A major Western Australian parliamentary inquiry has delivered a series of hard-hitting recommendations aimed at improving the safety of electric bikes and electric scooters, following several tragic deaths. The report calls for a fundamental overhaul of the rules governing these popular personal mobility devices.
Key Recommendations for Safer Streets
The inquiry, conducted by the Standing Committee on Public Administration, was initiated after a spate of serious incidents involving e-ridables. Its final report, tabled in Parliament, puts forward 28 separate recommendations designed to create a safer environment for all road and path users.
Among the most significant proposals is the introduction of compulsory registration for all e-bikes and e-scooters. This measure is intended to improve accountability and traceability. The committee also wants to see a reduction in the top speed permitted for these devices on shared paths and footpaths.
Currently, e-ridables can legally travel at up to 25km/h on paths. The inquiry recommends this limit be slashed to a safer 10km/h when in pedestrian-heavy areas. For road use, the report suggests maintaining a higher limit but under stricter conditions.
Tougher Penalties and Clearer Rules
The report highlights a current lack of enforcement and clarity surrounding the rules for e-bikes and e-scooters. To address this, it calls for tougher penalties for riders who break the law, particularly those who ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Furthermore, the committee wants a statewide education campaign to ensure all riders understand their responsibilities. The inquiry heard that confusion is rife regarding where these devices can be ridden, their speed capabilities, and the legal requirements for their use.
Other notable recommendations include:
- Mandatory helmet use for all riders, regardless of age.
- Clearer national standards for the power and performance of devices sold in Australia.
- Improved infrastructure, such as dedicated lanes where possible.
- Requirements for retailers to provide safety information at the point of sale.
A Response to Tragedy
The inquiry was driven by community concern following fatal accidents. In one high-profile case, an 83-year-old pedestrian, Doireann O’Brien, died after being struck by an e-scooter in Fremantle in December 2023. Another incident claimed the life of a 16-year-old boy who collided with a car while riding an e-scooter in Maylands.
Committee chair, Labor MP Jessica Stojkovski, stated the evidence presented was compelling and showed the urgent need for reform. She emphasised that the goal is to balance the growing popularity and benefits of e-ridables with the paramount need for public safety.
The state government now must formally respond to the inquiry's report. Transport authorities are expected to review the recommendations in detail, with potential legislative changes to follow. The outcome will be closely watched by other states grappling with similar safety challenges posed by the rapid uptake of electric personal mobility devices.
