Dubbo Regional Council advised against e-bikes

A council in the state’s central west has been advised not to introduce e-bikes and scooters in the community because of a lack of funding and safety requirements. Here’s the latest.

A regional council in the state’s central west has been advised not to adopt electric bikes and scooters into the community, despite their growing popularity.

An investigative report prepared for Thursday night’s council meeting suggests Dubbo Regional Council should not participate in an e-scooter trial until Transport for NSW have developed sufficient guidelines for the community.

The report suggests e-bikes and scooters have gained popularity as they are sustainable and increase tourism opportunity.

But it also outlined the ongoing safety risk, potential of vandalism and crime, and economic instability.

It is also noted children under 14-years-old are not permitted to ride the e-bikes.

The report stated the council has approached six e-bike operators – with further investigations into BYKKO and Ezyride – offering three options for the bikes’ introduction.

Generic image of E-scooters. Picture: Herald Sun

BIRD, Lime, Neuron and Beam did not respond to the council’s interest.

Last year, the council decided to withdraw from an expression of interest for a statewide trial, but decided to independently investigate the possibility of an e-bike program in the Dubbo region.

E-Scooter left on the side of the road. Pictures: supplied

In October, the NRMA Dubbo Holiday Park installed an e-bike hiring service, offering five e-bikes to residents and visitors in the park grounds.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo have indicated their lack of support to council staff as they already offer bike and buggy services at the facility.

“Staff have also noted that one electric cart hire ($70 for 3 hours) is currently cheaper than multiple e-bike hires ($135 for three e-bikes for three hours for NRMA members),” the report stated.

E-scooters.

The council staff’s preferred option is for council to not undertake investments for e-bikes as they are already active in parts of the region, and it is an added financial risk to the community.

“It is also recommended that (the) council maintain its position on not participating in the NSW E-Scooter Share Scheme trial, and that this position be reviewed following completion of current trials and the release of any guidelines from Transport for NSW,” the report stated.