SYDNEY — The New South Wales government announced $6.6 million in funding for Sydney local councils to establish marked parking bays for shared ebikes. The initiative aims to address safety and pedestrian concerns.

Each of the 16 councils that currently host shared ebike schemes is eligible to receive up to $200,000 from the funding. Ebike operators fund the Sharing Scheme Grant Program by contributing 60 cents for each shared ebike trip. Transport for NSW indicated that its trial of marked parking bays led to a 50% reduction in kicked-over bikes and blocked footpaths.

Local councils possess the authority to designate "no-go" and "go-slow" zones for both shared and private ebikes. Shared ebike operators can face penalties of up to $55,000, along with an additional $5,500 per day, if parking areas are not utilized properly. NSW Transport Minister John Graham stated that "Pedestrians have been crying out for order and for their footpaths back," adding that "we are not willing to stand around and let the wild west scenes … go on any longer."

The City of Sydney, North Sydney, and Waverley councils have previously conducted pilot programs for shared parking schemes. Transport for NSW also trialed parking zones at nine train and metro stations in Sydney, which collectively accommodate approximately 190 ebikes. Transport secretary Josh Murray stated, "We're aiming to have 250 bays available by late this year, with 62 already in delivery."

Authorities have the power to seize and crush private ebikes that operate at speeds exceeding 25km/h. The government has not yet made a decision regarding a minimum age for riding an ebike.

Why It Matters

Sydney's shared ebike fleet increased from 13,000 in January to more than 20,000 in May, according to Transport for NSW data. The majority of shared ebikes in Australia are located in Sydney, and the total number of shared ebikes in the country quadrupled in less than two years. The new funding and associated regulations represent a governmental response to the growth of shared ebike use and related pedestrian and safety concerns across the region.