Latest news with #ebikes
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Major Aussie e-bike 'licence trial' looms amid crackdown on misuse
E-bikes are a hotly debated point of contention, with uptake soaring around the country as their popularity rises. Supporters argue they offer a sustainable, efficient alternative to cars, especially for younger commuters drawn to their affordability and convenience. But critics point to concerns around speed, reckless use, and — when it comes to rideshare fleets operated by international companies like Lime, Beam, and Neuron — a lack of clear accountability in the event of accidents or misuse. With teenagers among the most frequent users of e-bikes, New South Wales is proposing to launch a new program targeting schoolkids and aimed at promoting the safe use of e-bikes. Launched by Bicycle NSW, the Student Bicycle Licence Scheme is due to commence in some schools "around mid to late September". Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, the CEO of Bicycle NSW, Peter McLean, said the trial is all about "education and awareness". While councils may support and encourage the scheme, the decision to participate and how the program is implemented will rest with individual schools. Some schools in Sutherland and Newcastle have already expressed interest in the trial, and there is hope that Sydney Northern Beaches schools will join as well. Further details about participating schools and the broader rollout are expected to become clearer as the trial progresses later in the year. "[The trial] focuses on a number of the basic rules for bicycle users, but also on etiquette and respect," McLean told Yahoo. "It also includes helpful knowledge around bicycle security and equipment. "We are beginning the trial with schools in Sutherland and Newcastle, and hopefully Northern Beaches, as well. We will hopefully test this with a few students in schools later this term and then more schools in Term 4 of this year." How would an e-bike licence scheme work? The program includes a simple online assessment designed to confirm that students understand fundamental bike safety, road rules, and appropriate riding behaviour. Those who complete it would receive a digital licence featuring council-branded recognition. Schools will be allowed to decide how the scheme fits within their community, for instance, whether to require the licence for students who cycle to school. Northern Beaches Council Mayor Sue Heins introduced the idea during a council meeting on July 15, citing its low cost, and adding that, "at a state level, there is currently no consistent bicycle education or awareness programs" for schools. Councillors voted to participate in the scheme, meaning they agreed to support and promote the initiative across the local area, including working with schools to encourage uptake and reporting on participation levels. But on Monday, Northern Beaches confirmed to Yahoo it had paused on the idea, pending a rescission motion — a formal request to revoke or reconsider a previous decision, which will be discussed at the next Council meeting on August 19. But elsewhere, McLean said many regions have expressed sharp interest. "I have discussed it with councils in the Central West of NSW, for example, and they are very keen," he said. "We just want to make sure we develop the program thoroughly first before we broaden the offering to others." Why are e-bikes controversial in Australia? E-bikes have surged in popularity across Australia, especially among young people who see them as a fast, convenient, and eco-friendly alternative to cars or public transport. When used responsibly, they provide an accessible way for people to cover longer distances with less effort, encouraging more active and sustainable lifestyles. Elderly clash with youths on e-bike in 'battle of the beaches' Recurring e-bike complaint 'disgusting' Aussies Little-known rule could see you lose licence without driving a car Properly handled, e-bikes improve urban mobility by bridging the gap between walking, cycling, and public transport, making it easier for people to get around quickly and efficiently without relying on cars. This not only benefits individual users but also contributes positively to overall community health and the environment. But the rise in popularity hasn't come without controversy. Concerns around safety, speed and rule compliance are growing, especially as more inexperienced or underage riders take to the roads and footpaths. Local councils have fielded complaints about e-bikes being dumped haphazardly, ridden recklessly, or used in places where they're not allowed. The issue is especially complicated when the bikes are owned by international rideshare companies, which operate under different agreements in each city. In the event of an accident, accountability can become murky, leaving councils and communities to debate who should bear responsibility. In Australia, e-bikes are generally legal nationwide, but each state and territory has its own specific rules around power limits, speed, age restrictions, and where they can be ridden. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- The Guardian
Beep, beep, beep: the sound of a stolen Lime e-bike
Stolen Lime e-bikes emit a persistent beeping sound as an intended deterrent – some people hate it, others think 'it's the sound of the summer'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Call to tighten rules on e-scooters and e-bikes
A council has called for stricter rules to be introduced for e-bikes and e-scooters. Broxtowe Borough councillors passed a motion on Wednesday calling for their speed limit to be reduced, as well as for licensing requirements to be brought in. The council will be writing to the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, to raise the issue. Councillor Adam Stockwell raised concerns over riders "swerving dangerously in and out around cars", not obeying traffic lights, speeding, being hard to see, and said he had witnessed users deliberately "riding at speed" toward pedestrians. He added: "All it takes is one slip or one miscalculation or it being ridden at an older resident and that's going to be a serious collision with serious injuries, no doubt." The council has called for the current 15.5mph (24.9kmph) speed limit - the national limit for e-bikes without pedalling - to be reduced, that vehicles should be registered, and new licences and a training course be introduced for usage. Beeston residents told the Local Democracy Reporting Service they backed the appeal. One bike shop worker said he routinely sees e-bike riders "flying across the road" while another Beeston resident who works with bicycles said: "I ride one myself as my knee is totally shot - everyone who rides one, including myself, should be licensed. "E-bikes over the speed limit should be confiscated anyway, but the police can't catch them. "E-scooters are bombs on wheels." Broxtowe Borough Council's motion calls for action generally on e-bike and e-scooter use. Neighbouring Nottingham City Council operates a Lime e-bike hire scheme, which extends into the county to cover Beeston in Broxtowe. A spokesperson for Lime said: "We take vandalism, theft and anti-social behaviour seriously and encourage the public to report incidents to us – including time and location – so we can take swift action. "It's crucial we work together with the council and police to deter misuse and hold offenders accountable. This includes rider education, enforcement tools and close coordination with local authorities to ensure the service remains safe and accessible for everyone." Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@ or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. More on this story Residents have 'had enough' of abandoned e-bikes E-scooters and e-bikes seized in crackdown Related internet links Local Democracy Reporting Service
