Inquiry into the use of e-scooters, e-bikes and related mobility options

16 August 2024

Firstly, I wish to thank you for conducting this inquiry and giving myself and the local residents of Cook the opportunity to make a submission.

While the use of e-scooters and e-bikes is not new, the huge growth in demand and use in the recent past has brought about a significant set of benefits to riders and society more generally. I welcome the increased use of bikes and some e-bikes, as it gets people outside exercising and exploring our community. However, as with all new trends, there are set of associated challenges that need to be addressed.

During the recent by-election in the Cook Electorate, concern about the use of e-bikes was a priority of many residents. I have received representations from more than 500 voters on this issue. On 28 June, I organised a local forum to discuss the challenges presented by the use of e-bikes and options to address those challenges. The forum was attended by more than 50 local residents, including e-bike retailers and concerned residents.

This submission is a synthesis of all the discussions I have had with my constituents. Essentially, I believe that e-bikes can be used safely if existing rules are enforced on retailers and users of e-bikes. The submission concludes with a set of recommendations I believe the NSW Government can pursue to better enforce these rules to both support appropriate use of e-bikes in our community as well as address the challenges they present.

I would be more than happy to follow up with the Committee on any of the issues outlined in the submission. I wish the committee well in their deliberations.