NSW introduces strict penalties to curb dumped e-bikes
The New South Wales government has announced a comprehensive set of reforms aimed at addressing the growing problem of dumped and poorly parked e-bikes across Sydney. Under a bill to be introduced to Parliament, the state will work with councils to establish dedicated e-bike parking bays in town centres and near transport hubs. Operators could face fines of up to $55,000, plus $5,500 for each day a dumped bike remains in place. The move signals a shift toward stronger accountability for operators in the fast-expanding micromobility sector.
What the reforms entail
The proposed legislation would replace the current system where e-bikes can be distributed broadly without formal council or government approval. If passed, councils will be empowered to declare areas as “no-go” and “go-slow” zones for e-bikes, and operators must meet a set of minimum standards to offer their services. These standards include helmet provision for riders, consistent bike distribution and collection, and adherence to local council rules.
Beyond basic operations, operators will be assessed on several non-technical factors, such as ongoing maintenance, insurance, incident reporting, complaints handling, and rider education. The aim is to ensure safe, reliable service while minimizing hazards to pedestrians, prams, the elderly, and people with mobility needs.
The government has not yet released exact fee calculations or the full mechanics of the compliance scheme, but says the fees will cover the costs of enforcement, council rangers, and the establishment of dedicated parking bays. This financial model is designed to fund the regulatory framework without solely burdening riders or local taxpayers.
Why this matters as rider numbers rise
Transport for NSW data show a striking surge in shared mobility usage. Daily trips on devices like e-bikes rose by about 200% in the last financial year, and roughly 15% of NSW residents have ridden a shared or rented e-bike at some point, with 6% riding at least monthly. Transport Secretary Josh Murray emphasised the need for regulation commensurate with popularity, noting the impact of poorly parked devices on access to buildings and public footpaths.
“We need to address the impact of poorly parked devices, including access to buildings and footpaths,” he said. “It can present challenges for everyone, but particularly impacts people with prams, elderly people and people with mobility needs.”
Industry responses and operator expectations
Operators are watching the proposed changes closely. Lime, a major player in Sydney’s e-bike market for more than three years, has publicly supported the idea of dedicated parking bays but warned against overly restrictive measures. In a 2024 parliamentary inquiry submission, Lime argued that placing bikes every 200 metres in dense urban areas would help maintain tidiness and keep vehicles out of pedestrian rights of way. At the same time, the company cautioned against “no-go zones” that would create isolated islands where e-bikes could not be used, as this would undermine the user experience.
Lime also pressed for transparency in fees and fines, urging that any charges imposed on operators be fair and proportionate. The company stressed that riders must be able to rely on micromobility as a convenient, flexible transport option regardless of council borders.
Moving toward safer, cleaner streets
NSW Transport Minister John Graham said the lack of regulation had allowed clutter and safety risks to proliferate. The proposed reforms are pitched as the “toughest” regulatory standards for sharing scheme services in Australia, designed to safeguard communities while supporting the efficiency and environmental benefits of e-bikes. If enacted, councils would gain new authority to shape where bikes can be parked, parked, or restricted, with penalties intended to deter negligent operators and encourage responsible stewardship of urban space.
What comes next
The bill is expected to undergo parliamentary scrutiny before any final passage. In the meantime, stakeholders warn that effective implementation will require clear guidance on minimum standards, fee structures, and enforcement mechanisms. The overarching goal remains simple: cleaner streets, safer sidewalks, and a smoother ride for riders who rely on e-bikes to navigate an increasingly congested city.
