all riders need to dismount).
  • All bicycle riders must have a bell on their bike to warn others of their approach and wear a helmet.

Road safety

Road safety is a shared responsibility. Council and police follow up where, and as appropriate with unsafe and illegal behaviour.

As individuals, we cannot change the behaviour of others. It is important whether riding, driving, or walking that we are all responsible for our own safety and the safety of others.

Courteous ways to use a shared path

Have a pleasant and fun experience by looking out for each other and following a few simple steps:

  • Be the best version of you
  • Always keep to your left
  • Keep your wits about you
  • Don’t be distracted by your phone
  • Keep your animals on a short lead
  • Provide space for others when passing them
  • Look where you’re going and keep an easy pace
  • People riding bikes should ride slowly and use their bell or voice to give pedestrians plenty of warning that they are approaching
  • Hold your child’s hand
  • If you need to stop, move off the path to the left
  • Be visible in the dark! Use lights, reflectors, and wear reflective clothing

E-bike and e-scooter fire risk

E-bikes and e-scooters commonly contain lithium-ion batteries. These batteries pose a number of risks including explosion and fire, particularly when used in products that are not manufactured to meet the relevant Australian standards.

To reduce the risk of incidents caused by e-bike and e-scooter batteries we suggest following Fire and Rescue NSW’s list of recommendations.

E-bike safety poster Charge Safe Fact Sheet

Parliamentary Inquiry - Use of e-scooter, e-bikes and related mobility options

This inquiry was established on 6 June 2024 to inquire into and report on the use of e-scooters, e-bikes and related mobility options is no longer receiving submissions.

The committee received approximately 85 individual submissions, which are available in a single document.

You can read a copy of Sutherland Shire Council's submission.

Council Authority, Enforcement & Limitations

Councils authorised officers can issue a fine to someone who is acting contrary to signage erected by Council in a public place.  For example, Cronulla Mall where the riding of any bike is prohibited.  This can be problematic to prevent or enforce as Council’s Public Safety Officers have no direct pursuit powers and cyclists who do stop upon request (as opposed to those who just ride off) often do not carry any identification with them or are unwilling to provide it to Council Officers.  Furthermore, many of them are minors and there are several guidelines on what age you can issue an on-the-spot fine to a minor.

Fines are not generally issued to minors 16 years and under.

Despite this, Council’s Public Safety Officers regularly patrol problematic areas such as Cronulla Mall and the Esplanade Cronulla for this type of activity and have done so before in joint patrols with NSW Police High Visibility and Bike Patrol Unit.

Council does not have the authority enforce existing Road Rules as they apply to e-bikes and e-scooters on public streets - NSW Police Force is the appropriate authority for doing so.

Council continues to engage in discussions with the NSW Police regarding this matter. While the NSW Police acknowledge its significance, they must also balance numerous other pressing priorities with their available resources.

Education

Schools

Council recognises further opportunities for collaboration with relevant local schools (in particular, Cronulla and surrounding suburbs), and other stakeholders to enhance awareness and education in this area. These initiatives are currently being explored by the Council and external stakeholders, as students are identified as frequent users of e-bikes and e-scooters.

TfNSW has distributed information to schools for inclusion in their assemblies and newsletters. Additionally, TfNSW is collaborating with high schools in northern Sydney to better understand the situation. TfNSW has expressed interest in extending this collaboration to include Sutherland Shire high schools.

Safety Town and Onthemove are the current online resources provided by TfNSW to primary and secondary schools, respectively, about safe riding practices.

Collaboration with NSW Police

Council continues to collaborate with NSW Police by participating in E-Bike & E-Scooter blitzes, regularly patrolling problematic areas such as Cronulla Mall and the Esplanade Cronulla. This collaborative approach aims to educate the community and e-bike and e-scooter users on the relevant applicable road rules and provide enforcement where necessary.

Further information

Find out more about e-bikes and petrol-powered bicycles at Transport for NSW