Tag Archive: australia

  1. Rental e-bikes experiencing boom as e-scooters stall in Australia

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    Source: The Guardian Image credit: Lucian Alexe, Unsplash

    After being initially introduced quickly in Australia, e-scooter hire is stalling, with shared electric bikes increasing as a micromobility solution in various cities.

    Although shared e-scooters were faster to take off than shared e-bikes in Australia, Zipidi industry consultant Stephen Coulter says that a “moral panic” about safety and injuries has set in, resulting in decreased usage.

    “You’ve had moral panic, which has caused some [local governments] to overreact, like the City of Melbourne, who just withdrew them overnight back in September 2024,” he said.

    All major cities in Australia (except Sydney) permitted e-scooter usage in early 2025, but that changed throughout the year due to safety concerns, decreasing accessibility, and unpopularity.

    Coulter has expressed that state governments could help e-scooters return in 2026, with the Victorian and New South Wales governments approving share scheme operators, while the governments of Western Australia and Queensland have yet to respond to state inquiries.

    Decreasing e-scooter usage in various Australian cities

    Perth took away 1,000 shared e-scooters from its streets after a man died in an e-scooter crash in 2025. Following the incident, a Western Australian inquiry stated that e-mobility could return under tight regulation.

    In Bendigo, 250 scooters were removed from the streets after users took fewer than 55,000 trips, missing adoption expectations.

    Shared trips of the City of Adelaide’s fleet of 2,000 e-scooters decreased from 543,000 trips in 2024 to 514,000 in 2025.

    Meanwhile in Melbourne, operators pulled their scooters from the city’s Yarra area after its council hiked costs, after being forced out of the CBD in 2024.

    E-bikes replacing e-scooters

    In Melbourne, Lime has a cap of 1,200 e-bikes for its inner city area.

    Reflecting on the increasing take-up of e-bikes in Melbourne, Coulter expressed:

    “Bikes are picking up in the absence of scooters and the operators are becoming better at aligning them with customer need.”

    Meanwhile, Hobart adopted Beam bikes in May 2025, and the cities of Canberra and Adelaide have invited applications for e-bike and e-scooter operations.

    With e-scooters bringing unexpected challenges to cities and “novelty-driven behaviour”, General Manager of e-bike and e-scooter operator Ario, Adam Rossetto, has explained the increasing popularity of e-bikes:

    “[Shared] ebikes are coming back into the fore. They provide a more traditional approach to mobility … that delivers less stupidity, I think, from a section of users.”

    Significant e-bike adoption in Sydney

    Historically, e-scooters have been illegal in the New South Wales city for general public use.

    In terms of e-bikes, usage has boomed, with shared electric bike trips almost doubling to 3.7 million trips in 2025.

    Government data indicates that usage is still on the increase, with 600,000 New South Wales residents reportedly using a shared e-bike monthly, an increase of 100,000 from October 2025.

    Having already deployed thousands of its bikes last year, Lime is aspiring to boost its ridership more in Sydney by bringing out redesigned bikes, subscriber discounts, and negotiating to expand further west of the city.

  2. Most e-scooter users follow the rules, research shows

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    Source: Zag Daily

    Researchers from the University of Queensland, Australia, conducted a two-year observational study in Brisbane examining e-scooter rider behaviour, with results challenging common assumptions about recklessness and law-breaking.

    The study analysed over 200 hours of traffic camera footage and involved more than 600,000 observations. This enabled the authors to create a picture of typical e-scooter use in a variety of scenarios. Topics covered include infrastructure, riding speed and helmet use.

    The role of infrastructure

    The research differentiated between three infrastructure types:

    • A sidewalk alongside a general traffic lane
    • A sidewalk alongside a bike lane
    • A sidewalk alongside a separated cycle lane

    In cases where riders had only the option of the sidewalk or riding in the general traffic lane, 70% rode on the sidewalk. Where the sidewalk is alongside a bike lane, 49% chose to still ride on the sidewalk. Where a separated cycle lane is in place, only 10% of e-scooter riders rode on the sidewalk.

    The existence of separated cycling infrastructure also encouraged compliance with speed limits. 83% of those riding in bike lanes and separated cycle lanes did not exceed the 12 km/h speed limit, compared to 52% compliance when riding on footpaths. Of those riding on footpaths, only 15% exceeded 20 km/h.

