E-SCOOTERS could be allowed to mingle with cars, bikes and pedestrians under possible changes that would legalise their use in public spaces.
A legislative 'blind spot' in NSW means e-scooters can be purchased but cannot legally be ridden on footpaths, streets or roads.
Draft rules released on Monday propose allowing them on bike paths and shared pathways, provided riders give way to pedestrians and stick to a 10 or 20 kilometre per hour speed limit depending on the area.
Riding up to 20 kilometres per hour on roads with a speed limit of 50 kilometres per hour or less would be allowed.
Helmets would be mandatory, a blood alcohol limit of 0.05 - the same as a fully licences driver - would apply and riders would have to be at least 16 years old.
The state government's "E-micromobility Action Plan" includes exploring options for the legal use of e-scooters on streets and roads and delivering more shared e-scooter trials.
A shared e-scooter trial in Lake Macquarie ran from December 2022 to May 2024.
Almost 18,000 trips were taken in that time and only "one minor incident" was reported at the site, a Transport for NSW spokesperson previously told the Newcastle Herald.
Anyone riding a private e-scooter in public spaces in Newcastle, Port Stephens or Lake Macquarie are breaking the law and could face fines.
Privately-owned e-scooters can only be used on private property in NSW and cannot be used on roads, paths or cycleways.
Community engagement on potential changes to e-scooter rules is ongoing and NSW has been learning from the shared trials and other jurisdictions that have legalised them, according to the state government.
"This will help us get the right regulatory framework in place, making future riding of e-scooters on our streets safe for all road users and pedestrians," a spokesperson said.
Transport minister Jo Haylen said almost 460,000 e-scooters were in homes across the state but less than a quarter of residents knew it was illegal to ride them in public areas.
"It's a strange regulatory blind spot, and it has to change," she said.
"E-bikes and e-scooters aren't without controversy, which is exactly why we're taking action.
"It's clear we need a regulatory framework that will allow people to make the most of this transport option, without compromising on community safety.
"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. It's a big win for everyone, we just have a bit more work to do to get the balance right."
E-scooters can regularly be seen riding in the Newcastle area, including along the Honeysuckle foreshore and Bathers Way shared paths, with multiple people on board, often young and without helmets.
Newcastle police took to social media in recent months to remind locals that personal e-scooters remained illegal in public spaces, after noticing riders continuing to use e-scooters on roads.
Transport for NSW told the Herald in July that early data indicated there were 49 e-scooter crashes in 2023, with two fatalities and 43 rider injuries.
- with AAP
