A forum in Mona Vale brought together residents, experts, and community leaders to discuss rising safety concerns around the growing use of e-bikes.
Background and Context
On 21 August 2025, a community forum on e-bike safety was held at Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club. About 100 residents attended, despite wet weather, to discuss rising concerns about e-bikes on the Northern Beaches.
E-bikes have become popular as a sustainable transport option but have drawn attention for unsafe modifications, unclear regulations, and a rise in related hospital admissions.
Safety Issues Raised
Police representatives noted that once an e-bike is modified beyond its legal limits, it is treated as an unregistered and uninsured vehicle. Enforcement challenges were also highlighted, as riders under 16 cannot be fined directly under current rules.
Doctors from Liverpool Hospital and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead reported a rise in severe injuries involving e-bikes and e-scooters, including children. Helmet non-compliance, especially among e-scooter users, was identified as a key factor in injury severity.
Policy and Regulation Challenges
Transport for NSW presented its E-micromobility Action Plan, covering safe use, battery standards, and infrastructure planning. However, speakers also pointed to the lack of nationally consistent standards, which has allowed high-powered devices to enter the country under e-bike classifications.
Community feedback reflected strong concern about unclear rules and legal definitions, with parents in particular seeking better education on what is safe and compliant.
Proposals Discussed
Suggestions raised included a 10 km/h speed limit for e-bikes on footpaths, restrictions on adult riders using shared paths, prohibition of modifications that increase speed, and school-based licensing programs for younger riders.
While some attendees supported licensing and registration, others emphasised education as the most effective way to improve safety and raise awareness among children and parents.
Legislative Follow-Up
On 1 September 2025, the Safer E-Bikes Bill 2025 (Road Vehicle Standards Amendment) was introduced to federal parliament. The bill seeks to stop the importation of e-bikes that can be tampered with to exceed legal speed limits, in some cases reaching up to 80 km/h.
If adopted, the law would classify e-bikes as road vehicles under the Road Vehicle Standards Act, requiring them to meet safety standards at the point of import. Measures include anti-tampering protections, mandated pedal cranks, and speed limit controls.
Industry representatives have supported the move, calling for a “whole-of-bike” standard to ensure e-bikes sold in Australia cannot be modified to increase speed illegally.
Community Sentiment
The Mona Vale forum highlighted the community’s concerns, with many residents seeking clearer laws and stronger enforcement to reduce risks. The proposed legislation marks the first step in a coordinated national approach, while education programs remain a priority at the local level.
Next Steps
The introduction of the bill signals that momentum from the Mona Vale forum has carried through to federal action. Community leaders and experts have indicated that ongoing collaboration between residents, schools, health professionals, and regulators will be critical to improving safety as e-bike use continues to grow.
Published 2-Sep-2025