News.com.au
5 days ago
- Automotive
- News.com.au
Zoomo calls for stricter regulations amid illegal e-bike domination
A leading e-bike company is demanding urgent action from authorities as illegally modified bicycles surge in popularity across Australia. Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to navigate congested CBD streets faster than cars or scooters, making them an ideal choice for food delivery workers. Unlike cars or motorcycles, e-bikes don't need to be registered or require a licence to ride, making them an efficient alternative provided they fall within certain power limits under Australian law. Gema Martínez Casanova, operations manager for populae e-bike brand Zoomo, says the proliferation of illegal e-bikes undermines legal e-bikes. 'It's quite frustrating because we try to create a really safe and reliable product for our customers,' she says. 'We understand e-bikes, there's a big increase in usage with e-bikes, and there are a lot of people who don't like them because they have this idea of e-bikes going 45 km/h on the pathway.' In most states and territories, e-bikes are classified as 'pedal-assisted cycles' and must comply with the European Standard for Power-Assisted Pedal Cycles (EN15194). This standard typically limits the power from the electric motor to 250W and mandates that the motor stop propelling the bike when the speed reaches 25 km/h. Despite Zoomo's commitment to adhering to legal standards and ensuring customer safety, the situation is worsened by gig economy workers who seek faster delivery times and opt for bikes that can be modified to exceed legal limits. 'We can't do anything, because the customer wants to make more deliveries per hour, so of course they are going to go for a vehicle that goes faster,' Gema said. 'So not only do we have to compete by always trying to be better on our hardware and customer experience on a legal side, but also we have to be aware of the illegal bikes in the industry. 'We really respect the law, but we would like everyone to be applying the same rules. 'We create such a safe, reliable product, and we also employ a lot of people in Australia, but at the end of the day, we won't be able to compete. 'So we urge the authorities to do more on illegal e-bikes. We see it everyday when a rider is riding up hill, not pedalling and travelling more than 6km per hour.' Many riders are also turning to e-bike conversion kits, which allow them to retrofit a standard bicycle with an electric motor, battery, and control system. These kits are widely available online, and their power can exceed 1000 watts, reaching speeds well over 60 km/h. A leading industry body has reported a surge in these unregistered and high-powered e-bike models entering the Australian market. The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) is calling on both state and federal governments to urgently enforce existing national laws that regulate e-bikes, as growing numbers of unregistered, high-powered models are being used in commercial operations across Melbourne. 'The rules are already there under the Road Vehicle Standards Act. But they're being ignored by overseas sellers, by delivery platform operators, and increasingly by riders who use these bikes for commercial gain,' VACC CEO Peter Jones says. 'It's one thing to ride a compliant e-bike recreationally. 'But when you're using a 1000-watt machine all day in city traffic to deliver for a company, you're operating a commercial vehicle. That must come with legal responsibilities, just like it would for a van, a ute or a motorbike.' NSW authorities are also intensifying efforts to enforce safety laws against e-bike riders who have illegally modified or tampered with their bikes, according to The Daily Telegraph. NSW police conducted a month-long operation, during which they checked 305 e-bikes and fined 32 riders. They discovered that 28 bikes had been modified or adjusted to exceed the legal speed limits set by manufacturers. Over the past year, high-visibility police operations have been conducted across New South Wales in areas such as the Sydney CBD, Sutherland Shire, Eastern Suburbs, and Byron Bay, resulting in hundreds of fines being issued to e-bike riders who breached regulations.
BBC News
6 days ago
- BBC News
West Midlands PCC calls for tougher e-bike and e-scooter powers
The West Midlands police and crime commissioner (PCC) has asked for extra powers to tackle the "growing threat posed by e-bikes, e-scooters and other vehicles being used recklessly and unlawfully on the region's roads".Simon Foster said he wanted "urgent changes to the law" to allow police to destroy the vehicles within seven days, rather than the current said some e-bikes had been modified to reach speeds of up to 70mph (113kmph) and were "increasingly being used by criminal gangs and networks". He said their "speed, agility, and lack of registration make them ideal for evading police and intimidating the public". The PCC also said he would make the case for "strict regulations on the weight, power and speed of privately-owned e-scooters", if it became legal to use them in public spaces in the is currently illegal to use privately owned e-scooters on public roads, pavements and cycle lanes in the UK, but they can be used on private land with the landowner's e-scooters that are part of approved trials are legal to use in designated proposals were submitted as part of a national consultation and he said he made the suggestion after talking to West Midlands said he had been told the electric bikes and scooters were "often used without insurance, registration, or safety equipment, and were frequently involved in dangerous group riding, off-road activity, and pavement use".He said the proposed change would also reduce police storage costs and send a clear deterrent message. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
