New penalties for dumped e-bikes and a plan for dedicated parking
Australia’s most populous state is set to tighten control over dockless and share-enabled e-bikes. A new bill being introduced to the NSW Parliament would empower councils to impose stiff penalties on operators who fail to remove dumped or poorly parked e-bikes from streets and public spaces. The proposed rules are part of a broader push to regulate the fast-growing micromobility sector and to make city streets safer and more navigable for pedestrians, prams, the elderly, and people with mobility needs.
Breakdown of the proposed penalties
Under the plan, operators could face fines of up to A$55,000 for failing to remove poorly parked e-bikes, with an additional A$5,500 penalty for each day the bikes remain in place. The heavy fines reflect the government’s view that neglect by operators has transformed some bike hubs into “eye-sores” and clutter that can impede access to buildings, footpaths, and transit hubs.
What the changes would require from operators
The bill would establish dedicated e-bike parking bays in town centres and near transport hubs, with councils empowered to declare zones where e-bikes can or cannot operate—a move described by Transport for NSW officials as a major step toward city-wide order.
Key obligations for operators include meeting minimum service standards before they can operate, such as providing helmets, ensuring regular distribution and collection of bikes, and adhering to council-specific rules. The regime will also assess operators on maintenance, insurance, incident reporting, complaints handling, rider education, and overall safety compliance.
Importantly, operators would be required to contribute to the cost of the compliance framework. Fees would cover the administration of the scheme, council rangers, and the establishment of the new parking infrastructure. Details on how fees will be calculated and the exact amounts have not yet been released by the government.
Why authorities say this is necessary
NSW Transport Minister John Graham cited a lack of regulation as a core problem, contributing to cluttered streets and safety concerns for pedestrians. Transport Secretary Josh Murray echoed the need for improved management, highlighting the impact on access to essential services and the challenges for people with mobility needs.
The push comes amid rising demand for shared e-bikes. Government data shows a 200% increase in daily trips from shared micromobility devices in the last financial year. Across NSW, around 15% of residents have ridden a shared or rented e-bike, with 6% riding at least once a month. Officials say the trend is likely to continue, underscoring the urgency for robust regulation.
Riders, operators, and the road ahead
Industry players have issued mixed responses. Lime, a long-time operator in Sydney, has supported the concept of dedicated parking bays, arguing that regular, properly placed parking improves tidiness and keeps bikes out of pedestrian traffic. However, Lime raised concerns about “no-go” or “no-parking” zones that could create islands of inaccessible streets if not carefully integrated with the overall network. The company stressed the need for transparent, proportionate fees and a consistent framework that applies across the city and beyond.
While the government has signaled tough enforcement, it has not released all implementation details. Local councils will likely roll out pilot parking zones and enforcement regimes, with ongoing consultation as the legislation progresses. Operators say clarity on standards, fees, and dispute resolution will be critical to the sector’s long-term viability and fairness for riders who rely on micromobility to connect with public transit and essential services.
What this means for Sydney and beyond
If adopted, the NSW scheme would position the state as one of Australia’s strictest jurisdictions for e-bike regulation. The policy aims to balance safety and accessibility with the growing demand for convenient, low-emission transportation. For residents and visitors, the change could mean fewer obstructions on sidewalks and clearer guidelines for when and where e-bikes can be parked and ridden.
Looking ahead
As the bill moves through Parliament, observers will monitor details such as the precise fee schedules, how “go-slow” and “no-go” zones will be defined, and how rider education programs will be delivered. The outcome could set a template for other states grappling with similar micromobility challenges.
