Will Newcastle Finally Embrace E-Scooters? New Action Plan Teases a Possible Path to Legalisation

28 October 2024

In a landmark move for micromobility in New South Wales, the state government has released a comprehensive E-micromobility Action Plan aimed at legalising e-scooters on public roads, potentially paving the way for Newcastle residents to zip around the city on these popular devices.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen today unveiled the plan, which addresses a regulatory gap that has left many residents frustrated. While e-scooters have become household staples – with an estimated 459,000 in NSW homes – riding them on streets and footpaths remains illegal. The Action Plan seeks to change that by introducing a balanced framework that promotes e-micromobility while addressing safety and community concerns.

“The Action Plan is about recognising that micromobility devices like e-scooters and e-bikes can genuinely ease transport pressures, especially for short trips to train stations, shops, and workplaces,” said Haylen. “E-scooters have a real potential to reduce car trips, cut down emissions, and create more accessible city spaces – but only with the right regulations in place.”

E-Micromobility in Numbers

The NSW Government’s data underscores the demand for e-micromobility:

1 million NSW residents have already ridden an e-scooter.
570,000 e-bikes and 459,000 e-scooters are now in homes across the state.
34% of e-micromobility trips in Greater Sydney, and 45% in Regional NSW, are replacing car trips.
91% of Australian e-scooter users consider it a convenient travel option.

Key Actions and Safety Standards

The Action Plan introduces 58 targeted actions, including increased shared e-scooter trials, a review of existing road rules, and community feedback on potential legalisation.

One of the first steps is to tighten safety standards, especially concerning lithium-ion battery devices. Sellers will now face fines up to $825,000 if products fail to meet strict NSW Fair Trading standards. Additionally, dedicated parking bays for shared e-bikes are being trialled at Sydney’s busiest train stations to alleviate footpath clutter.

“Community safety is at the core of our plan. We’re committed to ensuring that future e-scooter use is both beneficial and safe,” said Haylen, adding that helmet requirements and a minimum rider age of 16 are part of the draft regulations under review.

Local and Statewide Benefits

Legalisation could transform Newcastle’s streets by offering residents an environmentally-friendly option for short trips, reducing car dependency and parking congestion. The draft regulatory framework draws from lessons learned from existing shared e-scooter trials and insights from cities already using e-scooters.

A cross-agency taskforce, formed in May, is overseeing the rollout and planning further trials across NSW. Public consultations are ongoing, and community feedback is encouraged on the future of e-scooters in Newcastle and beyond.

With the government’s e-micromobility framework in place, Newcastle could soon see e-scooters legally cruising its streets, offering a new era of accessible, sustainable transport for its residents. For updates on the proposed changes, visit the NSW Transport site.