Queensland parliament launches public hearing during inquiry into e-mobility safety and use
A parliamentary inquiry into the safety of e-bikes and e-scooters has heard a shock call from one man who believes the devices need to be faster in order to be safer. Read what was said
Gold Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
An inquiry into the safety of e-bikes and e-scooters has heard a shock call from one man who believes the devices need to be faster in order to be safer.
On Wednesday, a parliamentary committee gathered for a public hearing at Robina on the Gold Coast for the inquiry into e-mobility safety and use in Queensland.
The two and a half-hour session included submissions from the Gold Coast City Council, the Chamber of Commerce, Gold Coast Health, a representative from a company which sells e-bikes and concerned residents.
Worker Paul Sullivan from electric bike retail company Ampd Bros shared his controversial opinion that policies on e-bike speed and power were outdated and these factors should be increased.
“I welcomed this inquiry and the opportunity to contribute to a more modern, practical and safe regulatory environment for electric devices in our state,” he said.
“E-bikes are already delivering wide-ranging benefits that reduce traffic, emissions, lower transport costs, improve access to jobs and services while promoting health and wellbeing.
“The current Queensland regulation around e-bikes, specifically the 250 watt motor unit and the 25km per hour limit, are outdated, inconsistent and increasingly unhelpful to public safety and consumer expectations.”
Mr Sullivan suggested the limit be increased to 35 km/h on roads and remain at 12km/h on footpaths.
“A higher powered e-bike can be safer in real world use because it gives the riders extra support they need to merge into traffic or complete longer commutes without overexertion,” he said.
The room let out an audible gasp when Member for Aspley Bart Mellish grilled Mr Sullivan on his website’s marketing, which shared how users could modify their devices.
“At the moment you can purchase, on your website, e-bikes that have a wattage well in excess of 250 watts with detailed instructions on how to get around the 250 watt limit,” Mr Mellish said.
“Including things like, just to read off your website here, ‘feel the surge of adrenaline as the insane levels of torque propel you forward, conquering every obstacle in your path. Pedal Assist is standard, but with our Off Road Throttle Kit, you can cruise effortlessly with minimal effort’.
“So you are selling these bikes which are effectively making them illegal on roads.”
Mr Sullivan said the kits, which were sold to “de-restrict” bikes, were for those using them on private properties.
“But these e-bikes you are selling have road tires, who is using those on private properties?,” Mr Mellish said.
“So it’s okay to break the law in Queensland?”
Mr Sullivan replied and said: “No, I’m not saying it’s okay to break the law and I don’t recommend anyone does that”.
The proceedings continued, with the overwhelming theme being calls for better infrastructure, clearer enforcement, and for all e-mobility devices to be registered.
Other submissions included:
GOLD COAST CITY COUNCIL
A Council representative said the idea to create a two lane path – one for walkers and one for e-mobility devices – would not work on the Gold Coast.
Infrastructure Gold Coast transport operations manager Renee Wise confirmed the Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) had already considered the idea of separating pedestrians and device users.
“Obviously, the Oceanway on the Gold Coast is very popular, it’s quite wide and there’s a mix of different users, prams, dogs and now these e-mobility devices.
“We have investigated a couple of projects where we would separate out the devices but the problem we have run into with that is given the nature of the Gold Coast foreshore area we have a lot of mixing of users and a lot of cross movement demands. For example, people accessing the beach and using BBQs, playgrounds.
“When you start to separate the devices out, the research has read that they actually go faster.
“If you put a corridor through the devices, then there is a safety issue because we have people crossing these lanes.”
Ms Wise said council would welcome any guidance from the State Government on how to better design the city’s cycling infrastructure.
Infrastructure Gold Coast road safety acting co-ordinator Sonny Suharto said one of the main issues in relation to e-mobility use in the region was the lack of information.
“Consumers are not fully aware of the difference between compliant and non-compliant devices,” he said.
“This creates significant concerns including excessive speed, lack of enforcement, unsafe rider behaviour, poor attitude towards safety and a disregard of other path users.
“This has also demonstrated a rise of hospital admissions.”
Mr Suharto said the city’s local laws were essentially “ineffective” in enforcing non-compliant illegal devices.
He also suggested a complete reform of Commonwealth legislation and for all e-mobility devices to carry a visible certification label which would indicate compliance.
“There is confusion for what constitutes an e-mobility device, speed, who can ride the different devices and where they can be ridden.
“The City’s pathways have not been designed to support the weight, speed and acceleration of e-mobility devices. “
GOLD COAST HEALTH
Gold Coast Health professionals claimed they had seen a concerning emerging trend in patients at the emergency room who had suffered an injury on an e-mobility device.
Gold Coast Health analyst Andy Menzies said last year 747 people were treated in emergency rooms across the city, a number which was 27 per cent higher from the previous year.
Gold Coast Health nursing director Shaun Roberston said the injuries could be life changing.
“Last year there was 17 presentations (people) in the intensive care unit due to e-mobility devices,” he said.
“In particular one spent 21 days in the ICU and another spent 19 days.
“They both had very significant injuries, and the long term social impacts were life-altering for them.
“Their potential will never be met because of that injury.”
Mr Roberston said Gold Coast Health were advocating for more education to prevent injuries occurring in the first place.
“The reality is, people are going to keep using these devices either way,” he said.
“It’s really around better informing them on doing it safely.”
GOLD COAST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
“Let me start with the blunt truth. We are way behind the curve,” Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce acting secretary Paul Jones said.
Mr Jones’ submission was hinged off of “six practical suggestions” for the chair’s consideration, which would be the foundations to create a safer and more regulated e-mobility world.
These included: tiered licensing, mandatory safety gear, safe infrastructure, infrastructure and police joint evolution, mandatory factory safety standards for batteries and safety education programs.
“E-mobility is not a trend, it’s a transport evolution,” he began his statement with.
“They bring clear benefits, reduced emissions, better access to transport and economic opportunities.”
Mr Jones’ “impressive, inspirational statement” was met with a round of applause from the audience.
More Coverage
Councillor alleged to have ‘snatched’ papers from hands of staffer
Councillor Brooke Patterson is facing a new conduct investigation over allegations – which she denies – that she ‘snatched’ papers from a staffers’ hands as the costs of investigations reach more than $140,000. FULL DETAILS
Former surf club member charged with child abuse offences
A former Surfers Paradise Surf Lifesaving club member is in court after being charged with child abuse crimes allegedly committed on the Gold Coast. Read what we know so far.