UNSAFE e-bike and e-scooter use in Port Macquarie’s town centre has prompted Council to explain its regulatory role while urging the community to make direct complaints to State authorities.
Cr Nik Lipovac brought a notice of motion to last week’s meeting calling for Council to publish clear information on its website about its responsibilities surrounding the use of e-bikes and e-scooters, and to encourage community members to report unsafe or illegal riding to Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and NSW Police.
Cr Lipovac said he had received numerous messages from locals and had witnessed an “ever-increasing” number of people riding e-bikes and e-scooters in ways that raise safety concerns, particularly in the Port CBD, around the Town Green and along the Southern Breakwall.
He said the issue was magnified on weekends and during holiday periods when visitor numbers surge.
Cr Lipovac initially investigated whether Council could restrict e-bike and e-scooter use in high-traffic pedestrian areas including the Town Green and Breakwall.
However, senior staff confirmed that Council had no authority to regulate vehicles in motion, with enforcement resting with TfNSW and the police.
Cr Lipovac said encouraging more people to report unsafe riding was essential to protect pedestrians, including children and the elderly, and to ensure Port Macquarie remains a safe and appealing visitor destination.
He also referenced national and state injury data showing a rapid rise in e-bike-related trauma.
Emergency specialists at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, report a significant increase in serious injuries including lacerated organs, traumatic head impacts and broken bones, often linked to high speed, alcohol use and riders without helmets.
Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit figures also show a 627 percent increase in hospital presentations involving e-bike injuries since 2019, with males aged 15-19 most affected.
Cr Lipovac told the meeting that four e-bike fatalities involving children had occurred in Australia since July.
“Unfortunately, it’s once again the minority causing safety-concern issues, and this reflects badly on the responsible, law-abiding e-bike riders.”
The motion to better inform the community was carried unanimously.
By Matt TAYLOR
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