Major Aussie e-bike 'licence trial' looms amid crackdown on misuse

Yahoo

3 days ago

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.
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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.
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