The New South Wales Government is proposing more power to state and local government to hold share bike and scooter companies to account, including where devices are parked.
New laws introduced into Parliament last week seek to establish minimum standards for shared mobility operators to create a state-wide approach.
The standards framework would include helmet provision, insurance, complaints handling, rider education, device specifications and how devices are distributed.
Transport for NSW would get new powers to sign off on operators and councils would set the conditions for their local areas.
Operators would pay a fee to be accredited and that money would be used to pay for infrastructure such as parking bays, the complaints process, approvals and data sharing across the companies.
A list of fines for not complying with state or local government standards and conditions is listed in the proposed legislation.
Dissatisfaction with device parking has been one of the drivers for reform, with Minister for Transport, John Graham, saying devices strewn across paths had posed a danger to pedestrians.
“We know shared e-bikes reduce congestion, connect our transport system and reduce emissions but the current voluntary approach to parking and safety isn't working. That’s why we’re stepping in to fix the clutter on footpaths and ensure safety standards are met,” he said.
“The popularity of shared devices is growing in NSW, in the last financial year alone the number of daily trips increased by 200% and these reforms will help ensure this mode of transport is a safe and accessible option to move around, while balancing the needs of the wider community.
“We are setting some of the toughest requirements in Australia for sharing scheme services, to make sure services are safe and meet community expectations.”
The Road Transport and Other Legislation Amendment (Micromobility Vehicles and Smartcards) Bill 2025 was introduced to the Parliament on 15 October.
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