The City of Sydney will establish dedicated parking zones for shared e-bikes and e-scooters in a bid to end what the lord mayor described as 'wild west scenes' of vehicles blocking footpaths.
New Parking Zones to Be Rolled Out
Under the plan, operators will be required to install designated parking stations across the city, with the first 50 zones expected to be operational by the end of the year. The move follows a surge in complaints about abandoned bikes and scooters obstructing pedestrian pathways, particularly around transport hubs and popular shopping strips.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the current situation was unsustainable. 'We have seen a massive increase in the number of shared e-bikes and e-scooters on our streets, and while they offer a great transport option, they have also created chaos on our footpaths,' she said. 'These new parking zones will bring order and ensure pedestrians can move safely.'
Fines for Improper Parking
Operators that fail to enforce proper parking within the designated zones could face fines of up to $1,000 per vehicle. The council will also introduce a new code of conduct for operators, requiring them to respond to complaints within two hours and remove improperly parked vehicles within four hours.
The city has recorded more than 2,000 complaints about shared e-bikes and e-scooters in the past year, a 300% increase from the previous year. The most common issues included vehicles left in the middle of footpaths, blocking wheelchair access, and obstructing shop entrances.
Industry Response
Ride-share companies operating in Sydney, including Lime and Beam, have welcomed the initiative. A spokesperson for Lime said the company was 'committed to working with the City of Sydney to ensure our vehicles are parked responsibly.' Beam said it had already trialled designated parking zones in other Australian cities and was 'confident the system will work in Sydney.'
Expansion Plans
The council plans to expand the number of parking zones to 200 by the end of 2027, with a focus on high-traffic areas such as Central Station, Circular Quay, and Bondi Junction. The zones will be clearly marked with signage and painted lines, and some will include charging points for electric vehicles.
The initiative is part of a broader push to encourage sustainable transport while maintaining pedestrian safety. The city has also invested in new bike lanes and pedestrian crossings to accommodate the growing number of cyclists and scooter users.
