South Australian Councils Call for Stronger E-Bike and E-Scooter Rules

South Australian councils are calling for stronger regulations for e-bikes, e-scooters and other personal mobility devices, highlighting the need to balance sustainable transport with public safety, appropriate infrastructure and responsible product management. The recommendations have been submitted by the Local Government Association of South Australia (LGA SA) as part of the state government's review of personal mobility devices.

The councils support the role of e-bikes and other low-emission mobility options in providing alternatives to private car travel. However, they have called for clearer rules covering the use of personal mobility devices, including stronger enforcement and measures to address unsafe riding practices. The recommendations are intended to support a transport system that is both accessible and safe for riders, pedestrians and other road users.

Infrastructure is another key area of concern. Councils have highlighted the importance of providing suitable cycling and micromobility infrastructure so that e-bike and e-scooter users can travel safely without creating additional risks for pedestrians or other road users. Better infrastructure could also support wider adoption of lower-emission forms of urban transport.

The councils have also raised concerns about the management of lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and other personal mobility devices. They are calling for stronger product-stewardship measures to improve battery management and reduce risks associated with damaged or improperly disposed batteries entering waste streams. This could help address both fire-safety concerns and the environmental impacts associated with battery waste.

The recommendations highlight the need for sustainable mobility policies to consider more than emissions reduction alone. Effective regulation, safe infrastructure, responsible battery management and public awareness can help ensure that the expansion of micromobility delivers environmental benefits while protecting community safety and supporting more resilient urban transport systems.