    Helmet use

    It is worth noting that helmets are mandatory for both cyclists and scooter riders in Australia, which is not the case in many other countries. However, the study authors saw varying levels of helmet use, and corresponding behaviours.

    An overall 87% of riders wore helmets, with 92% of those on public, shared e-scooters, and 83% on private scooters. The high helmet use is partly attributed to the introduction in 2022 of helmets locked to shared scooters by Bluetooth. It was observed that those wearing helmets tended to ride faster than those without helmets, and those with full-face helmets rode the fastest. In 25 km/h zones, those without a helmet were most likely to keep within the speed limit. Meanwhile, only 58% of riders in full-face helmets obeyed the speed limits. The study authors surmise that “risk compensation” is possibly in play, meaning that riders with more protection had an impression of greater safety, and therefore felt able to handle increased speeds.

    Context of the study

    Australia has a variety of state-by-state regulations regarding e-scooters. To put the findings into context for those unfamiliar with the specific laws applicable in Queensland, the road regulations are:

    • Legal to ride on footpaths, shared paths, bicycle paths, on-road bicycle lanes with a speed limit of less than 50 km/h & local 50 km/h roads with no dividing line
    • 12 km/h speed limit on footpaths & 25 km/h on other allowed paths
    • Helmets are mandatory
    • No riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or while using a mobile phone
    • No driver licence required

  3. Australian schoolchildren to trial e-bike riding license scheme

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    Source: Electrek, Fietsberaad, Yahoo Australia

    A proposal in New South Wales, Australia, known as the Student Bicycle License Scheme (SBLS) aims to act as a trial of a new licensing program for school-age riders of electric bikes.

    Yahoo News Australia reports that teenagers are among the most frequent users of e-bikes, and that the proposed scheme, put forward by Bicycle NSW, aims to promote the safe use of e-bikes. The scheme is due to launch in some schools in mid-to-late September.

    The scheme will require any students wanting to ride an e-bike or e-scooter to school to complete an online training course, and to pass a knowledge test, to be issued with a digital “ride-ready” license.

    The CEO of Bicycle NSW, Peter McLean, said that the trial is mainly about promoting education and awareness. Individual schools are free to decide whether to participate and how to implement the scheme; for instance, they could make it mandatory for any student wanting to use the school’s secure bike parking facilities.

    There are no current plans to introduce fines or other penalties for any unlicensed riders during the pilot phase – the initial focus is on education. The government is working with road safety experts and schools to develop training materials for the scheme, including topics such as speed limits, the use of helmets, etiquette on sidewalks, and the proper behaviour at intersections.

    McLean said, “[The trial] focuses on a number of the basic rules for bicycle users, but also on etiquette and respect. It also includes helpful knowledge around bicycle security and equipment.” The trial stage will be assessed, he continued. “We just want to make sure we develop the program thoroughly first before we broaden the offering to others.”

  4. Helmet non-compliance informs Australian Capital Territory in issuing shared-mobility permits

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    Source: ABC News

    A University of Canberra observational study found that almost two-thirds of people using shared e-scooters in Canberra are riding illegally. Researchers are urging the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government to address the problem before considering adding another provider to the market.

    Other rule violations included riding with extra passengers (3%), speeding (7%), and using mobile phones while riding. The researchers noted a widespread lack of awareness about e-scooter laws and a perception that enforcement would be unlikely, increasing risky behaviours. From January–May 2025, ACT Police issued only nine infringement notices and two cautions for helmet offences. No penalties were recorded for phone use or multiple riders. Riders reported that the small number of fines hasn’t significantly influenced their behaviour.

    Impact on permit licensing

    The ACT government is reopening licenses in June, potentially allowing two operators and introducing e-bikes. However, the helmet non-compliance and other law breaches are affecting the licensing process, and authorities say these safety concerns must be addressed before issuing permits to new operators. As a notable example, former shared e-scooter operator Beam Mobility lost its licence after breaching permit terms by manipulating its fleet size, highlighting the consequences of non-compliance for companies.

    What’s next?

