Parliamentary inquiry recommends e-bikes on footpaths

E-bikes, fatboys and E-scooters could be ridden on footpaths up to 15km/hr if the recommendations of a new NSW parliamentary inquiry are agreed to.

Electric bikes, fatboys and scooters could be allowed to ride on footpaths if recommendations from a new parliamentary inquiry are agreed to.

The findings of a NSW upper house inquiry into the use of e-scooters, e-bikes and related mobility options have sensationally recommended that the Minns government allow them to be ridden on footpaths up to 15km per hour.

It also recommended that traffic signals be changed to prioritise both pedestrians, cyclists and e-mobility scooters in “appropriate locations’.

E-bikes could be ridden on footpaths up to 15km/hr if the recommendations of a new parliamentary inquiry are agreed to.

Greens and government members of the committee supported the inquiry’s findings.

Opposition Transport spokesperson Natalie Ward, who was also on the committee, said she did not support the recommendations, particularly around allowing them on pedestrian footpaths.

“The report’s recommendations do not adequately address the very real concerns raised throughout the inquiry,” she said.

Pedestrian Council of Australia chief executive Harold Scruby said the recommendations would endanger lives.

This is a complete departure from the commitments made by the government for the last four years that e-scooters will not be allowed on footpaths,” he said.

“The consequence will be, as has happened in Queensland, many deaths and many injuries.”

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the department would consider the recommendations of the inquiry.

“E-micromobility plays an important role in helping people travel in and across their suburbs, and reduce congestion and demand for parking, saving riders money and delivering good environmental outcomes,” a spokesperson said.

“We know it can be a safe, accessible, and sustainable transport option for people in NSW.

“We recognise that work needs to be done for the full benefits to be realised.”

Originally published as Parliamentary inquiry recommends e-bikes on footpaths