Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch is calling for stronger rules on e-bike and e-scooter use to keep riders and pedestrians safe, as community concern continues to grow over unsafe behaviour in the community.
Mr Crouch said that while e-bikes and e-scooters are a convenient way of getting around, a spate of near misses and incidents in the community means unsafe behaviour will go unchecked without proper laws and enforcement.
“E-bikes and e-scooters are a great way of increasing mobility and accessibility for everyone in our community, but they need to be used safely and within the law,” Mr Crouch said.
“We’ve seen a massive increase of unsafe use of e-bikes and e-scooters, whether it be speeding on footpaths, riding without helmets, crossing onto the road and causing havoc, it’s putting not only pedestrians but riders themselves at risk.”
While in Parliament this week, Mr Crouch moved a Notice of Motion calling on the NSW Government to investigate stronger rules and regulations for e-bikes and e-scooters to address unsafe and illegal behaviour.
“The overwhelming feedback from my community is that they like the accessibility and mobility e-bikes and e-scooters provide, but they want to be able to walk down a path without fear of getting knocked over, or worse.” said Mr Crouch.
Mr Crouch said stronger laws and enforcement would make a significant difference in protecting riders and the wider community.
“Whether it be increasing fines for illegal use or introducing a registration scheme, all options need to be on the table to ensure safety for everyone.”