    Researchers recommend mandatory helmet enforcement, including collaboration between operators and the government, possibly with late-night checks. Public education on laws, and improved infrastructure such as safer footpaths, are also prioritized in their recommendations. The ACT government acknowledges the need for change, but notes e-scooter commuting peaks are during early evening rather than late at night.

    Breaking the law – whether riders failing to wear helmets, or companies breaching permit terms – directly threatens operators’ chances of securing permits. Until compliance issues are addressed, expansion plans and new licences (including for e-bikes) may be delayed or restricted.

  5. Australia set to legalise e-scooters on streets as a part of a plan to reduce city congestion

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    New South Wales is preparing to legalise e-scooter use for commuters in an effort to reduce road congestion.

    Source: Daily Mail

    The “E-micromobility Action plan“, released ahead of a parliamentary inquiry into electric bikes and scooters, aims to establish legal and regulatory guidelines for these devices. Although e-scooters can be purchased legally in New South Wales, using them on public roads is currently prohibited.

    Despite the ban, estimates suggest there are around 459,000 privately owned e-scooters in the state. Shared e-scooter services are also banned, although trials have been approved in select areas, including Albury, Kogarah, Forster-Tuncurry, and Wollongong.

    Transport Minister Jo Haylen supports the plan, which would permit both private and shared e-scooters for commuting to and from rail and Metro stations. Under the proposal, riders must be at least 16 years old, wear helmets, and use bike paths or shared zones. The plan also recommends investments in infrastructure, such as shared paths and parking bays for e-scooters.

    Transport for New South Wales highlighted that the plan “recognises the potential for e-micromobility to be a safe, sustainable and accessible transport option for the people of New South Wales” The department added that e-scooters could provide an efficient “last-mile” solution, connecting people to public transportation.

    Haylen explained that while the focus is on regulating private e-scooters, the government is open to working with councils interested in shared e-scooter initiatives.Haylen expressed that legalising and regulating e-scooters would benefit everyone by alleviating congestion on the state’s roads. She noted, “Allowing people to ride an e-scooter to the shops or nearby train stations will take pressure off our roads and lessen competition for parking,” as reported by the Daily Telegraph. However, she acknowledged that some work remains to strike the right balance.

    According to Ms. Haylen, new regulations are needed for e-scooters and e-bikes due to certain safety concerns highlighted in the report, as the devices are not without controversy. These concerns include speeding, riding on footpaths, operating under the influence, and potential risks to vulnerable pedestrians.

    Between 2020 and 2023, police recorded 124 e-scooter accidents, resulting in three fatalities and 116 injuries, 40 of which were classified as serious.

    Pedestrian Council of Australia CEO Harold Scruby criticised the increase in private e-scooter and e-bike usage as “pure anarchy.” In his submission to the parliamentary inquiry, Scruby warned that these devices could turn footpaths into “hostile” and potentially dangerous areas for pedestrians, stating, “To show such utter contempt for pedestrians and turn footpaths into hostile and potentially lethal environments defies belief.”

    The push for e-scooter legalisation in New South Wales follows Melbourne’s recent decision to ban public e-scooter rentals. In August, Melbourne’s Lord Mayor, Nick Reece, introduced an amended motion in a Future Melbourne committee meeting, resulting in the termination of contracts with e-scooter providers Lime and Neuron. However, the ban does not affect private e-scooters, which remain allowed in the central business district and nearby areas such as Carlton and Southbank.

  6. E-scooter trial may support Sydney T3 line replacement plan

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    Source: The Guardian

    Transport minister ‘not going to sugarcoat’ disruption to 60,000 people to last until 2025

    During the closure of one of Sydney’s major train lines, thousands of commuters in the area face the prospect of more than doubling their daily journey times, even if the government succeeds in recruiting 160 replacement bus drivers within the next two months.

    As the T3 line undergoes a 12 to 14-month shutdown for conversion into a driverless metro line, Transport for New South Wales has unveiled its plan to accommodate up to 60,000 daily commuters affected by the closure, trialling e-scooters as an alternative mode of transportation.

    The transport minister, Jo Haylen, acknowledged the shutdown would be an “inconvenient and difficult period for commuters in this part of Sydney. We’re not going to sugarcoat this – communities along the T3 lines are going to have a tough time, but there will be services available for them”.

    The Inner West Council is deliberating on approving the government’s request to host Sydney’s second e-scooter trial during the T3 shutdown. However, concerns were raised regarding resident safety, with the initial 10 linked stations proposed by TfNSW suggested to be cut to just 3 by council staff.

    The current trains on the T3 line accommodate over 1,000 commuters during peak hours. While the metro line’s completion in 2025 promises trains running every four minutes during peak times, interim measures include “high-frequency” replacement bus services with three dedicated routes through Sydney’s inner west and southwest.

    According to TfNSW’s latest projections, the replacement bus service between Sydenham and Bankstown is expected to take 58 minutes during evening peak hours, compared to the 24 minutes by train.

    Despite the effort to recruit additional bus drivers, there remains a chronic shortage of drivers across Sydney. Transit Systems, the private bus operator hired for the replacement services, Transit Systems, has made progress in recruitment but faces challenges due to the existing shortage.

    While Transport Minister Haylen expresses confidence in meeting the driver shortfall, concerns persist within the Rail, Tram and Bus Union regarding the feasibility of finding enough drivers. The opposition transport spokesperson, Natalie Ward, criticizes the government’s planning for the conversion project, citing increased driver vacancies and delays in implementation.

  7. CAKE announces Deus Ex Machina as Australian distribution partner

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    Zero Emissions, High-Performance—Exciting Times for Australia.

    CAKE, the Swedish manufacturer of premium lightweight electric motorcycles, is thrilled to announce a significant new partnership with Deus Ex Machina, who will serve as CAKE’s Australian distribution partner. This partnership signifies a substantial expansion of CAKE’s distribution network, marking their strategic entry into the Australian market.

    Deus Ex Machina, a brand much larger than its motorcycle and lifestyle merchandise, thrives on a culture of creativity, inclusiveness, and enthusiasm. Their unique philosophy has won them admirers across the globe and now, through this partnership with CAKE, they are set to increase their footprint in Australia. The deal involves selling, servicing, and driving the CAKE mission forward within Australia.

    “We are thrilled that our distribution model is expanding and that we can continue to support brands in their transition towards a zero-emission society and encourage others to start their journey,” says Stefan Ytterborn, founder and CEO of CAKE. “Deus Ex Machina embodies a culture of creativity, authenticity, and enthusiasm that aligns perfectly with our ethos. It’s a natural and exciting partnership.”

    Dare Jennings, Co-founder of Deus Ex Machina, commented on the partnership: “With CAKE, we found a partner that shares our values and offers a unique, sustainable alternative for our passionate community of enthusiasts, We are excited about this opportunity to bring our uniquely customised motorcycles and the spirit of Deus to more riders in Australia.”

    CAKE is currently expanding its distribution network with premium partners in various regions, including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, South America, and Africa.

    With nearly two decades of experience customising traditional motorcycles, this partnership is a significant move into the EV market for Deus.

    “We’re incredibly excited by a new avenue for bike customisation and the promise of a more sustainable way to ride” Says: Jeremy Tagand, head bike builder at Deus’ Sydney workshop

    About Deus Ex Machina

    Deus Ex Machina, the brainchild of Mambo founder Dare Jennings and former Moon Design creative director Carby Tuckwell was established in 2006 with a focus on promoting a culture of creativity. A step bigger than a brand, Deus Ex Machina (god of the machine) has evolved into a movement, promoting a culture of creativity, inclusiveness, and enthusiasm that has resonated with people across the globe.

    About CAKE

    CAKE is a Swedish maker of premium lightweight, electric motorcycles, and mopeds, with a clear mission to inspire towards a zero-emission society, by combining excitement and responsibility. The model range currently consists of five different platforms – the off-road beast Bukk, our versatile off-roader Kalk, the modular utility bike Ösa, the urban commuter Makka, and the strong and practical e-bike Åik. Thanks to an extensive range of accessories and configurations, CAKE is addressing a wide matrix of users and applications, including commercial use for last-mile delivery and other short-haul urban transportation. Along with numerous awards and recognitions for its design and innovative approach to mobility and other societal challenges, CAKE was identified as one of the world’s most innovative companies by Fast Company in both 2020 and 2021 and received the Time Magazine 100 most important inventions award in 2021.

    Explore with respect.
    Learn more about CAKE at ridecake.com